Social Justice Lead

Social Justice Advocate Lead Full-time | Permanent - Sydney CBD  At Uniting, we are committed to bold, progressive action—standing up for a fairer, more compassionate world. Our advocacy champions the rights of people and communities who experience disadvantage and marginalisation. We take a stand on the issues that matter most: from leading the campaign for drug law reform to ensure fair treatment for all, to driving urgent action on climate justice. Our work is about achieving long-term, systemic change.   We’re seeking an experienced Social Justice Lead to guide and elevate our advocacy impact across NSW and the ACT. This is a senior role for someone who is energised by influencing change, shaping strategy, and developing a team of passionate advocates who are committed to justice and equity. The Opportunity As the Social Justice Lead, you will be responsible for coordinating and implementing advocacy campaigns that drive meaningful change—ensuring key milestones are met and our work continues to empower, inspire, and create positive outcomes. You will lead a team of advocates, mentor emerging leaders, and provide trusted advice to the Head of Advocacy & Media and other senior stakeholders. Your work will be central to designing and delivering multi-channel, evidence-based campaigns that push the conversation forward on critical social issues. What You’ll Do In this pivotal leadership role, you will: Lead & Develop People Manage a team of advocates to deliver strategic advocacy objectives. Coach, mentor and develop team members to build capability, confidence and leadership potential. Model collaborative, values-led leadership and inspire excellence in campaign delivery. Shape Advocacy Strategy Advise the Head of Advocacy & Media and other senior leaders to inform organisational strategy. Co-create comprehensive, integrated campaign strategies across multiple campaigns and Uniting’s systems change agenda. Deliver Impactful Campaigns Use a range of tools—including policy and social research, government relations, campaigning, media, and digital engagement—to drive advocacy outcomes. Recommend, track and report on campaign metrics. Organise campaign-related activities and events, collaborating with internal and external stakeholders. Write and produce high-quality publications, digital content and campaign collateral. Manage websites, supporter databases and produce data reports to guide planning and review. Strengthen Relationships & Influence Facilitate collaboration across Government Relations, Media, Digital and other teams. Understand how to create influence with decision-makers and utilise various levers in order to do so. Provide strategic advice to senior leaders to speak publicly on social issues. Maintain strong networks with external partners to support effective advocacy. Enhance Capability Across the Organisation Develop and deliver training on policy, advocacy and campaigning to build capability among staff, supporters and congregations. Prepare submissions and evidence-based materials for government. Contribute your expertise to broader advocacy, policy or organisational projects as required. About You You are a strategic thinker, a strong communicator and an experienced advocacy and campaigning leader who thrives in fast-moving, purpose-led environments. You combine policy insight with the ability to motivate people, shift narratives and build coalitions for change. You will bring: At least six years’ experience in social justice campaigning or advocacy, including two or more years supervising others. A demonstrated track record in designing, implementing and evaluating successful advocacy or social justice campaigns. Experience managing and developing people and emerging leaders. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to translate complex issues into compelling messages. Ability to frame advocacy messages in ways that engage diverse audiences and speak to their values. Strong research capability and high-level analytical skills. Ability to identify links between policy, research and practice—and spot advocacy opportunities. A systematic, organised and disciplined approach to managing multiple projects and deadlines. Experience building partnerships and networks to achieve shared goals. Experience using digital tools, social media and online engagement for advocacy. Event planning and coordination experience. Understanding of policy, media and government relations. A deep passion for social justice and progressive social change. Even better if you have: Understanding of the Uniting Church—its mission, structure and social justice priorities. Why Uniting? You’ll join a values-driven organisation that stands alongside people and communities in their moments of greatest need. We are committed to inclusion, compassion, courage and integrity—and to building a society where everyone belongs. You’ll work with a passionate team, flexible work arrangements, opportunities for learning and growth, and the chance to influence social change at scale. Ready to Make a Difference? If you’re driven by justice, committed to elevating unheard voices, and skilled at turning ideas into meaningful action, we’d love to hear from you. Apply today and help shape a fairer future for all Enquiries are welcome, please email Louise Massie at mmassie@uniting.org 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 diversityAt 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.