Head of Cancer Care Policy

12 Month Parental Leave Cover

Join Australia’s leading cancer charity and help us shape the future of cancer care!

About Cancer Council Australia

Cancer Council Australia is the nation’s leading non-government cancer control organisation, focused on reducing the impact of cancer through research, prevention, and support. We work alongside the community, health professionals, and government to provide trusted information and services to those affected by cancer. With a mission to save lives and create a cancer free future, Cancer Council offers a purpose driven workplace where everyone can make a meaningful difference to help improve outcomes for people affected by cancer.

About the role

The Head of Cancer Care Policy is responsible for leading the development and advancement of Cancer Council Australia’s national policy priorities relating to cancer care. Reporting to the Director, Cancer Control Policy, you will work closely with stakeholders from across the Cancer Council Federation, clinical organisations and societies, government and the broader cancer control sector to develop and promote evidence-informed policy that improves cancer outcomes.

As a senior member of the Cancer Control Policy team, you will provide leadership and expert guidance on cancer care policy, identify opportunities to influence national policy and advocacy, and lead the development of submissions, consultation responses and other high-quality policy materials. You will draw on health and scientific evidence to ensure Cancer Council Australia’s policy positions are robust, balanced and clearly communicated to a range of audiences.

The role provides a unique opportunity to influence cancer care policy at a national level, collaborate with a diverse network of experts and stakeholders, and strengthen Cancer Council Australia’s position as a leading voice on cancer control.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading the development and maintenance of national policy on issues relevant to cancer care.
• Identifying opportunities to communicate and advocate Cancer Council Australia’s cancer care policy priorities.
• Leading the development of national submissions and responses to consultations.
• Producing high quality briefing documents, policy statements, submissions and other persuasive written materials.
• Working closely with clinical organisations, professional societies and stakeholders across the Cancer Council Federation.
• Leading and managing policy projects designed to improve cancer outcomes and reduce the burden of cancer.
• Providing expert guidance to support accurate, accessible public messaging and content on cancer care issues.
• Monitoring emerging cancer care issues and identifying opportunities for Cancer Council Australia to be a leading voice on cancer control.
• Leading, supporting and developing members of the Cancer Care Policy team.

About you

You are an experienced and collaborative policy professional with a strong understanding of evidence-based health policy and an ability to translate complex health and scientific evidence into clear, persuasive and practical policy positions. You are an exceptional writer and communicator who is comfortable engaging with a diverse range of stakeholders, including health professionals and subject matter experts. You have the judgement and confidence to work with limited direction, manage competing priorities and lead complex policy projects through to delivery.

You are naturally collaborative and skilled at building trusted relationships. You combine strong analytical capability with an ability to communicate complex issues in plain English and understand how high-quality evidence, stakeholder engagement and advocacy can come together to influence policy and improve outcomes for people affected by cancer.

You bring:

• High-level writing skills, particularly within the health and medicine sectors.
• Demonstrated ability to understand and interpret health and scientific literature.
• Strong understanding of the principles of evidence-based health policy.
• Proven experience working with multiple stakeholders, including health professionals.
• Experience developing and editing clear, accessible and persuasive policy documentation.
• Demonstrated project management experience and the ability to deliver high-quality work to deadlines.
• Highly developed organisational and interpersonal skills.
• The ability to work autonomously and effectively under limited direction.
• An understanding of and alignment with the ethos of the not-for-profit sector.
• Tertiary qualifications in health, science, communications or a related discipline will be highly regarded.
• Previous experience in a similar policy role will also be highly regarded.

Our Culture

Cancer Council Australia is here for all Australians affected by cancer. We actively promote and foster a working environment that values diversity, difference and inclusion. As we strive to achieve our vision of a cancer free future, we welcome and actively encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, CALD, LGBTQIA+ peoples and people living with a disability.

Why work with us?

At Cancer Council Australia, you don’t just join a team, you join a movement. As a non-profit organisation, our mission is to prevent cancer, empower patients, and save lives. You’ll benefit from:

• Salary sacrificing options, maximising your take home pay through generous salary packaging benefits.
• Flexible work arrangements and being part of a collaborative and inclusive team.
• Personal and professional development, with great opportunities to grow your skills

How to apply

Send through your resume and cover letter (mandatory) to ••••@cancer.org.au and be part of a team that’s changing lives across Australia.

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