Manager Government Relations and Advocacy

• Shape a new advocacy function in a high-growth Queensland region
• Work with Council and government on region-shaping priorities
• Relocate to the Fraser Coast for lifestyle, beaches and balance

The Fraser Coast offers an enviable lifestyle for professionals, couples and families seeking room to grow without compromising career ambition. Home to Hervey Bay, Maryborough, the Great Sandy Strait and the gateway to World Heritage-listed K'gari, the region combines coastal living, heritage character, natural beauty and a progressive growth agenda. With safe, family-friendly beaches, outdoor recreation, schools, community facilities, arts and cultural activity, and easy access to Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne by road or air, it is a place where professional opportunity and lifestyle genuinely meet.

Fraser Coast Regional Council is entering an exciting new phase, with a refreshed executive leadership focus, a strong one-team culture and a significant regional growth agenda. As part of this momentum, Council has created a new Economic Development and Advocacy Directorate to sharpen its focus on investment, opportunity, government engagement and regional positioning.

The Manager Government Relations and Advocacy will play a pivotal role in establishing and leading Council's government relations and advocacy approach from the ground up. Reporting to the Director Economic Development and Advocacy, you will help build the systems, tools, relationships and messages that enable Council to advocate effectively for the region's priorities.

This is a rare opportunity to step into a newly created role with strong executive and councillor support. You will work across a broad and visible portfolio, supporting Council to move from multiple project ideas to a coherent, evidence-based and agreed regional advocacy agenda. Your work will include developing advocacy strategies, funding submissions, ministerial briefing materials, correspondence, fact sheets, presentations, activity calendars and practical advice for senior internal and external audiences.

You will engage with councillors, executives, government departments, agencies, ministers' offices and regional partners in a professional, bipartisan and whole-of-region manner. Olympic-related opportunities, major regional priorities, investment readiness and future funding pathways are expected to form part of the advocacy landscape.

To succeed, you will bring demonstrated experience in strategic advocacy, government relations, public policy, intergovernmental engagement, lobbying, stakeholder relations or a comparable role. You may come from local government, state or federal government, consulting, industry advocacy, regional development, infrastructure, policy, communications or another environment where influencing, briefing, prioritising and building confidence with decision-makers has been central to your success.

You will be highly organised, politically astute and comfortable operating in an evolving, hands-on environment where structure is still being built. You will have excellent writing skills, sound judgement, strong stakeholder instincts and the confidence to provide clear, practical and evidence-based advice. Just as importantly, you will bring energy, resilience, diplomacy and a collaborative style that helps build trust across diverse interests.

No mandatory tertiary qualifications are required, although qualifications or extended education in public policy, government, business, communications, advocacy or a related discipline would be highly regarded. A current Queensland Class C or CA driver licence is required.

An attractive remuneration package is offered, with relocation support available.

If you are looking for a role where you can build something meaningful, influence region-shaping priorities and enjoy the lifestyle benefits of one of Queensland's most attractive coastal communities, this is an opportunity worth exploring.

Fraser Coast Futures 2036_051225.indd

Before applying, go to the McArthur Website, search Job #J9610 to obtain a Candidate Information Pack or for a confidential discussion, contact Julie Barr or Rebecca McPhail at McArthur on 07 3211 9700.

Applications close COB Monday 10 August 2026.