_{24th February, 2026}

Manager External Affairs - Vic - Wildlife Victoria

Permanent role | Full-time (38 hours) | Abbotsford (Abbotsford Convent)

• Strategic government and advocacy role
• Drive measurable and impactful funding and legislative outcomes
• Build influence and reputation for one of Victoria's most trusted wildlife organisations

The Organisation
Wildlife Victoria is a respected not-for-profit organisation that has supported the Victorian community with a Wildlife Emergency Response service since 1989. With around 70 staff and more than 1,500 volunteers, Wildlife Victoria responds to over 180,000 calls for assistance each year, helping more than 110,000 native animals.
 
The organisation relies on a statewide network of rescue and transport volunteers, carers, veterinarians, and community partners.  Wildlife Victoria also plays an active role in advocacy, education, and community engagement to improve outcomes for wildlife across Victoria.
 
The Role
This role is responsible for developing and delivering Wildlife Victoria's government relations, stakeholder engagement and advocacy strategy, in consultation with the CEO.

This position is suited to a capable and mature operator who can work with autonomy, manage complex relationships, and deliver tangible results.
This is an outcomes-focused role and requires someone who can demonstrate real impact, such as securing increased government funding, influencing policy reform, shaping legislation or delivering successful, targeted campaigns.
The role includes one direct report and works closely with the Public Relations Manager and broader team.

Key Outcomes

• Clear government engagement strategy aligned to organisational priorities
• Strengthened ministerial and cross-party relationships
• Successful funding outcomes and grant wins
• Evidence of Wildlife Victoria influencing public policy and sector conversations
• Effective navigation of high-profile or sensitive issues with sound judgement

 
Key Responsibilities

Government Relations

• Develop and deliver Wildlife Victoria's government relations strategy across local, state and federal levels
• Undertake horizon scanning and planning around parliamentary and legislative activity
• Prepare high-quality ministerial briefings, submissions, correspondence and engagement plans
• Identify and coordinate funding opportunities and submissions
• Build and maintain productive relationships with Ministerial advisors, MP offices and key departmental stakeholders

External Relations and Stakeholder Engagement

• Develop and execute stakeholder engagement strategy
• Build alliances and partnerships to increase influence and sector outcomes
• Represent Wildlife Victoria in relevant forums and working groups
• Leverage networks to advance organisational priorities

Advocacy and Policy

• Identify areas where Wildlife Victoria can meaningfully influence policy
• Track legislation and emerging issues
• Develop and implement focused advocacy campaigns aligned to strategy

Reputation and Risk

• Provide strategic advice and briefings to the CEO on complex, high-profile or contentious matters
• Support effective management of reputational and stakeholder risk

Skills and Experience
You may currently be working in external affairs, advocacy or public policy within a not-for-profit, peak body, or government-facing organisation.  You may also have previous experience as a Ministerial Advisor or within a parliamentary or departmental environment.

You will bring:

• Demonstrated experience delivering successful government engagement outcomes, such as increased funding, legislative change or policy influence
• Experience in government relations, with an understanding of government processes and the ability to build effective relationships within ministerial and departmental environments
• Experience writing ministerial briefings, submissions, government relations plans and campaign strategies
• At least 5 years' experience in PR, communications, external affairs, advocacy or government relations
• Excellent writing and strategic thinking capability
• High professional maturity and strong judgement
• The ability to navigate diverse and sometimes competing stakeholder interests across government and non-government environments
• A demonstrated passion for wildlife welfare

This role requires a mature self-starter who can operate with autonomy, credibility and discretion.
 
Cultural Fit
Wildlife Victoria is values-driven and highly purpose-led. The successful candidate will need to be collaborative, measured, politically astute and capable of engaging respectfully across a broad range of perspectives.
This is a relationship-driven role. Professional credibility, discretion and integrity are essential.
 
Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
Wildlife Victoria and Patterson Recruitment are committed to creating an inclusive and respectful workplace and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds.
 
How to Apply
If you are a strategic government relations professional who can demonstrate measurable advocacy and funding outcomes and are motivated to improve wildlife welfare across Victoria, please apply with your cover letter and resume.
 
Patterson Recruitment is proud to partner with Wildlife Victoria.
 
For a confidential discussion, please contact Gabrielle Patterson on 0416 170 100 or email gab@pattersonrecruitment.com.au.

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