POSITION DESCRIPTION POSITION: National Policy and Research Director POSITION SUMMARY: Anglicare Australia seeks to promote a just and caring society. The Anglicare Australia national office supports and coordinates the joint social policy, research and advocacy activities of the diverse Anglicare Australia network. The Policy and Research Director is responsible for providing strategic advice on social and economic policy, with a focus on Federal Government legislation, policies and programs that impact on the work of the Anglicare Australia member agencies. It is also responsible for driving research within Anglicare Australia and the larger network that supports Anglicare Australia’s advocacy goals and furthers the voices of clients. The position reports to the Deputy Executive Director. DUTIES: Lead and manage the development, implementation and monitoring of Anglicare Australia’s social policy and research framework. Prepare and provide social policy advice to the Anglicare Australia office and broader Anglicare Australia Network, and represent Anglicare Australia’s social policy positions to government, the church, the business sector and the wider community accordingly. Liaise with relevant government departments, social policy and research organisations, tertiary institutions and community groups to maintain a current overview and identify future priorities relating to social policy trends and research. Conduct research on specified issues relating to Anglicare Australia’s goals and priorities. Facilitate the cooperative activity of Anglicare Australia’s networks, including co-ordination of joint projects where appropriate. Facilitate the National Research Special Interest Network. Drive a national multi-year research agenda. Identify research capacity that will support Anglicare Australia’s advocacy agenda both within the network and through external partnerships. Oversee the work programme of, and supervise, the Policy and Research Officer. SELECTION CRITERIA: ESSENTIAL A thorough grounding in social and economic policy in relation to the provision of community services and aged care in Australia. Knowledge and understanding of Australian politics at the national level, including Federal Government responsibilities for community services and aged care and associated legislation, policies and programmes. Demonstrated ability to work co-operatively with representatives of the government and community sectors. Sound research and policy development skills and the ability to bring together diverse groups in order to encourage a participative approach to cooperative research and project activity. Good communication skills, especially the ability to write clearly and succinctly in a range of contexts (including briefings, reports, communiqués, media releases and web-based communication). Ability to work with minimal supervision as part of a small team and effective organisational and time management skills. An appreciation of and the ability to work with the values of Anglicare Australia and its member agencies. DESIRABLE Qualifications in a relevant field of tertiary education – social sciences, politics, economics. CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT: The position is offered full-time. Salary will be negotiated with the successful applicant. The role is based in Ainslie, ACT. However some interstate travel may be required from time to time August 2015