Q Shelter
is now recruiting for
General Manager – Policy and Strategic Engagement
Applications close midnight, Monday the 23rd of March 2026
For over 35 years, Q Shelter has worked as a peak body to improve housing outcomes for Queenslanders.
Over this time, we have remained an unwavering voice for solutions through advocacy, strategic engagement and capacity building.
Q Shelter’s primary focus is on:
building capacity through professional development and knowledge sharing
sharing tools and resources to assist organisations to be effective
provision of facilitation and backbone support to regional service groups.
Learn more about Q Shelter:
Our staff are passionate about our vision of a home for every Queenslander.
We are a values-driven, high-performing team. Each person plays a vital role in helping to drive real world outcomes for people who are at risk of or experiencing homelessness. If you like making a difference, consider coming on board to enjoy a career that matters.
Most of our team is based on the CBD fringe in Spring Hill, Brisbane, though you will find our Service Integration staff located across Queensland, working in the communities they care about.
Benefits of working at Q Shelter include access to:
Not-for-profit salary packaging
Five weeks paid annual leave plus a paid shutdown at Christmas
An employee assistance program
Flexible work arrangements, allowing time to pick up the kids or attend events
Professional development pathways
Working for the Workplace of the Year award winner for four consecutive years
Active staff involvement in a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Working Group, helping to achieve our Innovate Reconciliation Action plan, and other measures to support and celebrate diversity in our workplace.
About the Role
General Manager – Policy and Strategic Engagement
This role is focused on:
Providing leadership, research, engagement, guidance and input on housing and homelessness policy and strategy
Overseeing and ensuring multi-dimensional engagement with stakeholders including elected officials, funding bodies, specialist homelessness services, community housing providers, other service providers, private industry, and Q Shelter members
Delivering exceptional policy, research and practice papers targeting members, Government, and private industry
Progressing Q Shelter’s Strategic Engagement Plan with diverse key stakeholders
Delivering diverse projects depending on funded priorities
Roles & Responsibilities
Policy and Engagement
Oversee and contribute to the research and development of policy papers and other documents
Work strategically to engage regional networks and sector leaders in policy development & advocacy
Build strategic relationships across all levels of government, industry bodies and the private sector, to influence housing & homelessness policy and investment solutions
Assist in facilitating forums, planning sessions and networks on a range of topics
Drafting/developing policy and investment submissions to government budget processes, inquiries, strategies, elections, and other opportunities that emerge from time to time
Continuously develop knowledge of the sector and its environment and apply professional capabilities to identified issues and challenges
Represent Q Shelter in a range of settings including at key functions, events, advisory groups, roundtables, and other related forums
Leadership
Plan, develop, lead, deliver and evaluate projects
Manage staff and contractors as required
Develop and monitor budgets relevant to the role.
When delegated, fulfil media and public-facing roles on key housing and homelessness policy and investment matters
Work collaboratively with the Leadership Team to synergise Q Shelter’s performance across portfolio areas
Reporting and Compliance
Complete monthly reports and contribute to compliance reporting for projects and programs
Prepare papers to the governing body as required.
Maintain a register of strategic engagement meetings, particularly with senior government officials and politicians, sector and other housing system partners
Develop and update as required a stakeholder engagement plan
Development of briefing notes for CEO, Committee, and political offices
Data analysis and evidence synthesis to support advocacy
Regularly monitor the impact of policy and engagement efforts
Organisational Strength
Prepare business development proposals as required
Prepare and contribute to documenting business processes relevant to the role as required
Work effectively as a team member and actively contribute to a high performing team
Contribute to the effectiveness and performance of the leadership team
Participate in and contribute to personal, professional, and organisational development activities
Key Deliverables
Delivery of Q Shelter’s Strategic Engagement Plan, including key engagement milestones, in collaboration with the CEO, Leadership Team and Management Committee
Delivery of Annual Policy and Investment Submission and other submissions on an as-needs basis
Focused delivery of allocated responsibilities of the funded work program
Completion of tasks, deliverables, and projects by due dates
Contribution to member and stakeholder relations including increased membership or QS
Contribution to business development opportunities for Queensland Shelter.
Effective engagement with government and stakeholders
Key Stakeholder Relationships
Queensland Government including central agencies and key portfolio areas that impact housing and homelessness outcomes
Local Government
Other peak and industry bodies
Housing and homelessness organisations operating in Queensland
Media
Q Shelter members, potential members, and other sector stakeholders
External Stakeholders within the wider housing system
People with lived experience of housing need and homelessness
Private industry
Q Shelter Management Committee
Q Shelter team
What We Are Looking For
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Experience
Over five years’ work experience in a comparable or related role/industry
A minimum of three-years’ experience in senior management
Understanding of the policy framework, operating environment, context and governance requirements for community housing and homelessness providers in Queensland
Experience in leading time-limited and complex projects against tight deadlines
Proven record in effective stakeholder engagement
Experience crafting political strategy or advocacy campaigns
Experience in using Microsoft applications
Qualifications
Tertiary qualifications in a relevant field such as economics, political science, planning and development, human services, or business administration
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The successful candidate will:
Have an advanced understanding of the system of government and the political process
Have a strong record of building strategic relationships with all levels of government and the media
Have a proven ability to develop and execute advocacy strategies
Understand policy solutions to housing needs and homelessness or be able to acquire this quickly
Understand industry challenges and opportunities and be committed to its development and growth
Have proven ability to work with a high degree of autonomy
Be a high-performing individual, driven to deliver high quality project outcomes, by deadlines
Be energetic, enthusiastic, and innovative, with proven leadership capabilities and qualities
Seek out creative solutions to challenging problems
Be a great communicator and write to a very high standard
Be a team player, who positively contributes to organisational culture
Be able to work respectfully across all political parties to build enduring support for policy solutions
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The successful candidate will be required to travel within Queensland and interstate from time-to-time
The successful candidate is required to undergo a criminal history check
The successful candidate is required to follow Q Shelter policies and procedures and to work within the requirements of the Code of Conduct
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Public policy experience and capability
Extensive experience and significant impact in the public policy arena
Advanced understanding of the system of government and the political process
Understanding of, or the ability to understand rapidly, the broader housing and homelessness system and how the elements of the housing system can help to achieve greater access to diverse housing solutions
Research and writing
Demonstrated experience and success in the research and development of policy papers, submissions, and proposals
Proven excellence in all written and verbal communication
Communication, collaboration and engagement
Experience in group facilitation
Proven ability to design and implement a strategic engagement strategy involving diverse stakeholders
A proven record in working collaboratively to achieve program and organisational goals
Leadership and project management
A capacity to lead and to be self-directed in the implementation of key work priorities
Experience and proven success in project management and oversight of complex projects and assignments
How to Apply
To be considered, please provide the following information in your online application, for the assessment of your suitability:
A short (no more than two pages) statement focusing on how you align with the core accountabilities for the role.
Your current CV highlighting your relevant experience, qualifications, and achievements.
We are committed to assessing your suitability in a way that works for you.
For more information or assistance with your application, including options for adjustments, please reach out to us.
Applications close midnight, Monday the 23rd of March 2026
Useful Links
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Annual Reports
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Management Committee
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The Q Shelter Team
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DEI at Q Shelter
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Living in Brisbane
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Living in Queensland
Confidential Enquiries
ELENA RYAN
Senior Associate & Head of Talent Insights
