• Applications close:
• Job posted on: 10th Aug 2026
• Melbourne
• Full Time, Part Time
• Policy and Research, Executive and Senior Management, Management, Communications and Marketing, Fundraising
• Not For Profit (NFP)

About us

The McKell Institute is an independent, progressive public policy thinktank that develops practical and innovative policy solutions. We have a presence in each state and a national office in Sydney.

We are a membership-funded organisation with a network of corporate, non-profits and union members.

Role Description

• Location: Melbourne
• Employment Type: Full-time, part-time arrangements may be considered.

Role summary

• Drive member engagement and identify new partnerships
• Develop and manage research
• Communicate the public positions of the Institute in the media
• Manage contractors, stakeholders and reporting relationships
• Work with interstate counterparts and the CEO to manage governance
• Model the progressive values of the organisation

Reporting and requirements

This position reports to the Sydney-based national CEO. Occasional interstate travel may be required.

Relationships

• Members from a range of sectors and industries
• Our interstate executive directors, researchers, events and administrative staff
• State and federal governments, departments, and opposition offices
• External contractors
• Media outlets

Accountabilities

• Maintain and increase the resource base of the institute and increase fundraising
• Work closely with the state advisory board to develop new memberships and research opportunities to boost financial support for the Institute
• Develop and manage relationships with members
• Support broader fundraising goals and achieve KPIs
• Develop and manage research and events
• Produce research aimed at developing practical policy solutions
• Develop and execute events to promote our work
• Manage contractors
• Demonstrate compliance with relevant legislation and stakeholder agreements
• Effectively communicate the public positions of the Institute
• Act as a media spokesperson for the Institute in Victoria and Tasmania
• Develop targeted communications to supporters
• Adhere to and model the values of the organisation
• Promote our progressive values
• Actively support our commitment to diversity, inclusion and equal opportunity

Personal requirements

Essential qualifications and experience

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in relevant public policy, political science or communications field or equivalent experience
• Previous experience in fundraising
• Experience working with state or federal government or opposition
• Experience in communicating complex policy areas

Desirable

• Experience managing contractors and in project management
• Knowledge of social media and digital communications
• Ability to act as a public spokesperson and advocate for policy positions
• Experience working in the not-for-profit sector or NGOs

Skills and Attributes

• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Able to prioritise and manage own workload
• Internal and external stakeholder engagement
• Demonstrable stakeholder network
• Highly organised and detail-focused
• Ability to publicly advocate for our policy positions

This job description defines broad accountabilities and may change depending on organisational need.

Next Steps

To submit your application please click 'Apply Now' before close of business on the closing date.

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