Child Advocate and Policy Manager

At TheirCare, everything we do is centred around enriching communities and helping every child thrive. Since opening our doors in 2017, we’ve grown to become one of Australia’s leading Outside School Hours Care providers — but our mission has never changed: to deliver exceptional care, empower families, and make a genuine impact in the lives of children.About The RoleWe’re seeking a passionate and strategic Child Advocate and Policy Manager to lead advocacy and policy initiatives across our national network of services.In this pivotal role, you’ll be the organisation’s voice for children — ensuring their rights, perspectives, and best interests are represented in everything we do. You’ll work closely with senior leaders, operational teams, and educators to embed child-centred practices, drive continuous improvement, and uphold the highest standards of safety, inclusion, and equity.This is a full-time opportunity based at our Glen Iris HQ in Melbourne, with national collaboration and occasional travel required.Key Responsibilities Include Champion children’s rights and wellbeing by advocating for their voices, inclusion, and participation across all programs and services. Shape and influence organisational policy — develop, review, and update policies in line with legislation and best practice, ensuring they reflect equity, diversity, and inclusion. Embed child-centred practices by collaborating with operational teams to integrate policies into daily operations and strengthen safeguarding culture. Build capability and awareness through the design and delivery of training, coaching, and mentoring that empower leaders and educators to uphold child-focused standards. Drive compliance and continuous improvement by monitoring sector changes, managing key programs such as the Red Flag initiative, and ensuring adherence to child safety requirements. Inform strategic decision-making by analysing trends, identifying systemic issues, and preparing reports and recommendations for senior management and governing bodies.About YouTo be successful in this role, you will: Hold a relevant tertiary qualification in Education, Social Work, Human Services, Policy, or a related discipline. Bring proven experience in child advocacy, policy development, or safeguarding leadership. Demonstrate a strong understanding of child rights, advocacy principles, and safeguarding frameworks, with expertise in legislation such as the National Quality Framework, National Regulations, and Child Safe Standards. Be skilled at translating complex legislation and policy into practical, accessible guidance for teams. Display strategic thinking, analytical ability, and strong communication skills to influence, coach, and collaborate across all levels. Show a genuine commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion, with experience delivering training and mentoring to support a child-focused culture. Hold or be willing to obtain a Working with Children Check and National Police Check.If you’re a committed advocate for children who wants to make a meaningful impact through policy, leadership, and empowerment — we’d love to hear from you.Apply now and help us create safer, stronger, and more inclusive communities where every child can thrive.TheirCare has an ongoing commitment to ensuring the safety of all children, families and staff involved in our programs