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Explore what a career at McKinnon could look like
At McKinnon we are driven by curiosity and a desire to bring diverse perspectives together to create meaningful debate. We have the courage to make bold decisions and are driven by the urgency that meaningful work requires. We exist to make impact that matters, to empower better governments for a stronger Australia.
If you're driven by the same vision and ready to make a difference, you’ll thrive here.
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WHY CHOOSE MCKINNON
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Working at McKinnon means you can meaningfully contribute to empowering better governments for a stronger Australia.
Alongside a passionate team you can improve political leadership, public sector productivity, trust in democratic institutions and shape the future direction of policy.
If you enjoy challenging and fulfilling work that contributes to advancing the lives of Australians and thrive on working with inspirational and influential stakeholders, we would love to talk with you.
Current Opportunities
McKinnon is seeking a Policy Lead, Democracy to lead across a portfolio of up to three Democracy Counts campaign themes. The Policy Lead will have responsibility for policy development, project planning, content development, procurement support, and coordination across policy, advocacy, communications activities.
A resilient and vibrant democracy requires constant vigilance, engagement and renewal. With declining trust in institutions, global disruptions, and youth disengagement, supporting and strengthening our democratic foundations has become critical for Australia’s future.
This new role will support the Campaign Director and team to ensure strategic alignment between McKinnon’s democracy programs, stakeholder engagement, and organisational goals.
Program Design & Delivery
Plan and deliver projects under McKinnon’s democracy initiatives.
Lead McKinnon’s work in policy development across up to three campaign themes, supporting consideration by and leading engagement with the Democracy Counts Policy Council and Committees and providing policy rapid response, campaign content generation, and project management of advocacy materials.
Manage timelines, budgets, and deliverables across multiple campaign themes.
Coordinate project plans and support consistent delivery against strategic priorities.
Research, Content & Policy Support
Support the development of communications and advocacy products, including briefings, speaking notes, media responses, media releases, op-eds, reports, and submissions.
Commission and review research to inform program strategies and campaigns.
Translate complex policy ideas into outputs for public and partner audiences.
Stakeholder & Partner Coordination
Build effective relationships with campaign partners, Policy Council and Committee members, suppliers, and government or sector stakeholders.
Prepare materials and reports for partner updates, governance meetings, and MLT or Board briefings.
Contribute to the planning of Campaign Partner Meetings and Democracy forums.
Tertiary qualifications in project management, communications, public policy or a related field.
Proven experience in program or project management within policy, advocacy, or research environments.
Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and stakeholders simultaneously.
Experience supporting public policy or democracy-related initiatives.
Experience with procurement and contract management.
Strong analytical, research, and writing skills.
Excellent organisational and planning capability.
Understanding of political, policy, and public communication environments.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office and project tools.
Alignment with McKinnon’s values and purpose.
At McKinnon, we provide:
Meaningful Impact. McKinnon is purpose-driven: working with us means you can contribute to shaping the future direction of governments and policy in Australia.
Collaborative Environment. Work alongside a team driven by curiosity and a desire to foster meaningful debate and diverse perspectives. Our team is energetic and supportive and our work is fast-paced, intellectually stimulating and deeply fulfilling.
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 enjoy challenging and fulfilling work that contributes to advancing the lives of Australians and thrive on working with inspirational and influential stakeholders, if you’re driven by the same vision and ready to make a difference, you’ll thrive here.
Applications via Linked In. Please send any enquiries to [email protected]. Applications close 27 April 2026.
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.
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:
An analytical thinker and problem-solver with sharp attention to detail and focus on program delivery.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.
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.
To apply, please email [email protected] with:
Your CV
A short cover letter outlining:
Describe what your ideal role looks like
Your motivation for working at McKinnon
Any particular program area/s you’re interested in
Skills and/or experience that you can bring across our work programs
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.
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.
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