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About Switchboard Victoria

Switchboard Victoria (Switchboard) is a community-based, not for profit organisation that provides peer-based, volunteer driven support services for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and gender diverse, Intersex, Queer, Asexual and more (LGBTIQA+) people and their friends, families and allies. We are a registered family violence service and are commitment to delivering high quality services and programs to the LGBTIQA+ community.

Position overview

The Senior Advocacy, Communications and Policy Lead at Switchboard plays a pivotal role in shaping and advancing the organisation’s external policy, advocacy, and communication efforts to champion the rights and wellbeing of LGBTIQA+ communities in Australia. Reporting directly to the CEO and working closely with the Executive Team, Program Managers, Communications Coordinator and Stakeholder Engagement Coordinator, this role ensures that Switchboard’s public policy, communications, and advocacy initiatives are evidence‑based, strategically aligned, and reflective of the organisation’s vision, purpose, values and strategic priorities.

This role requires deep expertise in the health and wellbeing needs of LGBTIQA+ communities, alongside substantial experience within the health, community services, or social policy sectors. The Senior Advocacy, Communications and Policy Lead provides high‑level, evidence‑informed strategic advice to the CEO, grounded in a comprehensive understanding of sector trends, reforms, and the broader political landscape. The role leads the development of high‑quality policy submissions, briefs, and external reports addressing key issues affecting LGBTIQA+ communities, particularly in mental health, suicide prevention, and family violence.

This role does not include internal policy development.

In addition to policy and advocacy leadership, the position oversees Switchboard’s external communications and stakeholder engagement function, including the development of messaging, media responses, public statements, and strategic communication materials. The role ensures that Switchboard’s voice is consistent, compelling, and grounded in community expertise. It also leads proactive engagement with government, community organisations, peak bodies, researchers, media outlets, and other external partners to strengthen relationships and amplify Switchboard’s voice and influence.

Beyond written policy outputs and communications, the role coordinates a range of strategic initiatives aimed at raising awareness, strengthening community capacity, and amplifying the lived experiences of LGBTIQA+ communities. The Senior Advocacy, Communications and Policy Lead represents Switchboard in sector consultations, working groups, and policy reform processes across key areas such as family violence, mental health, and suicide prevention, ensuring the organisation’s knowledge and expertise is clearly articulated and its relationships continue to grow.

The ideal candidate is dynamic, adaptable, and an exceptional communicator who thrives in complex, fast‑paced environments. They bring sound judgment, strong strategic capability, and a deep commitment to social justice through an anti-racist lens. Through their leadership, Switchboard continues to be a prominent and trusted advocate for the health, wellbeing, and rights of LGBTIQA+ communities in Victoria and nationally