Policy Manager

Shape the future of healthcare policy and advocacy in Australia.

The Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA) is seeking an experienced Manager, Policy to join our Policy and Government Relations team.

This newly created leadership role offers an exciting opportunity to drive the delivery of APA's policy and advocacy agenda, lead a high-performing policy team, and support the delivery of policy outcomes that support physiotherapists and improve health outcomes for Australians.

Reporting to the General Manager, Policy and Government Relations, you will provide both policy leadership and operational oversight, ensuring priority initiatives are delivered with rigour, consistency and impact.

This is a permanent, full-time role based in Camberwell, Victoria. We offer a flexible hybrid working model that supports work-life balance. Employees are provided with a company laptop and ongoing IT support to ensure they have the tools they need to work effectively.

About us

The Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA) is the peak body representing the interests of more than 36,000 physiotherapists in Australia. It does so by advocating for access to quality physiotherapy services, providing leadership in the wider health landscape, creating lifelong information and learning opportunities for members, and working with stakeholders to support members’ interests.

We are proud to be a HRD 5-Star Employer of Choice 2022 - 2026 and recipient of the 2022 Association of the year award. We have a great working culture that is under pinned by our core values: 

Accountability - Excellence - Collaboration - Courage - Respect

We invest in our people through professional development, supportive leadership and a flexible workplace that enables our team to thrive.

What We Offer

• Flexible hybrid working arrangements - 2 days in the office, the rest is your choice
• Modern Camberwell office with free secure undercover parking
• Additional paid leave between Christmas and New Year
• One annual Doona Day
• Paid birthday leave
• Paid parental leave
• Annual flu vaccinations
• Professional development opportunities
• Employee Assistance Program
• Staff discounts and wellbeing initiatives
• Competitive remuneration package

About the role

As Manager, Policy, you will lead the operational delivery of APA's policy program and support the implementation of the Policy and Advocacy Blueprint.

You will oversee policy team priorities, allocate resources, monitor workflow and ensure the consistent delivery of high-quality, evidence-based policy and advocacy outputs.

Working closely with the General Manager and Strategy and Policy Specialist, you will coordinate policy development activities, provide strategic policy advice, and maintain visibility of deliverables, risks and priorities across the portfolio.

You will also contribute directly to major policy submissions, position statements and advocacy initiatives on issues shaping Australia's health system, workforce and funding environment.

Key Responsibilities

Policy Leadership and Team Management:

• Lead, coach and develop members of the policy team.
• Foster a high-performing, collaborative and accountable team culture.
• Manage policy team workflows, priorities and resource allocation.
• Oversee planning, tracking and reporting of policy deliverables.
• Ensure quality, consistency and evidence-based policy practice across all outputs.
• Identify risks, dependencies and emerging issues impacting delivery.

Policy Development and Advocacy:

• Lead the development of major policy submissions, consultation responses, briefing papers and advocacy materials.
• Provide strategic analysis and policy advice on complex health system, workforce and funding issues.
• Review and edit significant policy documents to ensure quality, clarity and alignment with APA positions.
• Coordinate contributions from internal subject matter experts and stakeholders.
• Support engagement with members and external stakeholders to inform APA policy positions.

About You

You are a strategic policy professional with a strong track record of leading complex policy programs and developing high-quality advocacy outcomes.

You combine excellent policy judgement with strong people leadership and project management capabilities, enabling you to drive outcomes in a fast-moving environment.

You Will Bring

• Demonstrated experience leading and developing policy professionals or multidisciplinary teams.
• Expertise in managing complex policy work programs and competing priorities.
• Exceptional writing, editing and analytical skills.
• Experience preparing policy submissions, position statements and advocacy materials.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and relationship management capabilities.
• Sound understanding of Australian health policy, workforce and funding issues.
• The ability to translate complex evidence into practical and persuasive policy recommendations.

Essential Requirements

• Tertiary qualifications in public policy, health, economics, project management, management or a related discipline, or equivalent experience.
• Significant experience in policy, government relations, advocacy or a related advisory environment.
• Demonstrated experience leading people, projects or complex work programs.
• Full Australian working rights.

Ready to Make an Impact?

To apply, please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your suitability for the role via the 'Apply Now' button.

For further information, please contact recruitment@australian.physio using the subject line: Policy Manager enquiry via EthicalJobs.

A full position description is attached.

The APA is committed to fostering a safe, inclusive and diverse workplace. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and actively encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to apply.

Only those successful in the selection process will be contacted.