Job openings

• Flexible location with remote working arrangements; applicant location flexible*
• Full-time or 0.8 FTE opportunity
• Competitive salary plus access to not-for-profit salary packaging (up to $18,500 per annum)
• Help shape national policy and improve outcomes for Australians affected by rare and less common cancers

*RCA's head office is in Bowral NSW, and applications are invited from candidates located in Sydney, Wollongong or Southern Highlands areas, provided you can and are willing to travel to our offices occasionally.  

About Rare Cancers Australia

Rare Cancers Australia (RCA) is Australia's leading advocacy and support organisation for people affected by rare and less common cancers.

Every day, we work alongside patients, carers, clinicians, researchers, industry and governments to improve access to treatment, influence health policy, deliver practical support and ensure the voices of people living with rare cancers are heard.

Our team is passionate, collaborative and values-driven. We are committed to creating meaningful change while fostering a supportive, flexible workplace where our people can thrive.

About the Opportunity
This is an exciting opportunity to join RCA in a newly created role that sits at the intersection of advocacy, engagement and public affairs.

Reporting to the Head of Policy and Public Affairs, you will be responsible for leading and delivering Rare Cancers Australia's advocacy, campaigns and community mobilisation activities to drive meaningful system change for people affected by rare and less common cancers.

Working across government, industry, healthcare, research and the community sector, the Advocacy and Campaign Lead will lead high-impact advocacy and campaign strategies that drive systemic change for people affected by rare cancers. The role will amplify patient and carer voices, shape policy debates, build influential coalitions and mobilise public support to advance Rare Cancers Australia's strategic priorities and improve access to care, treatment and support.

Working closely with the Head of Policy and Public Affairs, CEO and other RCA teams, this new role will play a critical part in ensuring that people living with rare cancers have a stronger voice, better outcomes, and greater recognition within Australia's health system, and that RCA remains a trusted and influential peak body.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver advocacy strategies and campaigns aligned with Rare Cancers Australia’s priorities, using evidence, research and patient insights to influence policy and raise awareness.

• Create compelling advocacy content and narratives, and lead proactive media engagement, including media releases, opinion pieces, case studies and spokesperson preparation.

• Build and maintain strategic relationships with government, parliamentarians, healthcare and research communities, patient organisations, industry and media to advance shared objectives and support system change.

• Champion patient and carer voice by gathering and elevating lived experience, supporting advocates, and ensuring their stories are represented ethically and authentically.

• Strengthen RCA’s reputation and influence through external representation, thought leadership and strategic positioning; monitor relevant developments and manage advocacy-related risks and issues.

• Provide advocacy advice, briefings and presentations to senior leaders, including the Head of Policy and Public Affairs, CEO and Board.

• Work closely with patient-facing teams and communications colleagues to align advocacy with patient needs and maintain a consistent organisational voice.

• Contribute to organisational planning, impact reporting and continuous improvement, fostering collaboration across RCA to maximise advocacy impact.

About You
We're looking for someone who brings a strong commitment to improving outcomes for people with rare and less common cancers and working with them to bring about change.

You will bring:

• Demonstrated experience in advocacy, campaigns, stakeholder engagement, government relations, corporate affairs or a related field.
• Tertiary qualifications in public policy, public affairs, journalism, communications, health, political science or a related discipline, or equivalent experience.
• Exceptional written communication skills, with experience of turning research and policy positions into compelling advocacy messages and campaigns.
• Highly developed interpersonal and relationship management skills.
• Demonstrated ability to influence and engage diverse stakeholders.
• Strong project management, organisational and prioritisation skills.
• Ability to work independently while managing multiple competing priorities.
• Experience in the healthcare, cancer, patient advocacy or not-for-profit sector with a knowledge of the Australian health policy and medicines access environment would be highly regarded.

Why Join Rare Cancers Australia?
At RCA you'll have the opportunity to make a genuine difference.

We offer:

• Flexible remote working arrangements.
• Competitive salary.
• Not-for-profit salary packaging of up to $18,500 per annum.
• Professional development opportunities.
• Flexible leave arrangements including annual leave at half pay, purchased leave and paid parental leave.
• A collaborative, supportive and purpose-driven culture with Great Place to Work Certification.
• The opportunity to help shape Australia's rare cancer landscape.

How to Apply

To be considered for this role, applicants are required to submit a current resume and cover letter demonstrating your knowledge, skills, and experience as relevant to this role (please see attached position description).

If you meet the above criteria and are interested in contributing to an organisation that values the highest level of quality in everything it sets out to achieve, we want to hear from you!

Applications close at 9am on Monday the 2nd of November 2026.

Complete the application process by clicking the Apply Now button, and we’ll be in touch.

Enquiries regarding this role can be addressed to: [email protected]. Please do not email applications to this email address.

APPLY NOW!! 

No recruitment agencies please

• Full time, part time and contract / casual roles
• A flexible, friendly and supportive culture
• Competitive salaries, coupled with not-for-profit salary packaging eligibility.
• Hybrid work arrangements, some roles fully remote
• Rare Cancers Australia is a flexible, equal-opportunity employer. We are a growing organisation with a professional, friendly and supportive team. We have a genuine, caring and positive culture and working environment and provide access to further training and career development opportunities.

Join Our Team: General Expressions of Interest

At Rare Cancers Australia (RCA), we are dedicated to making a significant impact on the lives of Australians affected by rare and less common cancers. Our mission is driven by compassion, innovation, and a commitment to excellence. While we may not have specific roles available at all times, we are always eager to connect with passionate individuals who share our vision.

Why Submit a General Expression of Interest?

• Future Opportunities: Your resume will be on file, and when roles that match your skills and passions become available, you could be the first we call.
• Team Expansion: As RCA grows, new opportunities arise frequently across various departments, including patient support, operations, advocacy, and fundraising.
• Passion for Impact: This is your chance to express your interest in contributing to a cause that makes a real difference.

Who Should Apply?

• Professionals from all backgrounds who are interested in the fields of patient support, patient advocacy, fundraising, administration and support roles.
• Individuals passionate about making a difference in the lives of people with rare cancers.
• Team players who are looking for a dynamic and supportive work environment.
• Candidates in ACT or NSW preferred, or with a willingness and capability to travel to Bowral and Wollongong.
• Most roles can be performed largely remotely, with the exception of patient support team and administration / support roles which must be within a commutable distance to Bowral or Wollongong.

About Us

Rare Cancers Australia (RCA) is a leading advocacy and support organisation dedicated to improving the lives of those affected by rare cancers. Our mission is to provide support, raise awareness, and drive research initiatives to address the unique challenges faced by individuals diagnosed with rare cancers and their families. Through innovative programs and collaborations, RCA strives to make a meaningful impact on the rare cancer community.

We value a caring, enthusiastic and collaborative workplace and aim to ensure team members have the support they need to be at their best.

About You

You will possess a passion for making a positive impact in supporting people with rare and less common cancers and having a positive attitude and approach that reflect RCA’s missions and values. Furthermore, you will have a high level of adaptability, resilience, and ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic organisational setting with a proven ability to build relationships.

How to Apply

To apply, please upload a copy of your CV along with the requested work history and education information on the application page (you are encouraged to detail any (and all) certificates, qualifications or licence(s) information under the education section). 

If you meet the above criteria and you’re interested in contributing to an organisation that values the highest level of quality in everything it sets out to achieve, we want to hear from you!

Simply complete the application process by clicking the "Interested" button and we’ll be in touch should a suitable vacancy arise.

Do you have a few hours to spare, or skills you’d like to share? Volunteers help Rare Cancers Australia (RCA) support people affected by rare cancers and their families.

We welcome expressions of interest from people who can help with our current activities, as well as those who’d like to contribute skills in their area of expertise.

Depending on our needs, this could include administration, marketing and communications, finance, events, research or other professional skills.

Volunteer Opportunities

• Patient care packs: Help assemble packs with information, comfort items and practical support for people going through treatment.
• Mummy’s Wish care packs: Help prepare care packs for children whose mums have cancer. This may include stuffing bears for mums to record messages for their children and writing notes of support.

You’re also welcome to tell us about other skills or experience you could offer. We’ll consider your expression of interest and get in touch if a suitable opportunity comes up.

About Us

Rare Cancers Australia (RCA) is an advocacy and support organisation working to improve the lives of people affected by rare cancers. We provide support, raise awareness and drive research initiatives to address the challenges faced by people diagnosed with rare cancers and their families.

Mummy’s Wish is a program of RCA that provides practical, tailored support to mums with cancer and their families throughout treatment. It gives mums the gift of time to focus on what matters most: being a mum.

About You

• You’re enthusiastic, compassionate and willing to help.
• You enjoy working collaboratively with others.
• You may have experience or skills you’d like to share in areas such as administration, marketing, finance or another field.
• You’re available to travel to our Bowral or Wollongong offices in NSW for opportunities that need on-sit support.
• No specific skills are required for care pack activities, and we’ll provide any training needed.

Time Commitment 

We have regular opportunities for a few hours once or twice a week, as well as one-off and short-term or long-term activities. Please let us know what availability suits you.

How to Get Involved

Sign up today and become a part of our incredible volunteer team.

Whether you have a few hours a week or just a day here and there to spare, or are able to offer a longer-term commitment, your contribution will make a significant impact.

How to Apply

Please complete the requested personal information, work history and answer the required questions by clicking the 'interested' button at the top and bottom of this page. Please include a resume and brief cover letter detailing your experience and what opportunities you would be interested in.

If you’re interested in contributing that makes a measurable and positive difference in the lives of cancer patients and their families, we would love to hear from you today. 

Simply complete the application process by clicking the Register Interest button and we’ll be in touch as soon as a suitable opportunity arises.

REGISTER YOUR INTEREST BY CLICKING THE 'INTERESTED' BUTTON EITHER AT THE TOP OR BOTTOM OF THIS PAGE