Principal Policy Adviser

About the Role

As the Principal Policy Adviser, you’ll lead AUSMASA’s national policy positioning, government engagement and strategic advocacy across Federal, State and Territory jurisdictions.

Reporting to the Executive Director, Workforce Intelligence & Delivery, and working in close partnership with the CEO, you’ll shape high-level policy advice, ministerial engagement and reform positioning across education, training, workforce and industry agendas.

Operating within a dynamic national Jobs and Skills Council environment, you’ll translate complex sector intelligence, reform developments and workforce data into clear, evidence-based policy positions that strengthen AUSMASA’s influence and credibility across government and industry.

This is a senior, high-autonomy role combining strategic policy leadership, executive advisory, government engagement and advocacy. Your work will directly contribute to shaping national workforce reform and positioning AUSMASA as a trusted authority in skills and industry policy.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Lead the development of strategically aligned policy positions across education, training, workforce and industry reform agendas

• Provide high-level analysis of emerging Federal, State and Territory reforms to inform executive positioning

• Identify political, reputational and system-level risks and opportunities, providing forward-looking strategic advice

• Lead the development and finalisation of ministerial briefs, submissions and strategic papers

• Build and maintain trusted relationships with Ministerial Offices, senior departmental officials and cross-jurisdictional stakeholders

• Advise the CEO and Board on reform positioning, policy risk and advocacy strategy

• Translate workforce intelligence and industry insights into compelling executive narratives

• Represent AUSMASA in government and sector forums under delegated authority

• Lead advocacy initiatives aligned to national workforce priorities, including emerging industry and reform agendas

• Support negotiation and influence efforts to strengthen AUSMASA’s policy impact and strategic partnerships

Who You Are

You’re a senior policy professional who understands how government, reform and industry ecosystems intersect. You bring political acuity, sound judgement and the confidence to engage at Ministerial and executive level.

You’re comfortable operating in complex and sensitive environments, able to synthesise diverse intelligence into clear strategic advice, and capable of anticipating emerging issues before they escalate.

You balance analytical rigour with persuasive communication and bring a systems-thinking mindset to reform and workforce policy.

You’ll bring:

• 5–10 years’ experience in a senior government advisory, policy or government relations role

• Demonstrated experience working with Ministerial Offices and senior departmental executives

• Proven experience providing strategic advice in complex policy or reform environments

• Strong understanding of Federal, State and Territory policy settings

• Experience in policy development, advocacy, negotiation and high-level stakeholder engagement

• Exceptional written communication skills, including briefs, submissions and strategic papers

• Strong political judgement, discretion and strategic thinking capability

Even Better If You Also Have

• Recent experience within a Commonwealth or State Government department

• Exposure to tertiary education, skills reform, workforce development or industry policy

• Experience contributing to national or cross-jurisdictional reform initiatives

• Legal or regulatory policy background

Why Join AUSMASA?

At the Mining and Automotive Skills Alliance, we’re driving national reform to strengthen workforce capability in sectors critical to Australia’s economy.

You’ll join a purpose-led organisation at a pivotal stage of maturity, where your policy expertise and government engagement capability will directly influence system-level reform and national workforce priorities.

We offer:

• A values-driven and inclusive workplace

• Hybrid and flexible working arrangements

• The opportunity to shape national workforce and reform agendas

• A collaborative executive team committed to impact and integrity

Ready to Shape National Reform?

Apply now with your resume and cover letter and play a leading role in shaping Australia’s workforce and skills policy landscape.