Job Description Position Title Senior Government Engagement and Strategic Growth Advisor Location Flexible / Australia-wide Employment Type Consulting for up to 12 weeks Pay Rate Between $200 and $230/hr plus superannuation About the Role Our client is seeking a highly experienced senior executive with an extensive Australian Government background and established relationships across Commonwealth Departments and agencies. This role will play a critical part in supporting the organisation's growth strategy by facilitating high-level government engagement, identifying strategic opportunities, assisting with grant funding initiatives and supporting export market development. The successful candidate will leverage their deep understanding of government processes, decision-making frameworks and stakeholder networks to create opportunities for the organisation to engage effectively with government agencies and programs. This position would ideally suit a former Senior Executive Service (SES) Band 1, 2 or 3 officer with significant experience operating at the most senior levels of the Australian Public Service. Key Responsibilities Government Engagement and Stakeholder Relations Develop and maintain strategic relationships across Commonwealth Departments, agencies and government stakeholders. Facilitate introductions and engagement opportunities between the organisation and key government decision-makers. Identify emerging government priorities, policy initiatives and procurement opportunities relevant to the organisation. Provide strategic advice on navigating government processes, governance frameworks and stakeholder engagement approaches. Represent the organisation in meetings, forums and discussions with senior government officials and industry stakeholders. Assist the executive team in positioning the organisation as a trusted partner to government. Strategic Business Development Identify opportunities for collaboration, partnerships and growth within government and related sectors. Support the development and execution of market expansion strategies. Provide advice regarding government procurement pathways, funding opportunities and strategic engagement activities. Monitor policy developments and assess potential impacts and opportunities for the business. Grants and Funding Identify suitable Commonwealth, State and international grant opportunities. Lead the preparation, review and submission of grant applications. Develop compelling funding proposals, business cases and supporting documentation. Liaise with funding bodies and relevant stakeholders throughout application and assessment processes. Provide advice regarding grant compliance, reporting requirements and funding obligations. Export Development and Austrade Engagement Assist the organisation in identifying and pursuing international growth opportunities. Work closely with Austrade and other relevant Government agencies to support export initiatives. Provide strategic advice on export market entry, trade development programs and government export assistance schemes. Facilitate engagement with international stakeholders, trade missions and industry programs. Support the development of export strategies aligned with the organisation's commercial objectives. Strategic Advice Provide high-level advice to the executive leadership team on government relations, public sector engagement and growth opportunities. Prepare executive briefings, strategic papers, stakeholder maps and engagement plans. Contribute to organisational planning and business growth initiatives. Essential Requirements Previous experience as a Senior Executive Service (SES) officer within the Australian Government, preferably at SES Band 1, SES Band 2 or SES Band 3 level. Extensive understanding of Australian Government structures, processes, decision-making and stakeholder environments. Demonstrated ability to build and maintain influential relationships with senior government officials and executives. Proven experience facilitating strategic engagement between government and private sector organisations. Strong knowledge of Commonwealth grant programs, funding mechanisms and application processes. Demonstrated experience preparing successful grant applications and funding submissions. Experience supporting export development activities and engagement with Austrade and related organisations. Exceptional stakeholder management, communication and negotiation skills. Strong commercial acumen and strategic thinking capability. Ability to operate with a high degree of professionalism, discretion and integrity. Desirable Requirements Experience working in both government and private sector environments. Existing networks across key Commonwealth departments and agencies. Experience in international trade, export development or market expansion initiatives. Experience working with boards, CEOs and executive leadership teams. Understanding of government procurement and tender processes. Key Competencies Strategic Relationship Management Government and Public Sector Expertise Business Development Stakeholder Engagement Grant and Funding Management Export Development Executive Communication Commercial Awareness Influencing and Negotiation Strategic Planning Success Measures The successful candidate will: Establish and strengthen strategic government relationships for the organisation. Generate meaningful engagement opportunities with relevant government stakeholders. Improve access to government programs, initiatives and funding opportunities. Increase the organisation's success in securing grant funding. Support growth in export opportunities and engagement with Austrade. Contribute directly to the organisation's business growth and strategic objectives.
