Strategic Advisor

Reporting to the Chief Executive, the Strategic Advisor is a pivotal role leading strategic policy and advocacy development, and contributing to related research, communications, and engagement for COTA SA, the peak body for 700,000 South Australians aged 50+. 

ABOUT COTA SA 
COTA SA (Council on the Ageing SA) is an older people's movement run by, for and with older people. We represent the aspirations, interests, and rights of 700,000 older South Australians. COTA SA reflects the diversity of modern ageing in terms of living arrangements, relationships, income, health, ambitions, and aspirations and we participate in policy debate on a wide range of topics including health and wellbeing, housing, transport, employment, digital inclusion, regional development, consumer rights and more. COTA SA connects with thousands of older people each year throughout SA and our policy and advocacy is guided by the COTA SA Policy Council made up of older South Australians from diverse backgrounds. COTA SA is part of the COTA Federation including independent COTAs in each state and territory and COTA Australia. 
 

ABOUT YOU
You will have a grasp of contemporary social policy and advocacy issues and tactics, be an outstanding communicator across a range of platforms, be committed to widespread engagement and partnership and have a savvy ability to leverage influence. You will be committed to supporting the diverse voices of older people to be heard, a passion for teamwork and a contemporary grasp of digital systems and communication. 
 

ABOUT THE ROLE
The Strategic Advisor will provide strategic advice to the Chief Executive on issues of importance to older South Australians, supporting COTA SA’s purpose. Using a range of engagement, research and communication methods, the Strategic Advisor will be responsible for identifying, researching, drafting, and promoting COTA SA’s policy through collaboration with older people and other key stakeholders including Government and the media. The Strategic Advisor will oversee COTA SA’s representation on external consumer bodies, assist with the work of the COTA SA Policy Council and other advisory and think tank forums, represent COTA SA to Government and other organisations, and coordinate public policy-related inquiries.
 

Key responsibilities include -
• Identifying, framing, and researching issues of importance to older people.
• Engaging with older people from diverse life experiences and backgrounds.
• Designing and implementing approaches that maximise opportunities for older people to be heard and to be influential.
• Partnering with other organisations and people.
• Devising effective communications, including online, to maximise the profile and reach of COTA SA advocacy.
 

We would love to hear from you if you -
• Have a degree in public policy, journalism, media, communications, social sciences, economics, or related disciplines.
• Can demonstrate an exceptional ability to research, engage and communicate in relation to a wide and dynamic range of issues that matter to older people.
• Have a track record in partnering with internal and external stakeholders.
• Can show us you are able to establish credibility and gain the confidence of older people and other stakeholders.
• Have advanced verbal, digital and written communication, research skills, time management and an ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
 

The role is offered on a 0.8 FTE basis with hours to be negotiated with the successful candidate. Salary will be negotiated based on skills and experience. Generous salary packaging is available. This is a permanent part-time position, subject to a six-month probation period. 

The position is based in our Hutt Street office with regular travel within SA required along with periodic travel interstate. The position will demand flexibility of working hours from time to time. 

Interested applicants who meet the essential criteria are encouraged to view the position description available on the Job Vacancies page of our website https://cotasa.org.au/about-us/job-vacancies and submit a CV and one page cover letter outlining your suitability for the role via Seek. 

Enquiries to Chief Executive, Miranda Starke, by phoning COTA SA on 8224 5549. 

Applications close at 10am Monday 25 March

Join our energetic, passionate, and skilled COTA SA team as we work together to influence the future of ageing in SA.

No agency enquiries.