• Help shape national conversations, influence Government and champion youth mental health
• Hybrid working based in Melbourne but open to other locations for the right person
• Part-time role, parental leave backfill until February 2027

This is a rare opportunity to step into a senior, high impact role at the intersection of government, advocacy and youth mental health. As a key member of the headspace Policy and Government Relations team, you will play a critical role in ensuring youth mental health remains a national priority.

Reporting to the National Manager, Strategic Initiatives, this role drives both strategy and execution - building strong relationships with government, navigating complex political environments, and supporting the CEO, Executive and Board with trusted, timely advice.

What is headspace National

headspace is the leading youth mental health organisation in Australia. Recognised nationally, headspace helps thousands of young people, and their family and friends access vital support through our headspace services in over 154 communities across Australia. To learn more about headspace and the services we offer, visit headspace.org.au.

About the role

In this influential role, you will:

• Lead the implementation and evaluation of headspace's Policy and Advocacy Plan
• Build and strengthen relationships with key government stakeholders to advance our advocacy agenda
• Provide strategic advice to the CEO, Executive and Board on government issues, opportunities and risks
• Identify, assess and escalate reputation and relationship risks in a complex political environment
• Develop high quality briefing processes and materials to support government engagement
• Support colleagues across headspace National to understand and navigate the government landscape in their own work
• Proactively scan the external environment to identify emerging issues and strategic opportunities

This is a highly collaborative role that works closely across headspace National and with external stakeholders at senior levels.

About You

You are a confident, strategic professional who thrives in politically complex, stakeholder rich environments. You bring sound judgement, strong influencing skills and the ability to operate comfortably at senior levels.

You will bring:

• Demonstrated experience in government relations, advocacy, stakeholder engagement or strategic communications
• A proven track record of building and managing relationships with senior internal and external stakeholders
• Experience navigating issues and reputation management in complex organisations
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to tailor messages to diverse audiences
• Strong environmental scanning skills, with the ability to identify and appropriately escalate risks
• The ability to work at pace, manage competing priorities and remain outcomes focused
• A collaborative mindset, balanced with the confidence to work autonomously and take initiative
• A tertiary qualification (undergraduate or postgraduate) in a relevant field

If you're excited by the opportunity to join a passionate, purpose driven organisation that makes a real difference in the lives of young people across Australia, we'd love to hear from you!

How to Apply

• Click "Apply Now" to see the Position Description
• Submit your resume and a cover letter outlining why you're a great fit for the role. We'd love to understand how your experience aligns with the key responsibilities
• Have questions or want to chat about the role? Please contact Kate Raseta National Manager, Strategic Initiatives at kraseta@headspace.org.au using the subject line: Government Relations Manager - Brisbane enquiry via EthicalJobs

To be eligible for this position you must

• Hold a current Working with Children Check (WWCC) in your home state / territory or be able to obtain it
• Satisfactorily undergo a headspace Police Check

headspace is committed to workforce diversity and to creating an inclusive workplace where all employees are valued, celebrated, and can contribute meaningfully. We encourage applications from people with lived experience of diversity to enhance the depth of skill and insight within our workforce. Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people are strongly encouraged to apply for this role and all current vacancies.

headspace is committed to being a child safe and child friendly organisation that recognises, respects, and promotes the rights of children, young and vulnerable people.

headspace will provide reasonable personalisation for all candidates to participate equitably in the recruitment process. Please advise us should you require assistance.