Principal, Inclusion

At Brotherhood of St. Laurence (BSL), we are seeking a passionate Principal, Inclusion to join our dedicated team.

Location: Fitzroy 

Job Type: Permanent Full-Time working 38 hours per week

What we offer our employees

• Salary packaging options to improve your take home pay – up to $18,500 can be packaged every year (details via AccessPay)!
• Career development opportunities
• Leave loading of 17.5%
• Flexible working arrangements
• Employee Assistance Program
• Discounted health insurance and free flu shots each year

About the role

Reporting to the Director, Research, Policy and Advocacy, the Principal, Inclusion leads BSL’s research, policy, and advocacy work on areas of social and financial inclusion including social security and financial capability, disability, ageing and climate. The Principal identifies opportunities for meaningful and strategic research with particular focus on structural and systemic barriers in human services and inclusion systems that cause and compound disadvantage. Working collaboratively with colleagues in the portfolio and across BSL, the Principal develops and leads a program of work that explores existing and emerging issues and exposes gaps and barriers.

• Work with the Portfolio’s Leadership Team and others in BSL to develop and execute BSL’s research, policy, and advocacy strategy.
• Explore evidence, data and information from internal and external sources and identify opportunities to influence system and social policy change across systems.
• Identify research questions, including questions that harness expertise across the Inclusion Team, and translate these into research that will have an impact on social policy and systems.
• Influence and inform Government Ministers, senior public servants and departments through thought leadership, policy position papers, submissions, reports, and briefs.

About Brotherhood of St Laurence

We are passionate about the work we do. We strive to create change that lasts for a more compassionate and just society - a society in which we can all fully participate in social, civic and economic life with the dignity and respect we all deserve.

The Brotherhood of St Laurence (BSL) has a clear vision – an Australia free of poverty. For over 90 years, we have worked with policy makers and the community for systemic change that will prevent and alleviate poverty in Australia. We are made up of 1500+ employees and 1000+ volunteers to make a difference in our communities.

What we are looking for

We are seeking an enthusiastic and motivated individual who has a passion for supporting the mission of BSL and delivering excellence in your role.

To be successful in this role, we are looking for someone who has the following key skills and experiences:

• Postgraduate qualification in economics, public policy, sociology, or a related field.
• Expertise in research, policy, and advocacy. Thorough understanding of the social research and policy environment, including contemporary social policy issues.
• Experience working across multiple complex human services or inclusion systems (disability, ageing, climate, financial capability, social inclusion).
• Proven ability to build and facilitate influential relationships across all levels of stakeholders both internally and externally, and with people from diverse backgrounds.
• Excellent ability to think strategically and provide strategic advice and direction.
   

If this sounds like the right fit for you

If you are interested in this exciting opportunity and looking to contribute to our organisation’s success, we’d love to hear from you.

Click APPLY NOW

When completing your application, please upload each document as a separate attachment.

Your application must include:

• A tailored cover letter,
• A current resume showcasing demonstrated skills and experiences, and

Applications will be considered upon submission, so we encourage you to apply early.

Please review the Position Description to address the Key Selection Criteria.

If you have any questions about the role, or want more clarification, please contact Zeah Behrend via zeah.behrend@bsl.org.au for a confidential discussion.

Applications close: Friday, 7 November 2025 at 11.55 pm

We are an EEO and understand the importance of diversity and inclusion. We recognise that everyone has the right to an equitable, safe and productive environment and to be treated with dignity and respect.  We welcome applications from all people regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, cultural background, disability or sexual orientation. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are encouraged to apply.

BSL is a child-safe organisation. BSL has zero tolerance to any form of abuse or harm to vulnerable people and is committed to specifically protecting children from harm. Successful applicants will be subject to pre-employment checks including criminal history and working with children. Recruitment decisions are based on the key inherent needs and requirements of each role, and candidates are selected based on their unique strengths and characteristics.  Applicants must have proof of working rights in Australia.

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