At Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools Ltd (MACS) we envision every student to be inspired and enabled to flourish and enrich the world. MACS is the largest Catholic school system in Australia. We own, govern and operate approximately 300 Catholic schools, employ over 17,000 staff and serve more than 118,000 students and their families in the Archdiocese of Melbourne. It is an exciting time to join MACS, where we are transforming to bring to life our recently launched strategic plan: MACS 2030: Forming Lives to Enrich the World . It is an exciting time to join MACS, where we are transforming to bring to life our strategic plan - MACS 2030: Forming Lives to Enrich the World that will help all MACS staff come together to make the most of what a Catholic education has to offer so that we have the greatest and most distinctive impact in our classrooms, staffrooms and schools communities. More details on the MACS strategy can be found here . WHY WORK FOR US? Professional development opportunities with a defined personalised annual budget Access to flexible working arrangements, which include working from home arrangements You will work in a tight-knit, supportive team to ensure you succeed in your role Employee Assistant Program (EAP) supported by Mental Health First Aiders in the workplace, providing a safe and caring environment to our staff and students The MACS Code of Conduct (the Code) embodies our collective commitment to fostering a positive and supportive work environment that prioritises the health, safety and wellbeing of everyone, inspired by our Catholic faith. We ask that all staff read and understand the Code and model the behaviours that are expected of us. Job Description YOUR ROLE The Policy and Advocacy Manager will play a pivotal role in shaping and advancing the strategic policy agenda of Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools (MACS). This role directly supports the delivery of our MACS 2030 Strategic Plan, which outlines our vision and priorities for Catholic education across the Archdiocese of Melbourne. Reporting directly to the Executive Director’s Chief of Staff, you will lead the development of education policy and drive advocacy initiatives that align with our mission and values. You will engage with a diverse range of internal and external stakeholders—including government bodies, educational institutions, and Church partners—to influence education policy at the state, national, and global levels. WHAT YOU WILL DO Provide strategic advice and insights to our senior leadership teams on policy trends and developments, and the implications for MACS and Catholic education. Develop and manage advocacy initiatives on behalf of MACS including preparing responses to parliamentary inquiries, government inquiries/reviews, legislative developments and issues relevant to MACS’ strategic priorities. Represent MACS in consultation forums and working groups to advocate and contribute to collaborative policy development supporting Catholic education, including owning internal policy development activities. Prepare and input into high-quality briefing papers, reports, speeches, and correspondence for the Executive Director and other senior leaders. Work closely with School Principals and teams across MACS including Compliance, Legal, Communications, School Improvement, and Catholic Mission and Identity to align advocacy efforts. Prepare and provide content for public consumption, including school circulars, media releases, website, and social media content. Leading a team. ABOUT YOU Demonstrated 5 years plus experience in policy development gained from within government relations, public policy or advocacy roles, preferably in education or the public sector. Detailed understanding of the current political environment affecting Catholic and non-government education in Victoria and Australia. Formidable analytical and problem-solving skills with the capacity to interpret complex policy requirements and tailor strategic advice to different audiences. Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to prepare persuasive policy documents and briefings while clearly articulating Catholic education’s value proposition and mission. Outstanding interpersonal skills with the ability to influence and collaborate with a wide range of stakeholders. Adaptability and flexibility to operate during a period of change and adjust quickly to competing priorities. Previous experience working within or alongside Catholic or faith-based organisations preferable but not essential. HOW TO APPLY Please refer to the position description for further details about the role and the Key Selection Criteria. Click APPLY to submit your application. If you have any queries about this role, they can be directed to our HR team by email recruitment@macs.vic.edu.au You will need to provide: 1. An up to-date Resume and 2. A cover letter addressing the Key Selection Criteria, limited to two pages Note: MACS is committed to the safety, wellbeing and protection of all children in our care. The successful candidate must hold or acquire and maintain a Victorian Institute of Teaching (VIT) and/or Working with Children Check and must be willing to obtain and maintain a National Criminal History Check. Candidates must hold full Australian Working Rights and provide evidence of this. Privacy Collection Notice – Job Applicants MACS collects your Personal information to assess your application and suitability for employment. By submitting your Personal information, you consent to the use and disclosure of your Personal information for the purpose of being considered for employment at MACS. Applicants can withdraw their applications at any time during the recruitment process For further details, please see the full Privacy Collection Notice here APPLICATIONS CLOSE : 4.00pm Tuesday, 30 September 2025
