Head of Engagement and Sector Development
17 November 2025
Organisation: ACT Council of Social Service
Description
- Apply your experience in advocacy and stakeholder engagement to improve the lives of people living on low-incomes or experiencing disadvantage.
- The Head of Engagement and Sector Development leads advocacy regarding community sector policy and builds relationships to position ACTCOSS to maximise its influence on the sector and ACT Government. The role also develops and manages training opportunities for our members.
- Friendly and flexible working environment, with above award pay and conditions including additional leave entitlements, portable long service leave and free onsite parking.
- The position is classified under the SCHADS award as level 8, with access to annual increments.
- ACTCOSS pays above award wages at this level according to the ACT Community Sector Multiple Enterprise Agreement. The current fulltime annual wage is $130,761 plus 12% superannuation.
The opportunity
As the peak body for the community sector in the ACT, ACTCOSS has unparalleled access to decision-makers in Government and in the community sector itself. This role provides the candidate with a chance to have a voice that is heard by Government and the opportunity to make a genuine difference in the ACT community.
The Head of Engagement and Sector Development helps lead ACTCOSS as part of the executive team, reports to the CEO, and is responsible for leading a small team and the day-to-day management of the engagement and sector development work of ACTCOSS. The role leads advocacy regarding community sector policy that affects the ACT community sector’s operating environment. Issues include funding, regulation and workforce.
The Head of Engagement and Sector Development is responsible for identifying opportunities, including emerging capability and sector development needs and challenges. The role facilitates appropriate support for the sector (including workshops, networks and resources). The role oversights ongoing management of the ACT Careers Gateway website and associated work.
The person in the role creates and leads coalitions, strengthening partnerships with ACTCOSS members and Government.
The role is responsible for developing and executing strategy, including contributing to organisational and sector-wide strategy, as well as leading the formulation and execution of operational strategies.
Further details of the specific responsibilities and tasks of the role can be found in the attached Position Description (below).
ACTCOSS is an equal opportunity employer, and we welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds and life experiences. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are especially encouraged to apply.
About ACTCOSS
The ACT Council of Social Service (ACTCOSS) is the peak representative body for the social and community service sector and people living with disadvantage and inequality in the ACT.
ACTCOSS works to ensure that government policy improves the lives of people who face disadvantage and that community service organisations are adequately resourced and supported ACTCOSS is a member of the nationwide COSS network, made up of each state and territory COSS and our national body, the Australian Council of Social Service (ACOSS).
ACTCOSS is uniquely positioned to enhance coordination in the ACT community sector to achieve better outcomes for the sector and the people it serves.
Remuneration
ACTCOSS has above-award pay and conditions as part of the ACT Community Sector Multiple Enterprise Agreement (MEA).
- The position is classified under the SCHADS award as level 8, pay point 1 (with access to increments)
- The current fulltime annual wage is $130,761 plus 12% superannuation.
The successful applicant must have the right to live and work in Australia.
Contact
To apply
If you want to discuss the role, or find out more before you apply, please phone 0413 435 080 or email [email protected]. We would love to hear from you.
Applications are to be emailed to [email protected] and should include a current CV and a 2-page covering letter which addresses the essential selection criteria outlined in the position description. If you have additional skills or qualifications listed as ‘highly regarded’, or you believe are relevant to the role, please include these as well.
All enquiries and applications for this position will be treated confidentially, and information collected held in accordance with our ACTCOSS Privacy Policy.
Position Description
To download the position description, please click the link: ACTCOSS – Head of Engagement and Sector Development
More information