Director Cancer Control Policy

Join Australia’s leading cancer charity and help us shape the future of cancer care!!

About Cancer Council Australia

Cancer Council Australia is the nation’s leading non-government cancer control organisation, focused on reducing the impact of cancer through research, prevention, and support. We work alongside the community, health professionals, and government to provide trusted information and services to those affected by cancer. With a mission to save lives and create a cancer-free future, Cancer Council offers a purpose-driven workplace where everyone can make a meaningful difference to help improve outcomes for people affected by cancer.

About the role

Cancer Council Australia is seeking an experienced and strategic leader to join our Executive Team as Director, Cancer Control Policy. Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, this role leads Cancer Council Australia’s Cancer Control Policy Division and is responsible for driving the organisation’s national policy and advocacy agenda. The Director will oversee the development of evidence-based cancer control policy positions, strengthen Cancer Council Australia’s national influence and reputation, and ensure Cancer Council continues to be recognised as the trusted voice of cancer control in Australia.

Cancer Council Australia’s flagship policy document is the National Cancer Control Policy, which sets national direction and priorities across cancer prevention, early detection, treatment and care, and health systems. This role plays a key leadership role in shaping and promoting this agenda, with a strong focus on improving equity, system performance and outcomes for all Australians.

The Director will lead a team and work closely with the Cancer Council Federation, national committees and subject matter experts to drive a coordinated and evidence-informed approach to cancer control policy development and advocacy.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading the development of national cancer control policy positions in collaboration with Cancer Council committees and stakeholders
• Developing and executing strategic objectives for cancer control policy, advocacy and government relations
• Building strong relationships with federal government, regulatory bodies and national agencies to increase Cancer Council Australia’s influence
• Representing Cancer Council Australia publicly, including as a spokesperson in media, conferences and high-level stakeholder forums
• Monitoring emerging evidence, debates and legislative changes to identify opportunities for policy leadership and advocacy responses
• Supporting funding proposals and grant applications and ensuring effective grant and contract management
• Leading and developing a high-performing team culture of trust, accountability and collaboration
• Acting as a key contributor across the Executive Team and deputising for the CEO when required

About you

You are a strategic, credible and values-driven leader with significant experience in public health policy, advocacy and government relations. You are comfortable operating at senior executive level, navigating complex stakeholder environments, and influencing decision-makers through evidence-based policy leadership.

You have a proven track record of translating complex research, data and emerging evidence into clear, influential policy positions and advocacy strategies. You understand how to operate effectively within federal policy and legislative environments, and you are confident engaging with Ministers, senior public servants, regulators and sector leaders to influence outcomes.

You are an inspiring and experienced leader with a proven track record of developing talent and taking the team to the next level. As a passionate mentor, you will have proven experience in fostering a collaborative environment, delivering consistent performance results, and cultivating an environment of high trust, inclusivity and safety.

You bring:

• Extensive experience in evidence-based policy development, including commissioning or undertaking high-level evidence review and analysis
• Demonstrated success in advocacy and government relations, including developing and executing advocacy strategies that have led to policy or funding outcomes
• The ability to build and sustain strategic relationships with government, peak bodies, researchers, clinicians, consumer organisations and other key stakeholders
• Experience leading and developing high-performing teams, fostering trust, accountability and collaboration
• Strong judgement and the ability to navigate complex or politically sensitive issues with professionalism and integrity
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to represent an organisation publicly, in stakeholder forums and in the media
• Alignment with Cancer Council Australia’s mission and not-for-profit values.
• Understanding of public health and behavioural change strategies.
• Experience within the charity or not-for-profit sector.

Our Culture

Cancer Council Australia is here for all Australians affected by cancer. We actively promote and foster a working environment that values diversity, difference and inclusion. As we strive to achieve our vision of a cancer free future, we welcome and actively encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, CALD, LGBTQIA+ peoples and people living with a disability.

Why work with us?

At Cancer Council Australia, you don’t just join a team, you join a movement. As a non-profit organisation, our mission is to prevent cancer, empower patients, and save lives. You’ll benefit from:

• Salary sacrificing options, maximising your take home pay through generous salary packaging benefits.
• Flexible work arrangements and being part of a collaborative and inclusive team.
• Personal and professional development, with great opportunities to grow your skills