Careers

The Regional Australia Institute is Australia’s only independent think tank dedicated to advancing regional policy. The RAI’s purpose is to empower regions to thrive. With the benefit of more than a decade of research into the fundamental elements of regional living, in 2022 the Institute developed the Regionalisation Ambition 2022 a 10 year plan underpinned by 20 targets, with the overarching goal to rebalance the nation. As Policy Manager, you will drive the advancement of the ‘ Regionalisation Ambition’ and therefore the interests of the almost 9.6 million regional Australians, through the formulation of smart, evidence-based contributions to key policy debates Reporting to the Director of External Affairs key role, this position is the ideal opportunity for an experienced, well-networked policy and advocacy professional looking to take the next step in their career and to inject regional Australia’s perspective in the big contemporary national discussions including housing; jobs and skills; migration and energy transition.

Key responsibilities:

• Respond to state and federal parliamentary inquiries and consultations with submissions and other input.
• Develop Budget submissions and election policy manifestos.
• Support the RAI Research team in developing policy positions based on RAI research and which advance the targets within the Regionalisation Ambition.
• Support the RAI’s engagement with the Federal and state Governments, to advance awareness and understanding of the work of the RAI, particularly the Regionalisation Ambition 2032.
• Play an integral role in positioning RAI as Australia’s preeminent research and policy body for regional Australia.
• Be part of a small team developing productive relationships with Ministers, Shadow Ministers, MPs and the leadership of Government departments and agencies that interest with regional Australia.
• Coordinate RAI representation to key government committees and other forums.
• Work with the team to identify and leverage RAI media opportunities around Government policy issues.
• Identify opportunities for joint advocacy with members &/or peak bodies on issues of most importance to regional Australia, particularly in relation to our National Alliance for Regionalisation.
• Assist to be a conduit between regional policy issues and RAI members.
• Ensure the CEO and Leadership team are informed of issues of policy and investment of relevance to regional Australia.
• Identify future opportunities for the RAI and Government collaboration.

Required skills and experience:

• Robust demonstrated understanding of parliamentary process.
• Minimum five years’ experience in developing submissions and policy manifestos.
• Strong government and advocacy networks.
• Highly developed analytical and writing skills.
• Experience in coordinating and hosting parliamentary delegations.
• Demonstrated experience in managing internal and external stakeholders.

Personal attributes:

• Strong interest in policy, politics and current affairs.
• Confident communicator.
• A self-starter with initiative.
• Excellent attention to detail.
• Ability to work autonomously and as part of a team.
• A positive contributor to team culture.
• Ideally, a lived insight into the opportunities and challenges for regional Australia and a passion for its more equitable, more prosperous and more sustainable future

If you’d like to discuss this role, please make an appointment via [email protected]  

About the Regional Australia Institute

The Regional Australia Institute (RAI) is an independent, not-for-profit think tank that is in transition as we look to the next decade and beyond.  

We are looking for an energetic and detailed focussed Events Co-ordinator to join our team, who is not only passionate about their role but has a good understanding of Regional Australia. If you have a good eye for detail, can manage multiple projects and have experience in the events industry, we would love to hear from you. 

We are delivering on our long-term strategy to link research, policy and activation. Our work uses practical research to provide the thought leadership and knowledge that we need to enact change through meaningful engagement. 

The Position

We have an exciting opportunity for a passionate, well-organised Events Co-ordinator to join our team!  

The Events Co-ordinator will report to the Director of Brand and Strategy.

Key responsibilities include:

• To help deliver and implement the communications objectives of the RAI. 
• Assist to co-ordinate, curate and deliver all RAI Regions Rising events including the National Summit in Canberra (September 2023). 
• Provide support and coordination in relation to internal and external communication products including, social media content, website content, and monthly newsletters. 
• Oversee the delivery of key RAI external events including the Policy Forum, national workshops and RAI webinars. 
• Project manage RAI internal events. 

Qualification and Experience:

• Tertiary qualification in Events, Marketing, Public Relations, or Communications. 
• High level communication skills both written and verbal. 
• Minimum of 2 years’ experience in a similar role. 
• Solid understanding of the geography and issues affecting Regional Australia. 
• Ability and proven record of working in remote teams. 

If you’d like to discuss this role, please make an appointment via [email protected]  

All applicants should send an introductory email to [email protected], as well as submitting CV.