Veteran Engagement Officer - Pt, Temp - Nsw Sth

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Introduction:
We are seeking a Veteran Engagement Officer (VEO) to strengthen our connection with the Defence and veteran community and support veterans into meaningful, values-aligned volunteering opportunities. This role is about people, relationships and purpose — ensuring veterans feel welcomed, understood and supported as they transition into service beyond uniform.

Embedded within Disaster Relief and Recovery Teams (DRRTs), the VEO plays a visible, trusted role in the veteran ecosystem, representing DRA at ADF Transition Seminars, building partnerships with Ex-Service Organisations (ESOs), and supporting veterans to find belonging and contribution through DRA.This is a Part time (24hrs ) Fixed term role until 30/06/26 with the possibility of extension.

Description:
Summary and Requirements

The Veteran Engagement Officer (VEO) plays a key role in ensuring Disaster Relief Australia (DRA) strengthens its engagement with the Defence and veteran community through targeted recruitment, meaningful participation opportunities and strong partnerships with Ex-Service Organisations (ESOs).

Embedded within Disaster Relief and Recovery Teams (DRRTs), the VEO will lead regional veteran outreach, represent DRA at ADF Transition Seminars, build and maintain strategic relationships with ESOs and support veterans into purposeful volunteer pathways within DRA. This role directly contributes to DRA’s organisational commitment to increasing veteran participation, strengthening wellbeing outcomes, and maintaining a visible veteran presence nationwide.

The VEO reports to the National Defence Liaison Officer (NDLO) and works in close coordination with DRRT Managers, Marketing and Communications, Volunteer Support and HR.

Key accountabilities

DRA’s Organisational Culture

Lead by example in adhering to DRA’s values of Courage, Respect, Service and Tenacity and support a positive, values-based culture across the organisation.

Champion a culture of transparency, integrity and accountability within DRA, embedding organisational values into decision-making processes at all levels.

Work collegiately with other teams and stakeholders to pursue DRA’s vision and realise its overarching strategic goals.

Cultivate a high-performing team, establishing, empowering and holding members accountable for performance.

Veteran Engagement and Recruitment

Lead DRA’s presence at ADF Transition Seminars and veteran events, delivering presentations, conducting outreach and converting interest into volunteer participation.

Build and maintain strong relationships with local ESOs, RSL sub-branches and veteran community organisations to establish referral pathways and collaborative engagement opportunities.

Support new veteran volunteers through the onboarding journey, ensuring they feel welcomed, informed, and connected.

Program Delivery and Coordination

Coordinate veteran-specific events, information sessions and engagement activities within assigned DRRT regions.

Work closely with DRRT Managers to ensure alignment between veteran engagement activities and operational needs.

Maintain regular communication with DRRT Managers, advising them of all upcoming veteran engagements, events, risks and opportunities.

Identify volunteers to support VEO-led activities and ensure appropriate representation at events.

Reporting and Continuous Improvement

Capture and report on veteran engagement metrics, recruitment outcomes and event impact.

Provide regular updates to the NDLO on trends, stakeholder feedback, veteran participation and areas requiring improvement.

Use feedback and insights to strengthen engagement approaches, refine strategies and improve regional consistency.

Wellbeing and Support Framework

Provide peer-informed support and guidance to veterans, recognising indicators of wellbeing challenges and facilitating referrals to appropriate services (e.g. Open Arms, ESOs).

Promote DRA’s wellbeing outcomes and reinforce the value of structured volunteering as validated through DRA’s Wellbeing Project.

Key Challenges of the Position

Establishing credibility in a diverse veteran ecosystem while balancing relationships with ESOs, Defence stakeholders, DRRT managers and volunteers.

Supporting veterans who may be experiencing transition-related challenges such as identity loss, social isolation or reduced confidence.

Ensuring consistent delivery of recruitment and engagement activities across multiple stakeholder groups and geographic areas.

Balancing local DRRT operational needs with national veteran engagement goals and expectations.

Key Relationships

Reports to:
National Defence Liaison Officer

Key relationships:
Head of Marketing and Communications

Associate Director, Marketing

Marketing and Events Advisor

Associate Director DRRTs

Director DRRTs

Skills and Experiences:
What you’ll do

• Represent DRA at ADF Transition Seminars and veteran events, engaging veterans and converting interest into active participation
• Build strong, trusted relationships with ESOs, RSL sub-branches and veteran community groups
• Support veterans through their onboarding journey, ensuring they feel welcomed, informed and connected
• Coordinate veteran engagement activities and information sessions within your assigned regions
• Work closely with Managers to align veteran engagement with operational needs
• Identify and support volunteers to assist with veteran engagement activities
• Capture and report on engagement outcomes, participation trends and event impact
• Provide peer-informed support to veterans and facilitate referrals to wellbeing services where appropriate

What you will bring

• A strong understanding of Defence culture and the lived experience of veteran transition
• The ability to build trust quickly and authentically with veterans and community partners
• Confidence presenting to groups and engaging one-on-one with people from diverse backgrounds
• Experience in engagement, recruitment, community outreach or stakeholder partnerships
• High integrity, empathy and sound judgement when supporting people through change
• Strong relationship-building and communication skills
• The ability to balance local operational priorities with national engagement goals
• A genuine alignment with DRA’s values of Courage, Respect, Service and Tenacity

Why DRA?

• Help veterans find purpose, connection and belonging beyond Defence
• Be part of a nationally respected, veteran-led organisation
• Work alongside veterans, volunteers and professionals who live the values they promote
• Make a visible, meaningful difference in people’s lives and communities
• Flexible, purpose-driven work with real impact

Disaster Relief Australia reserves the right to commence shortlisting and interviews prior to the closing date and may close the vacancy early. We encourage early applications.