Policy Officer

About the QNMU

The Queensland Nurses and Midwives' Union (QNMU) is the industrial and professional organisation for nurses and midwives working in public and private health and aged care in Queensland.  The QNMU seeks to promote and defend the industrial, professional, social, political and democratic interests of over 79,000 members.  We have over 200 employees including organisers, professional officers and administrative personnel, and manage a multi-million-dollar operating budget. 

About the opportunity

This is a unique opportunity to join the QNMU and to make a meaningful impact for our members. This role sits within a small, close-knit team of 5 who together have the responsibility of developing high-quality submissions and member-facing policies. This is a fixed term contract role running through until May 2027.

In this varied Policy Officer role, you will have the opportunity to use your passion for policy writing, research, analysis and critical thinking. 

Your key responsibilities will include:

• Develop and review QNMU policy initiatives which support the QNMU’s strategic and operational objectives
• Research and write QNMU submissions
• Prepare policies, papers and reports for Council
• Advise QNMU employees on policy matters
• Maintain a consistent, current framework for QNMU policy statements and submissions and coordinate regular review procedures to ensure the currency and integrity of such documents
• Contribute to the planning and policy making activities of the Policy & Professional Officer teams
• Provide ongoing and current information and data relevant to nursing, midwifery, industrial relations and other areas to inform QNMU submissions, policies and papers
• Support the activities of the QNMU Policy Committee
• In collaboration with the Senior Policy Officer, develop effective communication mechanisms for regularly briefing QNMU employees and members on current research and policy issues
• Brief Council where necessary on policy developments

About You

We are looking for someone with the following skills and experience to fulfil the responsibilities of this position: - 

• A relevant tertiary qualification preferably with an independent post graduate research component;
• Prior experience in Nursing, Midwifery, Public Health, Industrial Relations, Politics, Law or a related field highly regarded:
• Ability to research and write policies and submissions, reports, briefing papers, and other material independently;
• Ability to identify and report on emerging issues of significance related to nursing and midwifery and the union;
• High-level written and oral communication and presentation skills;
• A commitment to QNMU’s values, purpose and trade unionism in general;
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and as a team member and take a collaborative approach to work.
• Demonstrated ability to be self-directed, establish priorities, use initiative and be proactive in raising and dealing with issues.

Why join us?

Apart from a unique opportunity to join the QNMU in a rewarding role, below are just a few of our benefits:

• Starting base salary of $135,941.32 per annum 
• 5 weeks annual leave with 17.5% Leave Loading
• Flexible and Hybrid work options
• Salary sacrifice options
• Health and Wellness initiatives
• Option to work compressed hours 9-day fortnight or accrue Monthly ADOs

An inclusive culture that celebrates all!

Our workplace is strongly committed to celebrating all individuals for who they are. We recognise that each of us offers unique strengths; sometimes it just takes a little bit of flexibility and support to allow those strengths to shine… and we are here for it! We strongly encourage people of all backgrounds, identities and abilities to apply - this is a safe, inclusive and supportive space, and we welcome all with open arms!

If there are any supports or adjustments, we can make during the recruitment process that will allow you to put your best self forward and demonstrate your capability to full potential, please let us know. We will be happy to accommodate in any way we can.

How to Apply

To apply, click on "Apply for this job" and submit your resume and cover letter. Applications close COB, Friday, 7th August 2026. For any recruitment queries, please contact Chris Jones at *******@qnmu.org.au

By applying for this role, you acknowledge that if the QNMU holds information about you, it may be considered as part of the recruitment process.

Further information

For further information about the QNMU, head to our website www.qnmu.org.au

“The QNMU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages women, people of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Island descent, people with a disability and people from non-English speaking backgrounds to be part of an organisation that promotes a diverse and safe workplace environment”.  Selection for all vacancies is made based on merit”.

The Queensland Nurses and Midwives’ Union of Employees (QNMU) collects personal information from you for the purpose of your job application during the course of the recruitment and selection process. We usually collect personal information from prospective employees through the application form, from referees or through a recruitment agency. We may disclose your personal information to your referees and other persons you nominate or mention in your application. Where you do not provide us with your personal information, we may not be able to consider your application or engage you as an employee of the QNMU. For information on how you may access or correct your personal information or how you can make a complaint about a breach of the Australian Privacy Principles, please refer to the QNMU Privacy Policy at www.qnmu.org.au.