The Council is currently seeking a Volunteer Policy & Research to join our team. In this role, you will identify and develop policies that promote the interests of the homelessness sector in Queensland and work to mobilise sector partners and stakeholders to endorse and advocate for policy issues. The position will contribute to, and consult with, the Executive Officer, President, Management Committee, and association members, in the development and execution of strategy, advocacy, and policy direction.

Apply here. Applications close Sunday 15 November.

Position Purpose

To identify and develop policies that promote the interests of the homelessness sector in Queensland, and to mobilise sector partners and stakeholders to endorse and advocate for policy issues. The position will contribute to, and consult with, the President, Management Committee, and association members, in the development and execution of strategy, advocacy, and policy direction.

Key Responsibilities

Within the rules of the association, and working in collaboration with the Executive Officer, President, Management Committee, and association members, the occupant of this position will:

1. Policy Leadership (50%)

• develop, implement and maintain an agenda of priority policy issues to improve outcomes and achieve justice for single people and families in Queensland who are homeless or in crisis;
• develop targeted policy solutions to homelessness by making submissions to relevant government and community sector inquiries, and committee hearings;
• promote the interests of the homelessness sector in Queensland, incorporating strategies relating to government relations, media relations, and sector education;
• coordinate the communication of key policy issues and position statements with the President, Management Committee, and association members as appropriate;
• draft sector policy and position statements guided by industry research;
• build and maintain stakeholder relationships with services and governments to coordinate key alliances that can support priority policy issues and campaigns; and
• develop and manage effective working relationships with key government officials at the federal, state and local levels.

2. Research and Analysis (30%)

• provide the homelessness sector with key resources for referencing progress toward the improvement of outcomes for single people and families in Queensland who are homeless or in crisis; and
• provide analysis of homelessness data, including key demographics, causes, and solutions, to produce a periodic snapshot of homelessness in Queensland.

3. Relationship Management and Internal Engagement: (20%)

• develop and maintain relationships with the Executive Officer, President, Management Committee, Secretariat and association members;
• regularly report to the Executive Officer on the policy and advocacy initiatives of the Council;
• participate in the development of an annual policy platform; and
• assist with funding procurement by maintaining an awareness of available grant and tender programs.

Minimum Requirements

• commitment to improving outcomes and achieving justice for single people and families in Queensland who are homeless or in crisis;
• knowledge and understanding of the economic, policy and social issues that are associated with the causes of, and solutions to, homelessness;
• willingness to gain knowledge in the development of public policy and position statements for a non-profit/association, and analysis and research of social issues;
• ability to develop professional relationships across multiple stakeholder groups including government officials, service partners and the general public

Desirable Attributes

• strong writing, speaking, and analytic skills;
• knowledge and understanding, or willingness to acquire, of homelessness in Queensland and its position within the broader system of housing; and
• experience or interest in the non-profit/association sector.