Policy Manager

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 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.
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