Senior Advisor Public Affairs

• Competitive salary package and access to multiple benefits
• Shape the conversation and drive meaningful change
• Ongoing, full-time role with flexible/hybrid work options available

About us
 

Legal Aid NSW helps people with their legal problems. We can help people with most areas criminal law, family law and every day civil law legal issues. We give legal advice, help at court and do family dispute resolution. We can do this over the telephone or at one of our 28 offices.

About the role
 

This role directly supports the CEO by providing expert advice and assistance in executive strategic communication and engagement with internal and external stakeholders. This includes media and other strategic public engagement, as well as managing senior relationships with key government and non-government parties at a State and National level. The role will also support the implementation of strategic projects as required by the Executive and the CEO.

About you
 

We’re looking for a seasoned public affairs professional to join Legal Aid as a Senior Advisor. In this role, you’ll be at the forefront of strategic communications, crafting insights for portfolio projects coupled with influencing decision-making that matters. Your expertise will help navigate complex political landscapes and deliver impactful advocacy.

Throughout your career, you have become well-versed in establishing and maintaining stakeholder relationships and will leverage your existing networks to support the strategic direction of the organisation. You embrace the challenge of managing complex consultations and bring your exceptional negotiation, analytical and interpersonal skills to govern diverse stakeholders.

If you thrive in dynamic environments, have a sharp strategic mind, and want to make a real difference, this is your opportunity to lead, inspire, and create lasting impact. Join us and be the voice that shapes the future!

We may use this recruitment to create a talent pool for similar ongoing or temporary vacancies we have over the next 18 months.

WHY YOU SHOULD JOIN LEGAL AID NSW!

We are committed to diversity and inclusion
 

We are committed to creating a culturally safe and genuinely inclusive organisation and workplace for everyone who works and interacts with us. We strive to be a place where people from diverse backgrounds want to work, where voices and cultures are valued and where people feel valued, welcomed, respected and heard.

We want a workforce that reflects our clients, so we can deliver a service that meets the needs of the community. We welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds — including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with disability, the LGBTQI+ community, culturally diverse people and other diverse communities. 

We acknowledge, support and accommodate the diverse access needs of people with visible and invisible disabilities. If you need an adjustment to participate in the recruitment process, or you’d like information about what we can do to help you, please contact our team at erecruitment@legalaid.nsw.gov.au.

Other benefits of working with us
 

• You will have access to training, development and mentoring opportunities.
• We are an accredited Flex Ready and Carers and Employers certified employer and are recognised as leaders in flexible work. Most of our staff work flexibly — for example, from home some of the time or in a way that helps them balance family and work life.

The essential requirements for this role
 

You must:
 

• have relevant tertiary qualifications
• demonstrated high level communication (written and verbal) and interpersonal skills
• experience in strategic communications (especially legal sector strategic communications)
• experience in media affairs or journalism
• highly developed analytical skills
• demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with a broad range of stakeholders
• be willing to do a Criminal Record Check
• hold Australian or NZ citizenship, Australian Permanent Residency (for ongoing vacancies)
• live in NSW or willing to relocate to NSW

How to apply
 

You MUST submit your application online. If you submit your application late or by email it will NOT be accepted.

Your application must include:

• your resume (no more than 5 pages)
• cover letter (no more than 2 pages). In your cover letter, please address the following targeted two (2) questions:

1. Outline your experience in strategic communications and media affairs.

2. Describe a recent complex and sensitive consultation for a diverse stakeholder you managed, detail the nature of the negotiation and how you managed varying expectations, viewpoints and interests.

Make sure your application is complete, and you have answered all questions before you submit.

Do you need help to apply?
 

It’s important to properly prepare before you apply for a role. Here is some other information to help you:

• If you have questions about the role, you can contact the Talent Acquisition Business Partner – Craig Cole on 0403 530 620 or via email craig.cole@legalaid.nsw.gov.au.
• If you are an Australian Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander and are thinking about applying, you can contact the Aboriginal Services Branch to arrange a confidential conversation about any questions you may have.
• The Role Description sets out the responsibilities of the role.
• The focus capabilities and key accountabilities in the role description indicate what is expected at that level. Being familiar with these will help you understand what the panel will be looking for in the successful candidate. 
• Applying for a Role
• Working at Legal Aid NSW
• Guide to creating a resume and cover letter

Closing Date: Tuesday 27th of May 2025, 11.59pm