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At the centre of Australia’s renewable energy transformation.


 

About the Position


 

The Director, Government Relations will deliver strategies and initiatives aimed at building and maintaining ARENA’s reputation with parliamentary and other government stakeholders. The position requires significant stakeholder engagement skills and strong background and experience in strategic policy coordination, parliamentary and ministerial liaison. The ideal candidate will be required to actively engage and build relationships with a wide range of senior stakeholders, both internally and externally to ARENA to ensure ARENA maintains its reputation as a key delivery agency for the Federal Government to accelerate the energy transition. The Director will operate with a high degree of autonomy in a small, connected team, so excellent judgment and communication skills are essential, along with the ability to build and maintain high trust relationships internally and externally.


 

Join our purpose-driven team where innovation thrives and your work matters. With a values-driven culture built on knowledge sharing and impact, we offer an advancing environment where you can grow your skills and expand your expertise in the renewable energy sector to make a lasting positive impact.


 

Responsibilities


 

  • Provide high level strategic advice to the General Manager, Government & International Relations, as well as the ARENA Senior Leadership Team and other leaders to inform ARENA’s engagement with federal, state and territory governments, ministers and parliamentarians.
  • Review and iterate an ongoing government relations strategy that encompasses Ministerial and Executive liaison, engagement with Commonwealth Parliamentarians including backbench and crossbench MPs and engagement with State and Territories Ministers and parliamentarians.
  • Work with the Manager, Government Relations to develop and enact a specific State and Territory GovRel strategy.
  • Coordinate regular engagement between ARENA’s CEO and Chair and the portfolio Ministers and their offices.
  • Coordinate a programme of regular State and Territory engagement with key stakeholders for ARENA such as the State Ministers, their offices and their Departments.
  • Be responsible for the preparation of correspondence, briefs and reports including submissions and documents for senior leadership and various committee considerations.
  • As part of the GovRel team, prepare ARENA witnesses for Senate Estimates appearances.
  • Role model high integrity, leadership behaviours, values-based management and encourage these in others.
  • As a senior team member, contribute to a high performing and close-knitted culture within the team, and provide support for the development of capability in others.
  • To support good coordination and a joined-up approach, work closely and collaboratively with internal stakeholders who also engage with Ministers and Departments, including the Media and Communications team, department liaison, technology leads and directors.

What are we looking for


 

  • Experience working in a political environment which could include, adviser to a minister or senior parliamentarian, in government or in a government relations, public policy or advocacy role would be highly regarded.
  • Ability to network, build and maintain an intimate understanding of political party dynamics as well as the machinery of government using strong stakeholder management and interpersonal skills.
  • Political acumen and experience with issues management in a sensitive and high-profile operating environment.
  • Proven ability to quickly and clearly synthesise and articulate complex issues.
  • Strong project and account management skills with the ability to establish clear priorities quickly, meet deadlines and drive projects and initiatives to completion.
  • Ideally, experience relating to Federal Government
  • Preferred, but not mandatory tertiary qualifications include but are not limited to:
    • Political Science
    • Public Policy
    • International Relations
    • Economics
    • Energy or Renewable Energy related, including Environmental, Sustainability, or Energy Policy
  • Knowledge and experience working in the energy sector or climate change policy, as well as First Nations policy and international relations, is considered advantageous, but not essential.

How to apply


 

Download and read the Position Description - Government Relations Director.docx


 

You may include a short (no more than one page) cover letter addressing your suitability for the role.


 

Please apply with your CV by 29 January 2026 5:00PM AEST.


 

Depending on volume of applications the closing date is subject to change without notice.


 

Why us 


 

At ARENA, we are committed to providing an inclusive culture so our employees can bring their whole selves to work and have a sense of belonging. You don’t need to be an expert in renewable energy or energy markets, but a keen interest in advancing an ambitious energy and climate agenda will be helpful.


 

 In addition to the above:


 

  • We have Flexible working arrangements
  • You will have front row tickets to leading edge technology in the sector
  • Work in an impactful and evolving environment 
  • Be part of a team that collaborates and makes a difference 
  • Invest in your career and your future

 We encourage applications from diverse backgrounds and experiences. We strongly believe that diversity of experience, perspectives, and background will lead to a better environment for our workers and better outcomes for Australia.