Careers | McKinnon - McKinnon

CAREERS

Explore what a career at McKinnon could look like

Passion and Courage. National Impact.

At McKinnon, we are driven by curiosity and a desire to bring diverse perspectives together to create meaningful debate. We have the courage to make bold decisions and are driven by the urgency that meaningful work requires. We exist to make impact that matters, to empower better governments for a stronger Australia.

If you're driven by the same vision and ready to make a difference, you’ll thrive here.

Passion and Courage. National Impact.

WHY CHOOSE MCKINNON

what impact will you make?

what impact will you make?

Working at McKinnon means you can meaningfully contribute to empowering better governments for a stronger Australia.

Alongside a passionate team you can improve political leadership, public sector productivity, trust in democratic institutions and shape the future direction of policy.

If you enjoy challenging and fulfilling work that contributes to advancing the lives of Australians and thrive on working with inspirational and influential stakeholders, we would love to talk with you.

Current Opportunities

Expression of Interest – Program Manager/Delivery Lead Roles

At McKinnon, our Program Managers sit at the heart of our work. They deliver complex programs that create tangible impact across Australia’s most pressing challenges in public administration and politics. Program Managers deliver our programs, manage key relationships, and help drive the change we exist to make.

Who we’re looking for

We’re seeking experienced generalists with a policy focus — people who have led complex programs and want to broaden their skills and experience. You’ll be:

  • An analytical thinker and problem-solver with sharp attention to detail and focus on program delivery.

  • A persuasive communicator who engages senior stakeholders with confidence.

  • A natural collaborator, inquisitive, creative, and agile.

  • Grounded, with integrity, maturity, and the drive to deliver real-world outcomes.

Your background might include management consulting, public service, ministerial advising, not-for-profit, or a combination of these. You’ll bring subject matter expertise in one or more of our program areas or a toolkit that spans our delivery priorities and a readiness to step into a high-impact generalist role.

We have offices in Melbourne and Sydney and will accept applications for either location.

What we can offer you

  • Interesting work – Exposure to diverse projects at the intersection of government, policy, and politics.

  • People – Work alongside passionate, visionary, and experienced colleagues and within a broad stakeholder network.

Application process

To apply, please email [email protected] with:

  • Your CV

  • A short cover letter outlining:

  1. Describe what your ideal role looks like

  2. Your motivation for working at McKinnon

  3. Any particular program area/s you’re interested in

  4. Skills and/or experience that you can bring across our work programs

  5. Your salary expectations

Already applied in 2025? If you’ve applied for a role with us this year, you don’t need to resubmit your application. Instead, please write to us at [email protected] answering the cover letter questions above.

Additional details

  • This is an open-ended process with no closing date. Applications will be assessed as they are received.

  • Given the large number of applications expected, we will only contact those we invite to interview.

  • In early 2026, we will also launch a graduate and internship program EOI.

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