CAREERS

At McKinnon, our Program Managers sit at the heart of our work. They deliver complex programs that create tangible impact across Australia’s most pressing challenges in public administration and politics. Program Managers deliver our programs, manage key relationships, and help drive the change we exist to make.

Who we’re looking for

We’re seeking experienced generalists with a policy focus — people who have led complex programs and want to broaden their skills and experience. You’ll be:

• A persuasive communicator who engages senior stakeholders with confidence.

• A natural collaborator, inquisitive, creative, and agile.

• Grounded, with integrity, maturity, and the drive to deliver real-world outcomes.

Your background might include management consulting, public service, ministerial advising, not-for-profit, or a combination of these. You’ll bring subject matter expertise in one or more of our program areas or a toolkit that spans our delivery priorities and a readiness to step into a high-impact generalist role.

We have offices in Melbourne and Sydney and will accept applications for either location.

What we can offer you

• Interesting work – Exposure to diverse projects at the intersection of government, policy, and politics.

• People – Work alongside passionate, visionary, and experienced colleagues and within a broad stakeholder network.

Application process

To apply, please email [email protected] with:

• Your CV

• A short cover letter outlining:
  
  

1. Describe what your ideal role looks like

2. Your motivation for working at McKinnon

3. Any particular program area/s you’re interested in

4. Skills and/or experience that you can bring across our work programs

5. Your salary expectations

Already applied in 2025? If you’ve applied for a role with us this year, you don’t need to resubmit your application. Instead, please write to us at [email protected] answering the cover letter questions above.

Additional details

• This is an open-ended process with no closing date. Applications will be assessed as they are received.

• Given the large number of applications expected, we will only contact those we invite to interview.

• In early 2026, we will also launch a graduate and internship program EOI.

Job Location: Melbourne or Sydney 
Reports to: Executive Director Democracy & Engagement 
Role Type: full-time, permanent 

McKinnon is seeking a bold and strategic Democracy Campaign Director to lead national initiatives that strengthen trust, participation, and integrity in Australian democracy. 

This is a rare opportunity to lead the design and delivery of high-impact campaigns that inspire civic engagement, counter misinformation, and build confidence in the democratic process. As a key part of McKinnon’s Democracy Program, you will play a central role in shaping the national conversation on democratic reform — from institutional integrity to informed public debate. 

Working alongside McKinnon’s senior leadership, communications specialists, and campaign partners, you will combine creativity, data-driven strategy, and deep political insight to turn complex ideas into clear, evidence-based public campaigns that drive real-world change. 

Responsibilities 

In this role, you will: 

• Lead Campaigns and Initiatives: Design and deliver national campaigns that strengthen democratic engagement, shape public understanding, and drive reform.

• Engage with Stakeholders and Partners: Build trusted relationships with government, media, and civil society partners to amplify impact and foster collaboration. 

• Translate Research and Insights: Commission, interpret, and apply polling and behavioural insights to inform campaign strategy and messaging.

• Develop Strategic Communications: Oversee creation of content and narratives that convey complex ideas clearly and build public trust in democracy. 

• Manage Delivery and Resources: Oversee budgets, contracts, agencies, and timelines to ensure high-quality, evidence-based campaign execution. 

• Lead and Develop a Team: Provide strategic direction and mentoring to campaign and engagement staff, fostering a culture of creativity, curiosity, and impact.  

Who We’re Looking For 

The ideal candidate will possess: 

• Educational Background: Tertiary qualification in communications, political science, public policy, or a related field (or equivalent experience). 
   

• Professional Experience: significant experience leading large-scale, multi-channel public campaigns, ideally focused on social change, democracy, or public policy. With a strong record of providing strategic communications advice to senior stakeholders, you excel at translating research and evidence into clear, compelling public narratives. You have successfully managed teams, partners, and suppliers to deliver complex, high-impact outcomes that drive measurable influence and engagement. 
   

• Personal Attributes: Alignment with McKinnon’s values—be bold, be curious, be courageous, and make it matter. A creative and courageous communicator with sound political judgment. 

What We Offer 

At McKinnon, we provide: 

• Meaningful Impact: Work with purpose on initiatives that directly contribute to improving education outcomes for young Australians. 
  
  

• Collaborative Environment: Join a high-performing team that thrives on curiosity, collaboration and diverse perspectives. 
  
  

• Professional Growth: Engage in challenging projects that offer personal and professional development opportunities. This role is for a highly motivated individual who is searching for their next opportunity to make real impact.
   

If you are motivated by the opportunity to make a tangible difference in education and enjoy working at the intersection of research, policy and practice, you will thrive here. 

Application Process 

If you’re ready to lead campaigns that make a real difference and possess the skills and experience outlined above, we invite you to apply for this role by 30 November 2025. 

Please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your suitability for the position, motivation for this role and your salary expectations to [email protected] 

McKinnon is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.