Manager, Policy & Law Reform

Job Description

Join a proudly Aboriginal-owned and community-controlled organisation committed to achieving justice for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. In this pivotal role, you will lead a talented team of policy lawyers and officers, ensuring that the voices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities are not just heard but are central to the reform and transformation of unjust systems. You will directly shape policy and advocacy responses across areas such as criminal justice, child protection and family law, domestic and family violence, coronial inquests, and social policy issues that impact Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities across New South Wales, the Australian Capital Territory, and nationally. As a core member of the division’s leadership team, you will oversee the development of ALS policy positions and advocacy, providing strategic advice to the Principal Solicitor and ALS Executive. You will take the lead in cultivating strong partnerships with other Aboriginal community-controlled organisations and Peaks, government and legal stakeholders, and advocacy groups, driving impactful change that resonates within the community. Each day, you can expect to: Oversee the development of ALS policy positions aligned with strategic priorities. Ensure the experiences of ALS clients and communities are platformed in ALS policy and advocacy outputs. Lead and manage a team of motivated policy lawyers and officers. Track and manage team workload, projects and deadlines effectively. Provide support, mentoring, and professional development for team members. Develop and implement strategies to influence government policy decisions and drive reform. Advise the Principal Solicitor and ALS Executive on legal policy and legislative reform proposals. Ensure delivery of timely, high-quality advice, submissions, briefings, and reports. Strengthen mechanisms for collecting and analysing evidence from ALS services. Update & maintain processes, manuals, and guidelines for efficiency and impact. Build strong relationships with a range of internal and external stakeholders. Stay informed on legal and social policy developments affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. Represent ALS in working groups, forums, and committees as needed. Who Are We Looking For? A dynamic leader, your proven track record in legal policy, law reform and advocacy will speak for itself. You should possess exceptional research, communication, and analytical skills, along with a highly developed understanding of key justice issues impacting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. Your professional experience should demonstrate expertise in the following areas: Knowledge and understanding of the strengths and priorities of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in NSW and the ACT. In-depth knowledge and understanding of the operation of criminal legal systems, child protection systems, and other legal and social policy issues that impact Aboriginal communities and individuals across NSW, the ACT and nationally. Experience in legal policy analysis and development. A proven track record of leadership, people management and project management. Advanced research, analytical, and information management skills. Excellent oral and written communication skills including the ability to prepare correspondence, briefings, papers, and submissions. Highly attuned and advanced level of political awareness and strategic thinking. A minimum of three years’ experience in legal practice and/or legal research and policy after having completed a degree in law or other relevant field. Previous experience in media, public relations or advocacy, and/or previous experience working in legal practice in a relevant field, while not mandatory, will be highly regarded. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. Please note that due to the critical nature of this role to our organisation, we will move at pace through our recruitment process. Interested candidates are encouraged to apply ASAP. The role will close when an offer is accepted by a suitable candidate. Why Join Us? Aboriginal Legal Service (ALS) was established over 50 years ago in response to a protest movement. We provide high-quality, culturally safe legal and support services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people throughout NSW and the ACT. At ALS, you can discover a fulfilling career that truly makes an impact in the community. We also offer a range of generous benefits designed to enhance your overall compensation. Our not-for-profit salary packaging program is specifically tailored to reduce your tax burden, which means you get to keep more of your hard-earned money in your pocket. Additionally, we provide a generous annual leave loading of 17.5%, ensuring that you are rewarded for your time off and can enjoy a well-deserved break. At ALS, we are committed to upholding the highest standards of safe recruitment practices. Therefore, it is essential that candidates either possess or have the capacity to obtain a current and valid Working with Children (NSW) or Working with Vulnerable People (ACT) check for this role. Additionally, you may be requested to complete an international police and background check to satisfy our probity policy & requirements. Committed to providing equal opportunities to all candidates, please let us know if you identify as a person with a disability and need any adjustments or support with your application including throughout the recruitment process. #J-18808-Ljbffr