Strategic Initiatives Lead

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Strategic Initiatives Lead

Social Impact & Advocacy | Uniting NSW.ACT

Full time permanent |Sydney CBD

Shape the thinking. Roll up your sleeves. Deliver meaningful change.

How do we create change in systems that are complex, interconnected and often resistant to change? This is the challenge at the heart of this role.

Uniting is seeking a Strategic Initiatives Lead to help shape and progress our systems change agenda within the Social Impact & Advocacy Directorate. This is an opportunity for an accomplished strategist who can look beyond individual projects, connect the dots across complex social issues and deliver initiatives that influence lasting change.

You'll bring intellectual curiosity, strong strategic judgement and a sophisticated yet practical understanding of how to approach complex challenges. You'll be comfortable questioning existing approaches, exploring new possibilities and translating ambitious ideas into clear strategies and meaningful action.

Working closely with SIA leaders and drawing on expertise across advocacy, media, government relations, research and innovation, you'll shape strategic priorities, develop approaches to complex challenges and lead initiatives from concept through to implementation and evaluation.

This is a hands-on role. You'll develop the strategy and then do the work to make it happen leading initiatives, building relationships, writing the papers, managing timelines, and following through until change is delivered. It calls for someone who is as energised by getting things done as by the big ideas.

What you'll be doing

• Personally lead and deliver initiatives end to end, including planning, stakeholder engagement, budgets, risk management and reporting, keeping them focused, well-governed and aligned with intended outcomes and timeframes.

• Shape and develop strategies that advance Uniting's systems change ambitions, identifying opportunities, priorities and pathways for greater social impact.
• Partner with senior leaders to translate strategic direction into compelling initiatives, clear objectives and achievable delivery plans.
• Apply critical and systems thinking to complex social challenges, understanding the relationships, influences and barriers that need to be addressed to achieve meaningful change.

• Lead the design and delivery of strategic initiatives, drafting briefs, submissions and business cases, convening working groups and coordinating across advocacy, policy, research, media, government relations and innovation.

• Challenge assumptions, explore new approaches and develop practical solutions to issues that don't necessarily have straightforward answers.
• Build influential relationships and partnerships across Uniting and externally, bringing people together around shared ambitions and outcomes.
• Maintain a strong understanding of the external policy, political and social landscape, identifying emerging issues and opportunities to influence change.
• Evaluate impact, communicate progress and contribute to the ongoing development of Uniting's systems change methodologies and practices.

About you

You are an accomplished strategist who combines curiosity with sound judgement and the ability to turn strategic ambition into action. You enjoy tackling complex challenges, exploring different perspectives and identifying opportunities that others may not immediately see. You are happy to be both the strategist and the doer, working collaboratively and flexibly with those in other teams.

You will also bring:

• Strategic and systems thinking: Demonstrated ability to interpret complex social, organisational and policy environments, identify underlying issues and interdependencies, recognise opportunities for systemic change and develop strategies that address the bigger picture.

• Hands-on delivery and commercial acumen: A track record of getting things done, including managing your own workload, driving initiatives through to completion, and managing budgets, resources, risks, governance and performance reporting.

• Strategic judgement: The ability to assess competing priorities, recognise emerging opportunities, anticipate consequences and make sound recommendations aligned with broader organisational ambitions.
• Strategy development and delivery: Experience developing strategies and shaping initiatives that address complex organisational or social challenges, taking them from early concept and design through to implementation, evaluation and measurable outcomes.
• Influence and collaboration: The ability to engage senior stakeholders, bring diverse perspectives together, build partnerships and influence decisions through credibility, evidence and sound judgement.
• Political and social awareness: An understanding of the policy environment, social justice issues and the broader forces influencing systems, communities and government.
• Adaptability and innovation: The confidence to challenge conventional approaches, navigate ambiguity and develop solutions where there may be no established roadmap.
• Exceptional communication: The ability to distil complex thinking into clear strategies, compelling narratives, recommendations and practical actions.

A tertiary qualification in public policy, social impact, project management, communications or a related discipline is desirable, or equivalent relevant experience.

Position description - Strategic Initiatives Lead

Why join Uniting?

Uniting is a leading not-for-profit organisation with more than 12,000 employees delivering services and support to communities across NSW and the ACT.

Our purpose is to inspire people, enliven communities and confront injustice. Working with us means being part of an organisation where your contribution

How to apply:  Send your CV and cover letter highlighting why this role appeals to you - Applications reviewed upon receipt.

For all questions, please don't hesitate to contact Louise Massie via email at [email protected]

About Uniting

Uniting NSW.ACT contributes to the work and mission of the Uniting Church in NSW and the ACT through social justice advocacy, community services and spiritual care. We provide care and support for people through all ages and stages of life, with a focus on people experiencing disadvantage and vulnerability. Our purpose is to inspire people, enliven communities and confront injustice.

Uniting is a Child Safe Organisation committed to promoting the safety, wellbeing and inclusion of children and young people.

Empowered by diversity

At Uniting, inclusion isn’t just something we value – it’s how we work. Our culture and practice reflect the vibrant diversity of our colleagues, and the clients and communities we serve.

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