Careers - Grattan Institute

Careers

Join the think tank that makes a difference

Grattan Institute produces high-quality public policy recommendations for Australia’s future.

With innovative policy research, a team of national experts, and a dynamic CEO, we are shaping the policy debate on many of the important challenges and opportunities facing Australia. By joining our team, you have the chance to change Australia for the better.

Current Vacancies

Thank you for your interest in joining Grattan Institute. Our only positions open for hiring at this time are listed above.

Join Grattan as an intern

Make your mark on Australian public policy while developing your research skills.

Our approach

Small in number, big in impact

We’re a small team of open, curious, and thoughtful individuals, with the shared purpose of delivering high-quality, independent public policy for Australia’s future.

Fact-based analysis, put to the test

Our research is rigorously conducted, debated, and discussed every step of the way. We approach issues holistically and we follow the evidence.

We work together to ensure each of us at Grattan learns and develops, including in the following ways:

Tank times

Tank times are regular informal meeting where we hear from external and internal speakers sharing ideas and debates on public policy issues. Tank times are our forum for previewing our new projects and creating an opportunity to test our policy ideas, scope, analysis, approach, and potential recommendations.

Fireside chats

Fireside chats are a weekly informal forum to discuss nearly anything—whether it be policy, politics, economics, or work culture. It kicks off with a five-minute summary of an issue, and then we open up for group discussion and debate. No one is the expert; the only prerequisite is an idea!

People conversations

At Grattan, we do our best to make you thrive at work. Our people conversations go beyond the ‘what’ to the ‘how’. We explore topics such as empathy, communication, trust, vulnerability, failure, and managing uncertainty, to prepare you for your work at Grattan and beyond.

A 70:20:10 approach to workplace learning

We have long subscribed to an apprenticeship model of learning. We believe that 70 per cent of workplace learning happens on the job, 20 per cent through coaching and mentoring, and 10 per cent through formal learning.

We live this approach by ensuring our program teams are small. Associates have direct access to program directors and fellows. We provide regular feedback sessions, coaching, and mentoring. We also support our people to get external training to develop their knowledge and skills.

Two performance and development review processes each year ensure we are consciously acknowledging and celebrating achievements, and identifying ways to improve and expand.

Our culture

An inclusive workplace

Curiosity, openness, passion, and thoughtfulness drive us at work. Each individual at Grattan is valued and helps shape what we do and how we do it.

Soup lunches

Our Monday communal lunch is the heart of our culture. It’s a chance to enjoy each other’s company over delicious food prepared thoughtfully by a member of our team. This is when we communicate across the organisation and catch up on what each program is doing. Sometimes, we might have special external guests.

Coffee walks

10am is coffee time at Grattan. Our staff grab their keep-cups and walk to one of the nearby cafes. Our coffee walks give us an informal opportunity to catch up on what we’ve been working on, as well as getting to know each other better.

Internal activities

Our competitive spirit finds an outlet in table tennis tournaments, board games, and trivia nights.