When you step into a role, what do you want the purpose of the company you work for to be? How does that align with the individual purpose that motivates your ambition?

As the only independent Medical Research Institute in Australia focused on childhood cancer, our purpose is to translate and discover (through world class research) new treatments that will cure cancer and reduce the side effects in children and adolescents.

We save & change lives. At Children’s Cancer Institute we believe that a life should be long. Cancer cuts life short for hundreds of children every year before they’ve even had a chance to make their mark. We aim to not only improve their quality of life but eradicate the cause of their pain.

Choose to be part of a team that will nurture your talent and grow your career, so you too can contribute to this purpose. Together, we can, and we will cure all children of cancer. It’s not if. It’s when.

As our Strategy and Government Relations Lead you will work closely with key internal stakeholders to develop and execute a government and policy vision, agenda, and effective tactical campaigns strategy. This role will maximise the Institute’s exposure and impact with federal, state, and local governments in the pursuit of funding opportunities and regulatory reform. You will develop an internal engagement program to capture new and emerging opportunities and receive feedback on ongoing programs of work. You will provide advice to the senior leadership team on government engagement status, strategies, relevant policy developments and emerging issues, through an agreed reporting structure and cadence, to support informed decisions and appropriate responses to critical issues and emerging opportunities.

As our Strategy and Government Relations Lead your responsibilities will include:

Proactively engage with state and federal governments, oppositions and cross benchers on relevant public policy issues.
Undertaking research and networking to identify opportunities to influence government policy on issues pertaining to the Institute’s strategic objectives.
Developing and maintaining strong relationships with the key ministerial and parliamentary offices, at both the State and Federal level, as well as key departmental officers. Stakeholders relevant to government engagement activity, including but not limited to, pharmaceutical companies, consumer groups, regulatory and peak bodies.
Identifying and mapping stakeholders and maintaining a database of key contacts and records of engagement.
Coordinating and supporting the development of key submissions and responses to government, such as inquiries, reviews and policy proposals.

To succeed you will have…

Tertiary qualifications in a relevant field
Previous experience within government, a tertiary institution, Medical Research Institute or large complex organisation
Demonstrated experience developing and implementing campaigns to influence government policy using a range of strategies
A deep understanding of the political, bureaucratic and policy landscape
Exceptional networking and stakeholder engagement skills; adept at managing a diverse group of senior stakeholders and relationships across government, the higher education or MRI sectors
Highly developed negotiation and influencing skills and a track record of effective delivery of projects and proposals to deadline.
Strong strategic thinking, problem-solving and project management skills.
Demonstrated experience developing, planning, and successfully executing strategy.
An established network of contacts in government and the public sector is desirable.
Excellent written communication skills, including writing for difference audiences
An ability to work with a high degree of autonomy and with a high level of accountability

We will support you to be your best with benefits that include but are not limited to:

Access to our ‘FlexBEST’ program – true flexibility from day 1
Focus on employee wellbeing, including a leading EAP program, and up to 5 gifted wellbeing days off (paid) per year
Investment in leadership development and career advancement opportunities

Join a group of dedicated people in a performance-driven environment to achieve success and discover what it’s like to look forward to coming to work every day and make a real difference.
A detailed job description and additional information about Children’s Cancer Institute can be found on our website at: https://www.ccia.org.au/careers-study . We embrace diversity and encourage applications from people from diverse backgrounds and cultures.
To apply, please click the ‘APPLY’ link and forward both your resume AND cover letter (mandatory) clearly addressing the qualifications, experience and skills required.