Technology shapes society, but humans shape technology. As Australia’s first independent tech policy think tank, TPDi works across sectors to reimagine how technology policy – and therefore technology - is made. Our research, education, and community building programs bring together senior leaders from government, industry and civil society to design a better tech future for Australia.
We're looking for a Policy & Engagement Manager to help us accelerate our impact.
This role is perfect for someone who thrives in dynamic environments, brings fresh ideas to the table, and loves connecting people around meaningful change. You’ll help drive TPDi’s strategic engagement activities, contribute to our research and education programs, design high-impact events, and lead communications that shape the national conversation on technology governance.
You Will
Contribute to TPDi's policy program, including conducting research and writing for consultation processes, policy publications, and public commentary
Develop and execute communications and engagement strategies across TPDi’s research and education programs
Design and deliver high-quality, high-impact events, including training courses, workshops and public events, with support from our Operations Manager
Ensure high design quality across TPDi’s events, communications and publications—with a keen eye for detail, aesthetics and visual storytelling
Build and manage relationships with senior leaders across government, industry, and civil society
Represent TPDi in forums, panels and public conversations on tech governance
You Have
7+ years of experience in public policy, stakeholder engagement, strategic communications or a related field
Demonstrated ability to manage high-level stakeholder relationships with professionalism and diplomacy
Experience planning and executing high-impact events or campaigns
Demonstrated ability to use design tools such as Canva to present polished, visually engaging outputs across slides, documents, digital media and events
Excellent communication and writing skills across a variety of formats and audiences
Experience supporting or delivering policy research, training programs, or thought leadership in a policy, academic or strategic advisory setting
Familiarity with the Australian technology, innovation or public interest policy landscape
Strong understanding of political, policy and legislative processes in Australia
You Are
A self-starter who thrives in a high-trust, fast-paced environment
Able to work independently and manage multiple priorities in a fast-moving environment
Curious about how technology shapes democracy, power and society
A strategic thinker who brings ideas to life through well-executed plans
A relationship-builder who brings both initiative and diplomacy
Creative
Comfortable navigating ambiguity and complexity to achieve clear outcomes
Committed to public impact, intellectual integrity, and collaborative leadership
Creative, high-energy and optimistic about new challenges
Solutions-driven and results-oriented, with a sharp instinct for timing, tone and influence
A team player who works confidently across disciplines - from policy research to public storytelling
Our values
The preferred candidate will have strong alignment to TPDi’s values.
Pragmatic Optimism: We value innovation. We are optimistic about the future of technology, but not passive in shaping it. We are realistic about the world as it is now. We are proactive in designing the future that we want and need.
Inclusive Collaboration: We value collaboration. Tech policy should not be made in silos. We collaborate with all sectors of the tech-ecosystem, harnessing our collective knowledge and expertise to co-design impactful and effective solutions
Constructive Critiques: We value critical analysis and respectful contestability. We critique all sectors of the tech ecosystem. Everything we do is evidence-based and constructive. Informed critique underpins effective tech policy.
Creative Solutions: We value thinking differently to design creative solutions. Innovation drives technology, and it should also be at the heart of tech policy solutions. Our solutions are actionable now, for a better tomorrow.
What We Offer
The chance to shape the future of technology governance in Australia
A mission-driven team with national influence and global perspective
A collaborative, flexible workplace that values autonomy and experimentation
An opportunity to demonstrate and develop your leadership at Australia’s first tech policy think tank
TPDi is committed to building a diverse team and strongly encourages people of all backgrounds to apply. If you’re excited about this opportunity but unsure if you meet every requirement, we’d still love to hear from you.
The Details
Location: Canberra
Position: Full-time
Reports to: Deputy Executive Director
Salary: Commensurate with experience
Start Date: Immediate
How to apply
Please submit to HR@techpolicy.au by 5pm Sunday 23 June 2025:
Your CV
Short statement (500 words) detailing your suitability for the role and alignment with TPDi’s mission and values
A sample or links to your previous policy work
A sample or links showcasing your creativity and design skills (i.e. link to a campaign, project or events that you have designed and delivered)
Your salary expectations