Cancer Policy Lead

Cancer Policy Lead

Cancer Council NSW is Australia’s leading cancer organisation and our vision 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

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:

This role supports the delivery of Cancer Council NSW’s programs, services, and advocacy initiatives by providing expert advice on health policy and cancer control evidence.

You’ll build and maintain strong relationships with internal teams and external partners, ensuring our work is informed by regional data and aligned with strategic priorities. This is a key role in advancing our mission to reduce the impact of cancer and remain a trusted voice in the community.

Key Responsibilities Of The Role:

• Lead health policy analysis and translation of cancer control evidence to ensure that CCNSW’s public policy and advocacy agenda is evidence-based and prioritised for impact.
• Coordinate and conduct research to build the evidence base for advocacy to improve outcomes across cancer control.
• Support advocacy colleagues to pursue opportunities to influence government policy and practice, including the development of policy recommendations reports, briefing papers and by taking the lead on responses to inquiries and consultations.
• Work closely with colleagues in the Daffodil Centre to translate research and evidence into policy change and ensure policy gaps in cancer control inform research prioritisation.
• Build effective working relationships with key internal stakeholders in the Community Engagement Division and Cancer Information and Support Services Division by providing relevant, contextualised and priority-driven advice to inform advocacy, programs and services.
• Hold and develop high level stakeholder relationships, build partnerships with key state agencies and NGOs and represent CCNSW on matters of cancer control policy.
• Lead a small team to be high performing, ensuring achievement of performance objectives, on-going development, engagement and retention of staff.
• Effectively communicate complex research and data across cancer control to diverse audiences with tailored and, where appropriate, localised reports, briefs and presentations.
• Assist in the program management, implementation and evaluation of a program of work aimed at building the capacity of health consumers to partner with local cancer services and influence policy and practice.
• Support local advocacy by providing staff and volunteers with snapshots of local cancer control outcomes and health system performance, along with contextualised advice on how to pursue change where necessary.
• Horizon scan emerging issues in cancer control through monitoring peer reviewed and grey literature, trends in the external cancer control environment and through stakeholder networks.
• Assist with the preparation of research and program grant proposals.

About You

Essential:

• Postgraduate qualifications in a relevant discipline such as public health, science or public policy or equivalent demonstrated relevant experience.
• Demonstrated experience and success in a similar role managing research and translation of evidence to inform a program or policy and advocacy agenda.
• Excellent research, critical appraisal and analytical skills, applied to assessment of evidence and policy analysis.
• Demonstrated leadership skills in championing programs in an area of work to achieve strategic outcomes.
• Demonstrated success in managing, inspiring and motivating teams to deliver on strategy and achieve targets in complex and challenging environments.
• Superior communication and interpersonal skills with demonstrated ability to influence, negotiate and build rapport to facilitate trusting and credible relationships with both internal and external stakeholders.
• Excellent written communication skills, including demonstrated experience in writing concise, evidence-based and persuasive documents for publication.
• Demonstrated ability to manage a program of work, with the capacity to schedule work independently to achieve identified goals within time constraints.

Desirable:

• Understanding of the NSW health system, including the policies, structures and organisations that underpin it, as well as government health programs.
• Extensive knowledge of and previous experience in the health sector.
• Understanding of cancer research.

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.
• A balanced organisational 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 Blayze Thomas at careers@nswcc.org.au 

Apply online by visiting our website directly, copying the following link www.cancercouncil.com.au/jobs then click on the role title and submit your cover letter and resume.

Closing Date: Wednesday 1st of October 2025