Director of Policy and Advocacy

Continence Health Australia | Surrey Hills, VIC | Full Time or Part time

Help put continence health on the national policy agenda.

Health reform is reshaping how Australians access care, and continence health deserves a seat at the table. As our Director of Policy and Advocacy, you will lead Continence Health Australia’s policy, government relations and advocacy agenda, drawing on your Federal government experience and health policy expertise to turn complex reform across NDIS, aged care, preventive health and chronic conditions into strategies that make a real difference for people of all ages.

About Continence Health Australia

Our purpose: Continence health for people of all ages in Australia

We are a national not‑for‑profit organisation committed to improving continence health through information, education, advocacy and support. Our work is guided by our values of Accountability, Collaboration, Inclusiveness, Integrity and Respect, and by a strong belief in providing compassionate care.

Why join us?

- Key role with real flexibility – work in the office and work from home - full time or part time available
- Supportive and inclusive team culture where we truly back one another
- Work for a respected national organisation making a genuine difference
- Opportunities to share your expertise, shape health reform and keep learning

What you’ll do

- Lead our policy agenda, deciding where we can have the greatest impact
- Build and maintain relationships with Ministers, parliamentarians, Federal and state health departments, peak bodies and Primary Health Networks
- Prepare high-quality submissions, briefings and position statements, and report on their impact
- Shape clear, compelling policy messaging that positions us as a credible national voice
- Advise the CEO, Board and Executive, and lead our Policy Advisory Committee as it develops multidisciplinary clinics, a key initiative of our Strategic Plan, in 2027




- Be a key influencer in our organisation who is people focused and able to build effective relationships at all levels - internal and external

What you’ll bring

- Significant experience working in or closely with the Federal government with a sound grasp of how national policy, budget and legislative processes work, similar experience in a state or territory government would also be an advantage
- A policy background in health or a closely related discipline (such as disability, aged care or community services), supported by a relevant tertiary qualification, with postgraduate studies in public health, health policy or a related field
- Extensive senior leadership experience delivering complex projects, and a proven record of influencing health policy and system reform through strategic advice and stakeholder engagement with government
- Robust understanding of Australian health systems, national sector reform and Federal government policy processes
- Excellent written and verbal communication, including high-level briefings and persuasive reporting
- A commitment to culturally safe and inclusive practice, particularly with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples

Experience in not-for-profit or mission-driven organisations, in the primary, acute or community health sectors, or in continence health would be highly regarded, but is not essential.

About Continence Health Australia

Our purpose is continence health for people of all ages in Australia. We are guided by our values of accountability, collaboration, inclusiveness, integrity and respect. This role reports to the CEO and sits within our Executive Team, giving you a genuine voice in the direction of the organisation.

How to apply

Submit your resume and a cover letter addressing the essential criteria. For a confidential conversation about the role, contact Jenni Pavlou, People and Culture Manager on [email protected]

Continence Health Australia is committed to child safety. The successful applicant will be required to hold a current Working with Children Check and complete a police check.

We look forward to hearing from you!

📌 Director of Policy and Advocacy (Surrey Hills)
🏢 Continence Health Australia
📍 Surrey Hills