At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead national advocacy efforts and shape impactful strategies for disability rights.
- Company: Join People with Disability Australia, a leader in disability rights and advocacy.
- Benefits: Influence public policy, drive transformation, and enjoy executive development opportunities.
- Other info: Collaborative environment focused on inclusion and sustainable change.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of people with disability while leading a passionate team.
- Qualifications: Senior leadership experience, commitment to disability rights, and strong stakeholder engagement skills.
The predicted salary is between 90000 - 110000 $ per year.
People with Disability Australia (PWDA) is a leading national disability rights and advocacy organisation, dedicated to advancing the rights, inclusion and equality of people with disability. As a cross-disability representative organisation, PWDA champions the voices and lived experience of people with disability, influencing government policy and driving systemic reform.
This is an exceptional opportunity to lead PWDA's national advocacy function and shape its next chapter of impact. Reporting to the CEO, you will oversee an $8m portfolio spanning individual and systemic advocacy, bringing teams together, developing leadership capability and strengthening organisational culture.
As a key member of the Executive Leadership Team, you will influence national disability policy, drive operational excellence and benefit from supported opportunities to develop broader executive capability and deputise for the CEO.
DUTIES
- Lead and unite PWDA's individual and systemic advocacy functions, creating greater collaboration, shared purpose and strategic alignment across national teams.
- Build leadership capability, mentoring senior managers, empowering decision-making and fostering a culture of accountability, trust and continuous improvement.
- Champion a positive, inclusive culture, balancing empathetic leadership with clear expectations, constructive communication and decisive action.
- Shape team structures and operational performance, identifying opportunities to strengthen capability, improve processes and maximise the effectiveness of advocacy services.
- Oversee an approximately $8m advocacy portfolio, ensuring financial sustainability, effective resource allocation, funding accountability and robust governance.
- Drive meaningful systemic change, connecting individual advocacy experiences, member priorities and evidence-based policy development to influence national reform.
- Guide strategic policy priorities, contributing to advocacy across the NDIS, Foundational Supports and emerging issues affecting people with disability.
- Strengthen influential partnerships with government, funders, disability representative organisations and sector stakeholders to expand PWDA's reach and impact.
- Represent PWDA nationally, contributing to public advocacy, policy discussions, government engagement and sector leadership.
- Partner with the CEO and Board, supporting organisational strategy, sustainable growth and broader executive leadership development.
SKILLS & EXPERIENCE
- Significant senior leadership experience, with a demonstrated ability to build high-performing teams, lead organisational change and foster inclusive, collaborative cultures.
- An empathetic yet decisive leadership approach, with the confidence to navigate complexity, empower others and establish clear accountability.
- Strong financial and operational acumen, including budget management, workforce planning, risk, governance and organisational performance.
- A genuine commitment to disability rights, underpinned by a disability-affirming, human rights-based approach and meaningful connection to the disability community.
- Strategic judgement and influencing capability, with experience translating complex issues into practical organisational priorities and meaningful outcomes.
- Excellent stakeholder engagement and communication skills, with the ability to establish credibility across government, community and sector environments.
- An understanding of disability policy and advocacy, including the NDIS, systemic reform and the importance of member-led representation.
- The ability to lead through change, navigating sensitive conversations, competing priorities and complex organisational dynamics with integrity and care.
- A relevant tertiary qualification or equivalent executive leadership experience.
- Lived experience of disability is strongly valued, as is demonstrated connection to and trust within the disability community.
BENEFITS
- National leadership opportunity with significant scope to influence disability rights, public policy and systemic reform.
- Meaningful executive responsibility, leading an approximately $8m advocacy portfolio and shaping the future of PWDA's national advocacy function.
- Opportunity to drive positive transformation, strengthening team culture, leadership capability and organisational performance.
- Supported executive development, with opportunities to deputise for the CEO and broaden strategic and organisational leadership experience.
- High-profile stakeholder engagement, building relationships with government, policymakers and influential sector leaders.
- Collaborative, values-led environment, joining an Executive Leadership Team committed to inclusion, strong governance and sustainable change.
- Purpose and impact, contributing to a nationally recognised organisation championing the rights and leadership of people with disability.
Executive Director of Advocacy in Sydney employer: Lotus People
Lotus People is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and supportive work environment within a globally recognised financial services company. Employees benefit from tailored career development programmes, well-being initiatives, and the opportunity to engage in meaningful work that fosters professional growth while being part of a warm and inclusive culture. With a commitment to ethical practices and a strong international presence, this role provides a unique chance to thrive in your career while making a positive impact.
