About the role
The Social Policy and Advocacy Officer plays a vital role in strengthening community wellbeing across Knox by leading the development, implementation and review of evidence‑based social policies, strategies, advocacy initiatives and strategic projects. The position focuses particularly on social and affordable housing, food relief and food systems, and broader issues impacting vulnerable or marginalised community members.
Reporting to the Coordinator Social Policy and Wellbeing, you will work both independently and collaboratively as part of the Community Strengthening Department. The role engages closely with internal stakeholders such as Council staff as well as external partners including community organisations, community housing sector, service providers, neighbouring municipalities, community members and other relevant stakeholders.
In your day‑to‑day work, you will contribute to key Council strategies and policies, undertake research and advocacy to support health and wellbeing initiatives, and manage strategic projects across priority areas. You will also identify opportunities for cross‑sector collaboration, provide informed advice on community needs, and monitor the social and political environment to support positive outcomes for Knox residents.
This is a permanent Part Time 0.8EFT (4 days per week) role based at the Knox Civic Centre in Wantirna South, and supports flexible working arrangements while ensuring operational needs of the role are met.
This is a Band 6 classified role, remuneration will be (depending on experience) (pro-rata for part time) plus superannuation in accordance with the Superannuation Guarantee.
What you will bring to this role
The key selection criteria for this role are:
- Demonstrated experience in policy or strategy development, implementation and review
- Knowledge of social and affordable housing, food relief, advocacy and broader community wellbeing issues
- Strong report and policy writing skills and the ability to collect, collate and analyse large amounts of information
- High level of project management skills
- Excellent communication, interpersonal and partnership building skills
- Ability to work collaboratively and independently within a complex political and local government environment
How to apply
Please provide a resume and brief cover letter addressing the ‘what you will bring to this role’ section from the position description to outline how your experience and skills relate to the role.
For further information on this role please contact Emily Sykes at Emily.Sykes@knox.vic.gov.au or on 0473 834 514.
To view a copy of the position description please visit our Knox City Council Jobs and Careers Page.
Please submit your application, including your resume and cover letter online via the ‘Apply’ button by
Apply by: Friday March 6 11.55PM
Please note: Candidates will be shortlisted as applications are received and this role may close earlier than the anticipated closing date.
Why work at Knox
Discover your future at Knox City Council, where you will deliver meaningful impact, find great opportunities and work with committed people to shape our community. As an employee of Knox, you can enjoy:
- Accrued or rostered days off available for full-time roles, depending on operational requirements
- Broad range of leave options including up to 16 weeks primary and up to 4 weeks secondary parental leave
- Salary sacrifice option for Council-owned childcare fees
- Opportunities to take on temporary roles or work in different teams to build skills and support career growth
- Support towards further study
- 50% off Knox Leisureworks memberships
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for support in managing personal and work-related challenges.
To find out more about the benefits of working at Knox City Council, visit knox.vic.gov.au/why-work-knox
Inherent requirements
To view the inherent requirements for this position please see attachment below.
Our commitments
Knox City Council is an Equal Opportunity Employer that is committed to providing a workplace that embraces diversity and inclusion. We are committed to a positive, barrier-free recruitment process. If you have any support or access requirements, we encourage you to advise us at the time of application.
Knox City Council has zero tolerance for child abuse and all forms of harm to children. All children and young people who access our services, programs, events and facilities have the right to feel safe and be safe. This includes spaces owned or managed by Council. We take the wellbeing and safety of children and young people in our care seriously. We maintain a child safe organisation by embedding the protection of children into everyday thinking and practice. All Knox City Council employees, contractors and volunteers are responsible for ensuring children and young people are valued, heard and protected from abuse.
Knox City Council acknowledges our offices are located on the traditional lands of the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung and Bunurong people of the Kulin Nation.
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