• Permanent, full-time role (4 days a week could be accommodated)
• Location: Ideally, Canberra, Sydney, Wollongong or the Southern Highlands area; however, the role can be performed primarily from home
• A flexible, friendly and supportive culture
• Competitive salary on offer, coupled with not-for-profit salary packaging eligibility.
• 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.

Excellent ongoing opportunity for an influential, evidence-based policy and advocacy professional with an understanding of the Australian healthcare system, cancer policy, and related legislative and policy frameworks.

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 individuals diagnosed with rare cancers and their families face. 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 perform at their best.

We are a flexible, equal-opportunity employer. We are a fast-growing organisation with a professional, friendly, dedicated, and supportive team. We have a genuine, caring, and positive culture and working environment and provide access to further training and career development opportunities.

About the Role

This is an exciting ongoing opportunity for an influential, evidence-based policy and advocacy professional.

The role can primarily be performed remotely; however, RCA has offices in Bowral and Wollongong, NSW, from which candidates within commuting distance are welcome to work. Ability and willingness to undertake company-supported travel to Bowral, Canberra, Sydney, Wollongong, and other areas is required from time to time.

The Policy Manager will be critical in shaping and delivering Rare Cancers Australia’s policy and advocacy strategy. Responsible for developing evidence-based policy, delivering advocacy, and influencing initiatives to improve access, outcomes, and support for people with rare and less common cancers, you will work collaboratively with RCA colleagues, people affected by cancer, policymakers, and other stakeholders to increase awareness and drive change.

Reporting to the Head of Policy and Public Affairs, key responsibilities will include:

• Developing and delivering evidence-based policy positions, including research and analysis.
• Engaging with people affected by rare and less common cancers and collaborating with key stakeholders, including government bodies, healthcare professionals and providers, patient advocacy groups, patient communities, and industry partners.
• Drafting clear and compelling policy reports, submissions to inquiries and reviews, briefings and other advocacy materials and contributing to the development and execution of strategic communications.
• Planning and delivering policy and public affairs meetings, events and activities, including roundtables, conferences and campaigns.
• Cultivation and maintenance of relationships with key government representatives, policymakers, and relevant stakeholders, as well as representing RCA in meetings and public forums and providing briefing and support for RCA’s Leadership Team to participate in meetings and events.
• Establishment and contribution to networks, partnerships and collaborations to support RCA’s policy and advocacy activities.
• Application of project and program management techniques to manage work and collaboration on cross-organisational projects as well as administration and other duties as required.

About You

As someone with an understanding of the Australian healthcare system, cancer policy, and related legislative and policy frameworks, you will possess a passion for proactively supporting people with rare and less common cancers and have a positive attitude and approach that reflects RCA’s mission and values. Furthermore, you will have high adaptability, resilience, and ability to thrive in a small, fast-paced and evolving organisation.

To be considered for this role, you must have the following relevant experience, skills, knowledge of the healthcare industry, and the required qualifications/certificates:

• Tertiary qualifications in public policy, political science, health, law or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience and achievements in a policy, public affairs and/or advocacy role, preferably within health, social care, patient advocacy or non-profit sector.
• Strategic thinking, analytical skills, and the ability to synthesise information, research findings, and data to inform policy positions, advocacy strategies, and communications campaigns.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills with the ability to articulate complex issues clearly and compellingly to diverse audiences. Experience drafting reports, submissions, and briefings.
• Ability to build relationships, collaborate with diverse groups, including patients and healthcare professionals, and influence others to achieve change.
• Strong project management skills with the ability to work independently, prioritise tasks, and meet deadlines.
• Understanding of the Australian healthcare system, cancer policy, and related legislative and policy frameworks.

Additionally, a strong understanding of healthcare policy, regulatory frameworks, and the legislative process, particularly as it relates to cancer care, rare diseases, and access to treatment, and a proven ability to build and maintain effective relationships with government officials, stakeholders, and the media, and experience in lobbying, public relations, or government affairs would be highly regarded.

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 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.

While applications will officially close at 9 a.m. on Monday, January 20th, 2025, we will review them as they arrive, so early applications are encouraged. Our application process is designed to be quick and easy, so if you're interested, don't delay—apply today.

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].

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