Role: Policy and Research Officer

Location: Flexible location | Hybrid options available

Employment Type: Full-time, Permanent

Turn evidence into action – influence national policy, research and advocacy!

We’re Goodstart – a not-for-profit with a vision for Australia’s children to have the best possible start in life.

Our Role:

As our Policy and Research Officer, you will report to the Head of Social Policy (National) and play a key role in shaping Goodstart’s evidence-based advocacy and influence activities. You will lead and support high-impact initiatives such as policy development and advice research partnerships, and strategic analysis. This role will leverage your strong writing and data analysis skills to inform policy submissions, briefs and discussion papers, helping to reinforce Goodstart’s reputation as a trusted voice and partner in early childhood education and care.

In this role, you will:

• Analyse, interpret and synthesise information and data related to all areas of social policy that impact children and families, with a focus on early childhood education
• Draft high-quality policy submissions, discussion papers and responses to government consultation, using your strong writing skills to present evidence-based recommendations on early childhood education, funding, service delivery and reform
• Lead the governance of research projects, including reviewing university proposals and coordinating projects in alignment with Goodstart’s Research Management Framework
• Build and maintain strong relationships with government officials, university partners and sector stakeholders, representing Goodstart in relevant forums, meetings and working groups

What Goodstart can offer you:

• Flexible work arrangements giving you choice about when and how work will be done in order to better manage your work and non-work needs
• Not-For-Profit Salary Packaging benefits which reduce your taxable income to increase take home pay
• Access to discounted childcare (up to 15%)
• Fitness Passport - access to gyms and pools for you and your family at a heavily discounted price
• Discounted health care and access to employee wellbeing program with BUPA
• Exclusive discounts on travel, gym memberships, Apple and Dell products, and more.
• Free annual flu shot (optional)
• Option to purchase extra leave for even greater work life balance  
• First Nations Support and Cultural Leave
• Work for a company that has an aspiration to be globally recognised for early years practice and learning outcomes
• Gain significant investment in your growth and development with support, tools, training and experiences that will truly enhance the progress and outcomes for children in their earliest years.

You’ll bring:

• Tertiary qualifications in social policy, public policy or a related field
• Minimum 3 years’ experience in strategic, policy development, government relations, consulting, or research environments
• Demonstrated experience in leading project management or governance, especially in research or policy initiatives
• Exceptional written communication skills, with proven experience preparing high-quality policy papers, submissions or advocacy materials
• Highly developed interpersonal and stakeholder engagement skills
• Excellent research and data analysis skills (tools like Power BI or similar are highly regarded) to interpret complex data sets and generate actionable insights
• Understanding of the social and political landscape affecting ECEC at the national level
• (Desirable) Experience working in or with government agencies or a university context

• Valid Working with Children Check and National Police Check

How to apply

Click ‘Apply Now’ and submit a current resume and a cover letter (max 2 pages) outlining how your skills and experiences make you a strong candidate for this role.

We review applications as they are submitted. We encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible for your best chance to progress to the next stage of the process. At Goodstart we are deeply committed to Reconciliation and encourage Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people to apply.  For further information and support email deadlycareers@goodstart.org.au

Have a question? Contact our Talent Acquisition Partner - Vinisha via email vkundoorvala@goodstart.org.au

If you are a placement agency or external recruiter, please refrain from submitting resumes to Goodstart unless you have a signed staffing agency agreement with us. Goodstart will not be responsible for or pay any placement fees for candidates submitted by agencies that are not approved suppliers. Any resumes received from agencies or external recruiters without an agreement will be reviewed by Goodstart and may be shared with our internal recruiting team for their reference.

Supporting our people and protecting our children

We’re an equal opportunity employer that is proud of our inclusive and diverse work environment. We know that Goodstarters from diverse cultures, backgrounds and experiences strengthen our teams and help us grow. We’re also deeply committed to Reconciliation and creating an environment where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People feel a strong sense of belonging and connection.

Safety is our priority and we will take any action necessary to ensure that all children can feel safe and be safe, and are safeguarded from abuse, neglect and harm. As a Child Safe Organisation, all of our candidates must have or obtain a valid working with children check.