Location: Remote (anywhere in Australia) – Head office based in ACTHours: 25 to 30 hours/week negotiable (flexible 4–5 days)Contract: approx 12-Month ContractAbout Playgroup AustraliaPlaygroup Australia is a not-for-profit organisation established in 1984 as the national representative body for playgroup organisations.We are dedicated to connecting families and communities to raise children through play. To do that, we advocate for playgroups and support Playgroup Australia members to strengthen delivery of quality services to young children and families.About the RoleWe're seeking a motivated and experienced Policy and Advocacy Lead to drive Playgroup Australia’s policy, advocacy, and evidence agenda. This role is ideal for someone passionate about systems-level influence and comfortable working autonomously in a dynamic, evolving environment. You’ll work closely with member organisations, sector partners, and government to position Playgroup Australia as a credible and influential peak body.Key ResponsibilitiesLead national policy and advocacy prioritiesAuthor and coordinate major submissions and reform agendasRepresent Playgroup Australia in relevant forumsLead and coordinate data collection for compliance and reportingTranslate data and research into policy influenceSupport the Playgroup Australia team with management of contractsLead strategic communications and activities aligned with policy goals (including social media and website management)Advise the Board and CEO on policy risks and opportunitiesAbout YouThe successful candidate will have highly developed analytical and communication skills and a proven ability to operate effectively in complex environments.They will also have:Post-school qualifications in a relevant fieldProven experience in similar policy/advocacy roles (5+ years is indicative)Experience working with government at state/territory and/or federal levelsExceptional writing skills (including grant writing experience), adaptable for diverse audiencesStrong data analysis capabilityCapacity to effectively represent the organisation in external forumsProven experience working in a self-driven, autonomous roleMedia and strategic communication skillsStrong interpersonal skillsIdeally, our successful candidate will also have an understanding of early childhood policy, systems, and practices in Australia, and experience working with Boards.Why Join Us?Opportunity to make a real difference to families, children and communitiesSmall, flexible, supportive, and purpose-driven teamNational impact with a collaborative cultureWhile our head office is based in the ACT and occasional travel may be required, the position can be located anywhere in Australia.Specific hours of work will be negotiated with the successful candidate, though at this stage we anticipate 25 to 30 hours per week over 4 to 5 weekdays.Indicative remuneration is $110kpa + superannuation (full-time equivalent).How to Apply:Interested? Click the APPLY button to submit your application. Please also include a cover letter highlighting your interest and letting us know why you’re a great candidate!We encourage applications from First Nations peoples, individuals living with disabilities, LGBTIQ+ individuals, migrants or refugees, and veterans.Applications should be submitted by 19th January 2026.This recruitment is being managed by HR Success on behalf of Playgroup Australia. No agencies please.

Policy and Advocacy Lead

Location: Remote (anywhere in Australia) – Head office based in ACT
Hours: 25 to 30 hours/week negotiable (flexible 4–5 days)
Contract: approx 12-Month Contract

About Playgroup Australia

Playgroup Australia is a not-for-profit organisation established in 1984 as the national representative body for playgroup organisations.

We are dedicated to connecting families and communities to raise children through play. To do that, we advocate for playgroups and support Playgroup Australia members to strengthen delivery of quality services to young children and families.

About the Role

We're seeking a motivated and experienced Policy and Advocacy Lead to drive Playgroup Australia’s policy, advocacy, and evidence agenda. This role is ideal for someone passionate about systems-level influence and comfortable working autonomously in a dynamic, evolving environment. You’ll work closely with member organisations, sector partners, and government to position Playgroup Australia as a credible and influential peak body.

Key Responsibilities

  • Lead national policy and advocacy priorities
  • Author and coordinate major submissions and reform agendas
  • Represent Playgroup Australia in relevant forums
  • Lead and coordinate data collection for compliance and reporting
  • Translate data and research into policy influence
  • Support the Playgroup Australia team with management of contracts
  • Lead strategic communications and activities aligned with policy goals (including social media and website management)
  • Advise the Board and CEO on policy risks and opportunities

About You

The successful candidate will have highly developed analytical and communication skills and a proven ability to operate effectively in complex environments.

They will also have:

  • Post-school qualifications in a relevant field
  • Proven experience in similar policy/advocacy roles (5+ years is indicative)
  • Experience working with government at state/territory and/or federal levels
  • Exceptional writing skills (including grant writing experience), adaptable for diverse audiences
  • Strong data analysis capability
  • Capacity to effectively represent the organisation in external forums
  • Proven experience working in a self-driven, autonomous role
  • Media and strategic communication skills
  • Strong interpersonal skills

Ideally, our successful candidate will also have an understanding of early childhood policy, systems, and practices in Australia, and experience working with Boards.

Why Join Us?

  • Opportunity to make a real difference to families, children and communities
  • Small, flexible, supportive, and purpose-driven team
  • National impact with a collaborative culture

While our head office is based in the ACT and occasional travel may be required, the position can be located anywhere in Australia.

Specific hours of work will be negotiated with the successful candidate, though at this stage we anticipate 25 to 30 hours per week over 4 to 5 weekdays.

Indicative remuneration is $110kpa + superannuation (full-time equivalent).

How to Apply:

Interested? Click the APPLY button to submit your application. Please also include a cover letter highlighting your interest and letting us know why you’re a great candidate!

We encourage applications from First Nations peoples, individuals living with disabilities, LGBTIQ+ individuals, migrants or refugees, and veterans.

Applications should be submitted by 19th January 2026.

This recruitment is being managed by HR Success on behalf of Playgroup Australia. No agencies please.