Policy and Corporate Services Lead - Australian Institute of Architects

About Us

The Australian Institute of Architects is the leading body for architectural professionals in Australia, representing over 14,000 members who share our mission to elevate the built environment through sustainable and responsible design.

We are a values and purpose-driven organisation committed to advancing the architectural profession and improving Australia's built environment.

About The Role

This is a genuine development opportunity into a senior 2IC position, supporting the Executive Leader NSW to run one of our largest and most complex state operations.

You'll be the person who makes things happen - leading strategic projects, driving policy and advocacy work, managing critical stakeholder relationships, and stepping up when the Executive Leader is unavailable.

This role sits at the intersection of policy, governance and delivery, requiring someone who can think strategically while getting things done.

This is a permanent position based in Potts Point, Sydney with hybrid working options.

What You’ll Do:

Strategic policy and advocacy support

• Support the Executive Leader with policy submissions, briefing papers and advocacy initiatives
  
• Prepare materials for government engagement and industry consultations
  
• Represent the Institute in discussions with government agencies and industry bodies
  
• Lead strategic projects that advance our policy and advocacy agenda
  
• Coordinate responses to planning reforms, regulatory changes and industry issues
  

Governance and administration

• Support Chapter Council and committee effectiveness through coordination and planning
  
• Prepare governance documentation including reports, papers and meeting materials
  
• Ensure compliance with governance requirements and regulatory reporting
  
• Coordinate committee schedules and member communication
  
• Manage governance documentation systems and information management processes
  

Stakeholder and partnership management

• Build and maintain relationships with government officials, industry leaders and corporate partners
  
• Manage existing partnerships with architecture-adjacent organisations
  
• Identify and develop new partnership opportunities working with the Executive Leader
  
• Coordinate member engagement activities and strengthen member connections across NSW
  

Operational leadership

• Act as 2IC to the Executive Leader, managing operations in their absence
  
• Oversee day-to-day chapter operations including budget monitoring and resource management
  
• Support member services and complaint resolution
  
• Coordinate program delivery across the chapter
  

What you'll bring

Essential

• Experience in governance, committee administration, policy development and/or advocacy
  
• Proven project management and coordination experience
  
• Strong stakeholder management and relationship building skills
  
• Ability to work effectively in a matrix environment, influencing colleagues who don't report to you
  
• Excellent prioritisation and time management skills
  
• Ability to work independently and step up when needed
  
• Switched-on, proactive approach with initiative and drive
  

Highly valued

• Experience in membership organisations or professional associations (strongly preferred)
  
• Government relations or public affairs experience
  
• Experience supporting executive leadership or board-level governance
  
• Tertiary qualifications in public administration, business, law, related field or equivalent experience
  

Why work with us?

• Clear development pathway into leadership roles
  
• Direct exposure to executive decision-making and high-level stakeholder engagement
  
• Opportunity to shape the success of one of Australia's largest state architecture chapters
  
• Hybrid working with genuine work-life balance (2-3 days in office)
  
• Collaborative, forward-thinking workplace that values initiative and innovation
  

Next Steps

Apply today! For more information please email HR@architecture.com.au

The Australian Institute of Architects is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

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