Program Manager Political Pathways & Engagement

Job Description

Program Manager Political Pathways & Engagement Direct message the job poster from Susan McKinnon Foundation Led by CEO Mike Baird, The Susan McKinnon Foundation (SMF) develops and invests in solutions that enable better governments for a stronger Australia. The Foundation was established in 2015 because our Founders believe in the power of exceptional government to shape Australia's future. SMF is a truly independent, non-partisan organisation, taking a long-term view in facilitating the development of political leadership, public sector capability, and our democratic institutions. Through our work, we help shape enduring policy outcomes that strengthen democracy and create opportunities for all Australians. Joining us at this critical time of growth and opportunity means you can meaningfully contribute to shaping the future direction of governments and policy. Our team is motivated by purpose, collaboration, and support. Our work is fast-paced, intellectually stimulating, and highly fulfilling. If you’re searching for your next challenge and want to contribute to a stronger Australia, we’d love to hear from you. About the Opportunity The Susan McKinnon Foundation is seeking a dynamic and experienced Program Manager for Political Pathways & Engagement. This role is crucial to our mission of enhancing the quality and diversity of political candidates in Australia. The Program Manager will lead the development and implementation of strategic programs aimed at addressing systemic barriers to political careers and motivating civic-minded individuals to pursue leadership roles. Key responsibilities include: Program Design and Strategic Development: Develop strategies to tackle the underrepresentation of diverse political candidates and facilitate in-depth research on barriers to political careers. Design comprehensive program frameworks with clear objectives and expected outcomes. Program Implementation and Execution: Lead the design and execution of leadership development pathways for emerging political leaders. Implement recruitment initiatives to attract diverse candidates and facilitate workshops and networking events to foster talent. Stakeholder Engagement: Build and manage relationships with key stakeholders, including political institutions, youth organizations, educational bodies, and government agencies to drive program objectives. Project Management and Reporting: Develop detailed project plans, manage budgets, and monitor progress. Prepare reports for internal and external stakeholders and ensure timely completion of program milestones. Research and Innovation: Collaborate with the Strategy & Research team to identify and integrate best practices for political engagement. Innovate approaches to enhance political participation and collaborate with academic and policy experts. Operational Management: Manage external contractors and ensure legal and ethical compliance in program implementation. Utilize technology to maximize program reach and efficiency. Skills and Experience: We are looking for a highly skilled and experienced individual with a strong alignment to our mission and values. The ideal candidate will possess the following: Education & Qualifications: Tertiary qualification in a relevant field. Professional Experience: Proven experience in project management with a successful track record of program delivery. Experience in contract management and building partnerships is essential. Skills & Knowledge: Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate and influence at all levels. Exceptional project management capabilities and attention to detail. Personal Attributes: Alignment with SMF’s mission and values, demonstrating a long-term, practical, rigorous, transparent, non-partisan, entrepreneurial, and bold approach to work. Passionate about creating tangible change and fostering inclusive political engagement. How to Apply: The Susan McKinnon Foundation values diversity and strives to maintain an inclusive team environment. Please notify us if you require any adjustments to the recruitment process – we’ll do our best to accommodate your needs. To apply, please send your application to by midnight on Monday 17th February. * Please note that only candidates with valid working rights in Australia will be considered for this role. Unfortunately, we are unable to accept applications from individuals without the appropriate working rights. Thank you for your understanding. Seniority level Mid-Senior level Employment type Full-time Job function Project Management Industries Non-profit Organizations #J-18808-Ljbffr