Manager – Policy & Advocacy Projects

Location: Canberra based only
Employment type: Full time, permanent
Organisation: Australasian Railway Association

Please note: This is a Canberra-based role. Applications from interstate or international candidates will not be considered.

About the Australasian Railway Association (ARA)
The Australasian Railway Association (ARA) is the peak body for the rail sector in Australia and New Zealand. We represent 240 member organisations across passenger, freight, infrastructure, contracting, manufacturing, supply and consulting.

We are a small, collaborative and highly engaged team with a clear purpose: to support, advocate for and champion a thriving, sustainable and connected rail industry.

At the ARA, we value being members first, keeping our eyes on the horizon, and being fun and focused in the way we work together.

About the role
The ARA is seeking a Manager – Policy & Advocacy Projects to join our Policy Team and contribute to the delivery of important policy, advocacy and strategic project priorities for the rail sector across Australia and New Zealand.

Reporting to the General Manager – Infrastructure Investment and Government Engagement, this role will provide research, policy, project coordination and stakeholder engagement support across a diverse range of priority areas, including rail sector investment, accessibility, government and parliamentary monitoring.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys working across complex policy issues, building strong relationships and translating ideas, research and stakeholder input into clear, practical and high-quality materials that support the ARA’s advocacy agenda.

What you will do
In this role, you will:

• Support advocacy projects that promote priority rail investment opportunities across Australia and New Zealand.
• Undertake research and prepare evidence-based materials to support ARA’s policy advocacy including in submissions, briefings and stakeholder engagement.
• Draft and coordinate briefing notes, fact sheets, correspondence, submissions, presentations and other advocacy and policy materials.
• Lead the ARA’s work on accessibility in rail, including committee coordination, stakeholder engagement and policy development.
• Monitor relevant government, parliamentary, policy, infrastructure and industry developments and prepare timely summaries and updates where required.
• Coordinate project plans, stakeholder lists, engagement schedules, meeting materials, actions and follow-up activities in support of our advocacy
• Work collaboratively with ARA members, internal teams, consultants, government agencies and other stakeholders to gather information and support agreed activities.

About you
You are a proactive and collaborative policy professional who enjoys working in a busy, purpose-driven and issues rich environment. You are confident getting across complex issues quickly, engaging with a range of stakeholders and preparing clear, accurate and practical written materials to advance an organisation’s viewpoint.

You will bring strong research, writing, organisational and stakeholder engagement skills, together with sound judgement, initiative and a commitment to high-quality work.

To be successful in this role, you will have:

• At least three years’ experience in a policy, government relations, stakeholder engagement, project coordination or similar role.
• Relevant tertiary qualifications in public policy, politics, communications, public administration, social sciences, law, arts or another relevant discipline, or equivalent professional experience.
• A sound understanding of government, parliamentary and public policy processes.
• Strong written communication skills, including the ability to prepare clear briefing notes, correspondence, submissions, presentations and stakeholder materials.
• Strong research and analytical skills, with the ability to synthesise complex information and translate it into practical advice.
• Excellent organisational skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities, maintain documentation and meet deadlines.
• A collaborative working style and the confidence to build constructive relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Strong attention to detail and proficiency using Microsoft Office and contemporary workplace collaboration tools.

Why join us?
This is an opportunity to contribute to meaningful national policy and advocacy work within a collaborative, supportive and high-performing team. You will help shape the future of rail across Australia and New Zealand while working with members, government and industry stakeholders on issues that matter.

For Canberra-based team members, the ARA offers a collaborative office environment with Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday as key office days, paid Canberra Airport parking, weekly team lunch on Wednesdays and regular opportunities to connect with colleagues across the organisation.

How to apply
Please submit your resume and a cover letter of no more than two pages outlining your interest in the role and the experience you would bring to the ARA by COB 7 October 2026 to Attention General Manager Advocacy at employment@ara.net.au

Applications will be reviewed as they are received.

Please note that feedback will only be provided to candidates who are interviewed and not successful by request.