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Policy and Planning Manager


(Manager (Policy and Planning))

Fact Sheet

Discussing policy changes with a colleague

Discussing policy changes with a colleague

Policy and planning managers direct the development of policy advice and strategic planning within government agencies, community not-for-profit organisations or companies.

Duties and Tasks

Policy and planning managers may perform the following tasks:

  • analyse information relevant to the organisation's activities, and develop policies and provide advice to support its performance
  • coordinate policy formulation and review, including evaluation of policy options
  • oversee the implementation of policies
  • liaise with national, state and local government, as well as peak bodies and professional organisations
  • provide briefings on policy issues to high level stakeholders such as government ministers or board members
  • prepare discussion papers on policy options
  • draft and coordinate high-level correspondence and requests for information such as ministerial or corporate communications.

Quick Facts

Learning Area
School subjects that include some aspect of English provide a useful background to these jobs. In some cases an English-related subject is a pre-requisite for entry to courses that provide the training for the job.

School subjects that include some aspect of MATHEMATICS provide a useful background to these jobs. In some cases a mathematics-related subject is a pre-requisite for entry to courses that provide the training for the job.
Work Demands
Workers performing these jobs would usually be expected to spend more than three-quarters of their day indoors, in an office, factory or other enclosed area protected from the weather.

These jobs require moderate or better reading and writing skills. Workers may be expected to prepare, understand or act on written materials, such as letters or reports. People may wish to avoid these jobs if their reading or writing English skills are limited to a small range of words or phrases and symbols. Jobs remaining may still require very basic reading or writing skills.
Work Fields
Business, Administration and Sales
Included are jobs in accounting, administration, advertising, banking, distribution, economics, finance, marketing, personnel management, policy advice, public relations, real estate, sales and valuation.

Included are jobs providing health care diagnosis and treatment, such as general medicine, pharmacy, optometry, radiography, speech therapy, dental health, etc. Also covered are community and welfare services, such as social work, family and children services, and counselling, and personal services such as hairdressing and funeral services.

Law, Security and Defence
Included are jobs associated with administration of the legal system, public and private protective services and the armed services.
Work Interests
These jobs involve WORKING WITH IDEAS to investigate or seek solutions to scientific, technical, social or other issues. Activities include observing, researching, analysing and interpreting results. The ability to develop theories, apply logic and explore abstract ideas in a specialist area of knowledge is important.

These jobs involve WORKING WITH PEOPLE, to help, inform, teach or treat them. Activities include discussing personal issues, listening to people's problems, and providing advice, instruction, information or treatment to meet their needs.
Skill Levels
Jobs in this group usually require completion of a recognised Bachelor Degree, or extensive relevant experience. Some jobs also require post-graduate study, such as a Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma or Master Degree.

Work Conditions

Policy and planning managers usually work indoors in offices in their own organisations, although they may visit other organisations to attend meetings. In some roles they may undertake fieldwork. Hours are usually regular although they may be long when working to deadlines.

Personal Requirements

  • able to pay attention to detail
  • good written and oral communication skills
  • aptitude for working with computers
  • interested in research
  • able to analyse and collate information
  • excellent negotiation skills and sound judgement
  • ability to think strategically
  • able to work as part of a team
  • able to manage a large and complex workload and meet deadlines.
     

Earnings

View graphic version of earnings

Income (gross) of persons working full-time, 2006 - Policy and Planning Manager

Weekly Income RangeNumber of jobsPercent of Market
$1000 or more11,96494.76
$800 to $9994463.53
$600 to $7991541.22
$400 to $599310.25
less than $400300.24

Earnings of persons working full-time and part-time, 2006 - Policy and Planning Manager

Employment StatusWeekly Income (gross) $
Full-time1,742
Part-time1,237

See State Specific Information below for further education and training options.

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