Switchboard Victoria: Senior Advocacy, Communications & Policy Lead
Michael Barnett OAM
Senior Advocacy, Communications & Policy Lead
Job description
About Switchboard Victoria
Switchboard Victoria (Switchboard) is a community-based, not for profit organisation that provides peer-based, volunteer driven support services for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and gender diverse, Intersex, Queer, Asexual and more (LGBTIQA+) people and their friends, families and allies. We are a registered family violence service and are commitment to delivering high quality services and programs to the LGBTIQA+ community.
Our current activities include:
- Phone and web counselling and referral – Switchboard is the Victorian partner in the national QLife service. QLife provides anonymous and free LGBTIQA+ peer support and referral for people in Australia wanting to talk about sexuality, identity, gender, bodies, feelings, or relationships. This service is for LGBTIQA+ people and those with questions about LGBTIQA+ issues including families, friends, teachers and co-workers of LGBTIQA+ people.
- Community connections for older LGBTI+ people – Switchboard’s Pride in Ageing program aims to tackle ageism and strengthen social inclusion and community connection for older lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans/gender diverse and intersex (LGBTI+) Victorians. The Out & About peer visiting program creates friendship and connection between LGBTI+ seniors living anywhere in Victoria and through regular volunteer visits.
- Rainbow Door – Is a free specialist LGBTIQA+ helpline providing information, support, and referral to all LGBTIQA+ Victorians, their friends and family during the COVID-19 crisis and beyond. Rainbow Door supports people of all ages and identities with issues that may include suicidal thoughts, family, and intimate partner violence (including elder abuse), alcohol and other drugs, relationship issues, sexual assault, social isolation, mental health, and wellbeing.
- Suicide prevention – Switchboard’s Suicide Prevention program puts responding to the challenges of suicide at the core of Switchboard’s work. We work nationally to provide suicide prevention, intervention and postvention programs, with an emphasis on building community resilience through peer-led and lived experience activities. Switchboard is also active in research and the development of suicide prevention resources and programs for LGBTIQA+ communities.
- QTIBPoC Programs – In consultation with key stakeholders, Switchboard’s Queer, Trans, Intersex and Bla(c)k and/or People of Colour (QTIBPoC) program aims to build greater equity for LGBTIQA+ people who are Bla(c)k, People of Colour and/or people of faith through storytelling and workshops driven by lived experience. It provides a space to co-create, co-exist, and envision cultural shifts for and by Bla(c)k and/or People of Colour and people of faith. In addition, the QTIBPoC program builds internal capacity to meet QTIBPoC community needs across all of Switchboard’s services and areas of work.
Position details
Title: Senior Advocacy, Communications & Policy Lead
Organisation: Switchboard (Victoria) Inc
Employment type: Two-year fixed-term contract
Part-time, up to full-time
0.8 - 1.0 full-time equivalent (60.8 -76 hours per fortnight)
Classification & remuneration: Social and Community Services Employee, Level 7 as per the Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Award 2010.
$110,000 - $115,000 depending on level of relevant skills and experience
Plus, Superannuation 12%
Tax benefit available from salary sacrifice, package of up to $15,899.
Location: Victorian Pride Centre, 79-81 Fitzroy Street, St Kilda VIC 3182
Other offices of Switchboard Victoria in Melbourne’s inner north
Switchboard has a hybrid work policy, some remote work is permitted.
Applicants must:
- reside in Melbourne;
- reside in greater Victoria and be willing to commute to Melbourne on work days, or
- be willing to relocate to Melbourne on successful appointment.
Reports to: Chief Executive Officer
Direct reports: Up to 3
Communications Coordinator, Stakeholder Engagement Coordinator
Position overview
The Senior Advocacy, Communications and Policy Lead at Switchboard plays a pivotal role in shaping and advancing the organisation’s external policy, advocacy, and communication efforts to champion the rights and wellbeing of LGBTIQA+ communities in Australia. Reporting directly to the CEO and working closely with the Executive Team, Program Managers, Communications Coordinator and Stakeholder Engagement Coordinator, this role ensures that Switchboard’s public policy, communications, and advocacy initiatives are evidence‑based, strategically aligned, and reflective of the organisation’s vision, purpose, values and strategic priorities.
This role requires deep expertise in the health and wellbeing needs of LGBTIQA+ communities, alongside substantial experience within the health, community services, or social policy sectors. The Senior Advocacy, Communications and Policy Lead provides high‑level, evidence‑informed strategic advice to the CEO, grounded in a comprehensive understanding of sector trends, reforms, and the broader political landscape. The role leads the development of high‑quality policy submissions, briefs, and external reports addressing key issues affecting LGBTIQA+ communities, particularly in mental health, suicide prevention, and family violence.
This role does not include internal policy development.
In addition to policy and advocacy leadership, the position oversees Switchboard’s external communications and stakeholder engagement function, including the development of messaging, media responses, public statements, and strategic communication materials. The role ensures that Switchboard’s voice is consistent, compelling, and grounded in community expertise. It also leads proactive engagement with government, community organisations, peak bodies, researchers, media outlets, and other external partners to strengthen relationships and amplify Switchboard’s voice and influence.
Beyond written policy outputs and communications, the role coordinates a range of strategic initiatives aimed at raising awareness, strengthening community capacity, and amplifying the lived experiences of LGBTIQA+ communities. The Senior Advocacy, Communications and Policy Lead represents Switchboard in sector consultations, working groups, and policy reform processes across key areas such as family violence, mental health, and suicide prevention, ensuring the organisation’s knowledge and expertise is clearly articulated and its relationships continue to grow.
The ideal candidate is dynamic, adaptable, and an exceptional communicator who thrives in complex, fast‑paced environments. They bring sound judgment, strong strategic capability, and a deep commitment to social justice through an anti-racist lens. Through their leadership, Switchboard continues to be a prominent and trusted advocate for the health, wellbeing, and rights of LGBTIQA+ communities in Victoria and nationally.
About the successful candidate
As an experienced policy and advocacy professional, ideally with a background in the not‑for‑profit or community sector, you will play a pivotal role in Switchboard’s next phase of development and external influence. Your deep understanding of the health and wellbeing needs of LGBTIQA+ communities, ideally supported by expertise in mental health, suicide prevention, and family violence, will be central to shaping and advancing the organisation’s policy, advocacy, and communications agenda.
Success in this role requires a demonstrated ability to provide well‑considered, evidence‑based strategic advice to the CEO and Executive Leadership Team. You will bring strong experience in external policy development, including preparing high‑quality policy submissions, interpreting research, analysing reform proposals, and assessing policy impacts. This role focuses exclusively on external policy and does not involve internal organisational policy development. Your familiarity with government processes, sector reform agendas, and political contexts will enable you to effectively advocate for the rights, safety, and wellbeing of LGBTIQA+ communities and Victoria and nationally.
You will also play a key role in shaping and delivering Switchboard’s advocacy and external communications, ensuring the organisation’s public voice is strategic, impactful, and aligned with community needs, as well as the organisation’s Advocacy Framework and Brand and Communications Strategy. This includes overseeing social media engagement and leading the development of public statements, media responses, advocacy campaigns, and key messaging that elevates LGBTIQA+ perspectives. A strong commitment to proactive stakeholder engagement is essential, as you will cultivate and maintain productive relationships with government, service providers, researchers, media, peak bodies, and community partners and other key stakeholders.
You will bring not only deep sector knowledge, but also a commitment to anti-racism, inclusivity, and intersectionality in all aspects of your work. Your high‑level interpersonal and communication skills will enable you to build trust, facilitate meaningful dialogue with people with lived experience, and represent Switchboard with confidence and credibility across diverse forums and audiences.
Key responsibilities
The key responsibilities of the role include:
Strategic advice and support to the Chief Executive Officer
- Provide high‑quality, evidence‑based strategic advice and recommendations to the CEO, drawing on deep knowledge of the sector, government reforms, and the broader political environment to ensure alignment with Switchboard’s purpose, values, and priorities.
- Prepare and/or refine documents for the CEO, including ministerial briefings, external communications, advocacy materials, media responses, and organisational reports, ensuring they reflect Switchboard’s expertise and the needs of LGBTIQA+ communities.
- Critically analyse legislation, external policy proposals, government reform agendas, and emerging public issues to provide timely, strategic recommendations that advance Switchboard’s advocacy priorities.
- Work collaboratively with the CEO, Executive Team, and Leadership Team to drive the implementation of Switchboard’s Strategic Plan, with a focus on:
- Providing an influential voice for LGBTIQA+ communities, advocating for change and addressing issues as they relate to our purpose and work.
- Supporting other service providers in meeting the needs of LGBTIQA+ people.
- Effectively partnering in the design and delivery of services and supports for LGBTIQA+ communities.
- Defining and clearly communicating Switchboard’s identity and purpose.
External communications
- Provide strategic oversight of Switchboard’s communications function, ensuring all external communications, messaging, and public‑facing materials align with organisational priorities and reflect Switchboard’s purpose, values and community‑led approach.
- Oversee all external communications channels, including social media, website content, newsletters, media engagement, and public events, ensuring consistent, accurate, and values‑aligned messaging across platforms in accordance with the organisation's Brand and Communications Strategy.
- Work collaboratively with the Communications Coordinator to plan, refine, and deliver high‑quality content, campaigns, and storytelling initiatives that elevate the voices, experiences, and needs of LGBTIQA+ communities.
- Ensure all communications and engagement practices are trauma‑informed, culturally safe, and aligned with Switchboard’s commitments to anti‑racism, disability inclusion, and peer-led practice.
- Monitor, evaluate, and report on the effectiveness of external communications and engagement strategies to support continuous improvement and responsiveness.
Policy submissions & sector insights
- Lead the development of high‑quality policy submissions to government and other external bodies, ensuring they reflect Switchboard’s strategic priorities in suicide prevention, mental health, and family violence.
- Work collaboratively with Program Managers to ensure all policy documentation accurately reflects program practice, operational realities, and organisational goals.
- Partner with Program Managers to incorporate program‑specific insights, service data, and lived‑experience perspectives into policy initiatives, ensuring the voices and experiences of LGBTIQA+ communities remain central.
- Contribute expertise to external projects, reviews, and sector initiatives led by partner organisations, providing LGBTIQA+ health and community services knowledge without requiring responsibility for conducting formal research activities.
- Represent Switchboard at LGBTIQA+ sector forums, conferences, and program‑specific events, presenting organisational insights and strengthening Switchboard’s presence and influence across the sector.
Stakeholder engagement and partnerships
- Identify key stakeholders across government, community organisations, peak bodies, and research institutions, and develop effective strategies to engage, influence, and build strong, productive relationships with them.
- Work collaboratively with the Stakeholder Engagement Coordinator and other staff to strengthen and maintain strategic partnerships with organisations and other key stakeholders fostering alignment and shared purpose and priorities.
Selection criteria
Essential
- Demonstrated experience providing high‑level, evidence‑informed strategic advice to executive leaders, including the ability to analyse legislation, government reforms, and sector trends to inform organisational advocacy and strategic decision‑making.
- Proven capability in overseeing and guiding an organisation’s external communications function, including strategic messaging, media engagement, digital channels, and campaign development, delivered in collaboration with communications staff.
- Strong experience leading the development of high‑quality external policy submissions and sector‑facing documents, with the ability to integrate program insights, lived‑experience perspectives, and community‑led practice into policy positions.
- Exceptional stakeholder engagement and partnership‑building skills, including the ability to identify key stakeholders, develop effective engagement strategies, and maintain productive relationships across government, community organisations, peak bodies, and sector partners.
- Deep understanding of the health, wellbeing, and social determinants affecting LGBTIQA+ communities, alongside a demonstrated commitment to trauma‑informed, culturally safe, anti‑racist and intersectional practice in all policy, advocacy and communication work.
- Proven experience in one or more of the following sectors: mental health, suicide prevention, counselling, family and intimate partner violence, sexual assault, aged care, disability, alcohol and other drugs, housing, youth, community health or similar.
- Demonstrated leadership experience managing and supporting multiple team members, including the ability to collaborate effectively across teams, and identify opportunities for staff coaching, professional development, and capability building.
- A tertiary qualification in health, public health, social work, community development, law, or a related area
Desirable
- Experience with multicultural, multifaith, or First Nations communities, with a focus on anti-racism and intersectionality.
- Demonstrated experience facilitating community consultations, ideally in mental health and/or LGBTIQA+ contexts.
- Lived experience navigating the mental health sector as a service user, support person, or carer.
To find out more and apply
Please make yourself familiar with Switchboard’s purpose and programs by visiting our website at www.switchboard.org.au.
Please carefully review the selection criteria for this position, which you should systematically address in your application (both essential and desirable criteria – 2 pages maximum).
NOTE: Applications that do not address the Selection Criteria will not be considered.
Contact
For information, please contact Jenna Tuke, CEO
Email: jenna...@switchboard.org.au using the subject line: Senior Advocacy, Communications & Policy Lead enquiry via EthicalJobs.
Equal Opportunity Statement
Switchboard Victoria is committed to supporting diversity and inclusion in our workforce and will consider all qualified applicants, regardless of sex, gender, gender identity or expression, age, disability or national origin.
Switchboard especially welcomes and encourages applications from people who are Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander; trans, gender diverse or intersex; disabled; carers; live with HIV, are culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD), People of Colour and/or People of Faith; identify with having lived experiences of suicide and mental ill-health.
Acknowledgement of Country
Switchboard Victoria is based on the lands of the Kulin nations, always and forever the home of the Wurundjeri, Boonwurrung, Wathaurong, Taungurong and Djadjawurung peoples. We acknowledge that our work takes place on lands that are under colonial occupation and that Kulin Nation sovereignty was never ceded. We hope to pay our respects to Kulin Nation elders, past and present and wish to extend this respect to any and all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People.
Applications for this role will take you to the employer’s site.
Job Summary
- SCHADS Level 7, $110,000 - $115,000, superannuation 12%, salary packaging up to $15,899
- Applications close: 10:00 AM AEDT, 16th Mar 2026
- Job posted on: 23rd Feb 2026
- Melbourne > St Kilda