Job Description:
The Advocacy Manager Director in Hobart’s nonprofit sector leads the strategic planning, execution, and oversight of the organisation’s advocacy initiatives. This high-level role is responsible for shaping policy agendas, managing stakeholder relationships, and overseeing campaigns that drive systemic change in alignment with the organisation’s mission. The director provides visionary leadership to the advocacy team, ensuring that efforts are evidence-based, inclusive, and targeted toward meaningful social outcomes.
This role begins with identifying core advocacy priorities through internal consultation, community engagement, and sector research. The director develops a comprehensive advocacy strategy that outlines key issues, target audiences, timelines, and desired policy or societal outcomes. Coordination with program staff ensures these strategies reflect on-the-ground realities and community needs. The director also integrates advocacy objectives into broader organisational planning and resource allocation.
Day-to-day responsibilities include managing advocacy campaigns, preparing policy submissions, and directing the development of communications such as position statements, op-eds, and briefing papers. The director represents the organisation in high-level policy discussions, legislative consultations, and strategic coalitions. They also engage the media, decision-makers, and public audiences, elevating the nonprofit’s voice on pressing social issues.
A major focus of the role is team leadership. The director oversees staff working in policy, research, and community mobilisation, providing mentoring, setting goals, and reviewing performance. They encourage innovation, collaboration, and the ethical use of influence. The director also facilitates cross-organisational cooperation, ensuring that advocacy is supported by robust research, data, and storytelling.
In Hobart’s nonprofit landscape—where local issues intersect with national policy—the Advocacy Manager Director plays a key role in shaping public discourse and legislative direction. Their leadership ensures that the organisation remains a respected advocate for equity, justice, and community-driven solutions, while maintaining transparency, integrity, and measurable impact.
Job Requirement:
Candidates for the Advocacy Manager Director role must possess advanced leadership capabilities and the strategic foresight to manage complex advocacy agendas. They should be able to develop long-term advocacy plans that address systemic issues, drive change at multiple levels, and respond swiftly to emerging social, political, or environmental concerns. The ability to prioritise objectives and align team actions with organisational vision is critical.
Strong stakeholder engagement skills are essential. The director must build and maintain partnerships with government agencies, policy bodies, other nonprofits, and grassroots organisations. They must be comfortable in high-level meetings, capable of influencing without coercion, and skilled in navigating political sensitivities. An understanding of how to work within and outside formal power structures is crucial.
Excellent communication abilities—both written and verbal—are fundamental. The director will lead the production of persuasive policy submissions, impactful media content, and compelling public messages. They should be confident representing the organisation at press conferences, panels, and public events, always conveying a message that is aligned, ethical, and evidence-based.
A thorough understanding of legislative, regulatory, and public policy processes at both state and federal levels is necessary. The director should be familiar with the mechanisms of government decision-making and public consultations and know how to intervene effectively within these systems. They should also understand advocacy tools such as community organising, lobbying, coalition-building, and public campaigning.
Finally, the director must lead with purpose, humility, and a deep commitment to justice and community empowerment. In Hobart’s nonprofit sector, success in this role depends on a willingness to listen deeply, collaborate genuinely, and act decisively. The Advocacy Manager Director must use their position not to speak over communities, but to amplify their voices and advocate for enduring, meaningful change.
