Government Relations Lead

Cancer Council NSW is Australia’s leading cancer organisation and our mission is to change the path of cancer and make sure no one walks alone. We are dedicated to meaningful careers where you will not only change the lives and futures of people affected by cancer, but you will work in a multi-award awarding winning culturally connected environment.

About us

Cancer Council NSW (CCNSW) is a community funded and focused not for profit. We are the largest cancer charity in NSW and our point of difference is that we work across every area of every cancer, from research right through to support.

At CCNSW we understand that nothing feels better than doing work you really care about. As Australia’s leading organisation supporting all people impacted by all cancers, we understand how good it feels to make a difference. We know that almost 1 in 2 Australians are affected by cancer during their lifetime, by joining the passionate team at CCNSW you’ll know that each day the work you’re doing will positively impact people in your life and Australia.

Together, we will work towards our goal of a cancer free future, while at the same time encouraging you to get the most out of your life with a supportive environment anchored in flexibility, physical and mental wellbeing to bring out the best of what makes you uniquely you. CCNSW we’re here for meaningful careers that feel good.

About the team

Thie role sits within The Cancer Prevention and Advocacy division, leading the organisation’s work in health promotion and cancer prevention helping Australians make well informed choices to decrease their risk of cancer; and to create a supportive environment where healthy choices are easier choices.

Within this division, The Policy & Advocacy Unit brings together cancer control evidence, government relations and community, to influence changes to public policy and practices that will improve cancer outcomes.

About the role

The Government Relations Lead works to improve our effectiveness at influencing changes in public policy and practices through building and supporting strong government, political and stakeholder relationships. The Government Relations Lead will proactively identify opportunities for engagement, as well as risks, and provide advice, intelligence and analysis of the external political and stakeholder environment to strengthen our advocacy strategies.

This Government Relations Lead position reports to the Manager, Policy and Advocacy. This role works collaboratively with other members of the Policy & Advocacy Unit, as well as other Cancer Council NSW Divisions, and Cancer Council Australia.

Key responsibilities of the role:

• Proactively develop and maintain effective relationships with key state parliamentarians, their advisers and departmental officials, as well as other stakeholders

• Provide advice, intelligence and analysis of the political and stakeholder environment to shape Cancer Council’s public policy agenda and implementation strategy
• Conduct mapping and critical analysis of key strategic stakeholder relations

• Develop and manage strategies to influence decision makers and advocate for reform in line with our public policy agenda

• Build the organisation’s reputation as a trusted partner for cancer control policy advice and strategies
• Establish and implement systems to routinely monitor the external political environment and policy-related developments to proactively identify opportunities for engagement, as well as risks
• Prepare briefings, reports and other communication for internal staff, CanAct vounteers and external stakeholders including MPs and their advisers
• Work closely with colleagues across the organisation to provide advice and strategies to further CCNSW’s reach and sustainability
• Work with internal stakeholders to develop positions on matters of cancer and public health issues
• Work closely with the PR unit and subject matter experts to align public messaging with advocacy priorities, using the media tactically to help drive public policy reform

About you

Essential:

• Relevant tertiary qualifications in public health, social policy, communications or related field
• Demonstrated experience in either a Ministerial office, government relations, public affairs or in a comparable policy or advocacy role, preferably in the health or social services sector
• Strong understanding of Australian & NSW government and political systems and processes that underpin policy development
• Ability to horizon scan, analyse and interpret policy directions and political motivations
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to write and speak in a manner designed to persuade and inspire others

• Demonstrated success in advocacy strategy development and execution

• Demonstrated ability to influence and engage internal and external stakeholders
• Excellent organisational, project and task management skills
• Demonstrated ability to set goals and targets, meet rapidly changing and tight deadlines and handle competing priorities
• High level negotiation and problem-solving skills, specifically in working between various sectors of government
• Demonstrated skills in working as part of a team

Desirable:

• Understanding of the NSW health system

About the benefits

• Generous salary packaging options that can increase your take home pay by paying certain expenses using pre-tax dollars up to $15,900 a year.
• Recognised for Voice Project’s 2021 and 2023 “Best Workplace” Award.
• Access to flexible work arrangements including a balanced approach to WFH and office.
• Additional performance-based leave available.
• Work for purpose and know that your work fosters an engaged, diverse and culturally aware organisation.
• Discounts available for everyday expenses such as private health, retail and fitness.

CCNSW is an inclusive place to volunteer and work. We embrace diversity, celebrate our differences, and inspire each person to be their authentic self at work. As we strive to represent the communities we serve, we welcome and actively encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and other diverse groups.

If you require any adjustments to submit your application, please get in touch with us at [email protected] using the subject line: Government Relations Lead enquiry via EthicalJobs.

Apply online by visiting our website directly by clicking the “Apply Now” button and submitting your cover letter and resume.

Please note, the health and safety of our people is a priority for us, our employees and volunteers are strongly recommended to be up to date with their COVID vaccination.