Advocacy and Partnerships Advisor
- Salary Range Band 7 $111,873 - $125,191 plus 12% super
- Full time, 7 month position
- Located at St Kilda Town Hall or with flexible working arrangements possible.
About the Organisation
The City of Port Phillip is an inner-city council with around 1000 employees who deliver more than 100 programs and services to our residents, businesses and visitors. These range from childcare and immunisations, to libraries, management of parks and open space, rubbish collection, road maintenance and more. City of Port Phillip has zero tolerance for child abuse and is a committed Child Safe organisation.
About the Role
Build momentum for Council’s advocacy priorities by coordinating high-impact engagement opportunities, particularly in the lead up to the Victorian Election.
Reporting to the Coordinator Advocacy, Grants & Partnership, you will partner with internal stakeholders including Councillors, Executive Team members, managers and officers, and engage externally with other councils, Ministerial offices, elected State and Federal representatives, government departments and agencies, strategic networks, and community and business groups.
Work across the organisation to enable timely, consistent and evidence-based advocacy actions and reporting that support Council Plan priorities and strategic projects.
Join a team that values working together, creative and strategic thinking, and community-first outcomes, while operating with professionalism and discretion in a politically sensitive environment.
Duties:
- Support delivery of Council’s Advocacy Plan for 2025-26 and 2026-27
- Coordinate stakeholder engagement across community, councils and government
- Draft and format advocacy materials, briefings and correspondence
- Coordinate participation in regional partnerships and networks
- Produce content for Council’s advocacy website and news page
Skills and Experience
- Degree or diploma in public policy, public administration, communications, stakeholder engagement, or related discipline, or equivalent experience
- Experience supporting work in a political environment, ideally Victorian local and or state government
- Experience in advocacy, government relations, stakeholder engagement, policy or communications roles
- Excellent written communication skills translating complex information for varied audiences
- Strong planning and problem-solving skills managing competing deadlines and quality outputs
Culture
People enjoy working at the City of Port Phillip because we are a welcoming, healthy and inclusive workplace. We offer a vibrant and diverse work environment where our employees can develop both professionally and personally whilst planning and delivering a range of important services and programs to the community.
Benefits
- We offer a workplace that accommodates your working style and needs.
- Be supported and empowered by a leadership team that is community-focused, with a strong desire for change and a culture that encourages teamwork and innovation.
- Training and development opportunities, study assistance, flexible working conditions, paid parental leave, an active social club, a health and wellbeing program with access to fitness gyms, pools and facilities, and a well-regarded Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
Security Requirements and Professional Obligations
Pre-employment screening will apply to all appointments.
Prior to a formal letter of offer, preferred applicants will be asked to provide:
- Evidence of mandatory qualifications/registrations/licences,
- Sufficient proof of their right to work in Australia, and
- Sufficient proof of their identity.
- Complete a National Police Check completed via City of Port Phillip’s Provider.
- Evidence of a Working with Children Check (employee type with City of Port Phillip registered as the organisation).
How to Apply
Click APPLY.
All applicants must provide a Resume and Cover Letter in response to the key selection criteria located on the last page of the position description. The Cover Letter should be no longer than 2 pages and include each heading in the Key Selection Criteria.
Note: Only applications submitted via the online Recruitment Portal will be considered and only shortlisted candidates will be provided feedback.
Further information can be obtained by contacting Elizabeth Cowin, Coordinator Advocacy, Grants & Partnerships via email elizabeth.cowin@portphillip.vic.gov.au or phone 0424 157 329.
Applications close 11.59pm Sunday 3 May 2026
The City of Port Phillip is an equal opportunity employer, committed to an inclusive and accessible environment where diversity is valued. We actively welcome and encourage candidates from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, First Nation and Torres Strait Islander candidates, members of the LGBTQIA+ community and candidates with a disability.
If you have accessibility requirements or require an adjustment to participate in our recruitment and selection process, please contact Yass Mustafa (Recruitment and Employee Experience Advisor) on phone 0468 576 806 or email: recruitment@portphillip.vic.gov.au