Manager, Policy Advocacy & Research

Help shape the future of podiatry in AustraliaManager, Policy Advocacy and ResearchThe Australian Podiatry Association (APodA) is seeking a Manager, Policy Advocacy and Research to lead our policy, advocacy and research function, and help ensure podiatry has the profile, influence and voice it deserves.
This is a role for someone who understands that credible advocacy rests on evidence, relationships and timing.
You will lead a small, focused team. You will work directly with the CEO. You will represent APodA in high-stakes conversations with government, regulators, sector partners and health leaders. And you will help bring the voice of podiatrists into national conversations about healthcare, prevention, workforce, ageing, disability and quality of life.
Why this role mattersPodiatrists make a profound contribution to Australian health by helping people stay mobile, independent, active and connected. From diabetes-related foot disease and wound prevention, to healthy ageing, disability, children's health, workforce access and preventive care, podiatry sits at the intersection of some of the country's most urgent health challenges.
APodA's job is to make sure that contribution is seen, understood and valued where decisions are made. That's your role.
What you'll doAs Manager, Policy Advocacy and Research, you will:Lead APodA's policy, advocacy and research function in line with strategic priorities and member valueLead a small team to deliver high-quality policy positions, submissions, briefings and research-informed adviceCommission and interpret research, evidence and policy intelligence to inform advocacy strategyBuild trusted relationships with government, regulators, allied-health bodies, professional associations and health sector partnersRepresent APodA in important stakeholder forums, consultations, parliamentary inquiries and advocacy settingsWork with member committees and councils to ensure advocacy is informed by professional expertise and lived experienceCollaborate closely with Marketing & Communications to translate advocacy into clear, compelling member and public messagesIdentify emerging policy risks and opportunities and provide timely, actionable advice to the CEO and BoardDemonstrate the value and impact of APodA's advocacy to members and the broader profession About youYou are a strategic and measured advocate. You read the room. You understand the system. You know how to bring evidence, relationships and timing together to create impact.
You are highly organised and able to prioritise effectively in a busy, evolving environment. You can distinguish what is urgent from what is important, make sound trade-offs, and keep work focused on the priorities that will deliver the greatest value for members and the profession.
You can write with clarity, brief with confidence and represent an organisation with integrity in complex environments. You have sound judgment about sensitive issues, and you know when to escalate.
You may come from a professional association, peak body, health organisation, government, public policy, advocacy, government relations or stakeholder engagement background. You will bring:Strong experience in policy, advocacy, government relations or stakeholder engagementDemonstrated ability to develop credible policy positions and lead advocacy strategiesExcellent judgment, political awareness and discretionThe ability to prioritise effectively in a lean team environmentOutstanding written communication skillsAbility to turn complex issues into clear, influential adviceConfidence working with senior stakeholders, committees and expert groupsExperience managing people, workplans and cross-functional initiativesA collaborative, practical and hands-on approachA genuine commitment to strengthening a profession that makes a real difference to Australian health and wellbeing Experience in health, allied health, aged care, disability, workforce policy, regulation or professional practice would be highly valued.
About APodAAPodA is the only national professional peak body for podiatry in Australia. Our vision is Amazing Podiatry Always — a profession that is recognised, valued and supported for the profound contribution it makes to the health, mobility, independence and quality of life for Australians.
We work to strengthen the profession, support our members and ensure podiatry has a clear and influential voice in the decisions that shape healthcare.
Our values: Dream big, be brave. Better together. We listen, we act, we care. Inspire growth & champion potential. Personal responsibility leads us to collective excellence.
Working arrangementsBased at APodA's Brunswick East headquarters, Melbourne Full-time position (1.0 FTE); we are open to discussing part-time arrangements for an exceptional candidateMinimum 3 days per week at the office, including APodA's whole-organisation anchor dayHybrid and flexible working available in line with APodA policy and operational needsOccasional evening or weekend work for Board meetings, member events and strategic projects Interested?Please apply via LinkedIn or contact Hilary Shelton, CEO at APodA directly for a confidential discussion – hilary.shelton@podiatry.org.au