Senior Policy & Advocacy Officer

Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA) stands with Australians affected by breast cancer to ensure their voices drive meaningful change. As the leading breast cancer consumer organisation, we inform, support, connect and advocate driving a sense of connectedness for our community and better outcomes for them and our healthcare system. Over the past 25 years, we have built a strong and resilient network that has brought together over 250,000 individuals. We are led by the lived experience of those who have already been diagnosed, so we can support their journeys today, and improve the lives of those who will be diagnosed tomorrow.

We’re growing! As part of our ambitious new strategy, we’re creating exciting opportunities for motivated professionals to join us and help shape the future of BCNA. This role reflects our commitment to innovation, strengthening our services, and expanding our impact to deliver even greater value to the communities we serve. Are you passionate about driving change in health policy and advocacy? This is your opportunity to influence decisions that improve diagnosis, treatment, care, and support for thousands of Australians affected by breast cancer.

As a Senior Policy & Advocacy Officer, you’ll play a pivotal role in shaping policy positions, amplifying consumer voices, and building strong partnerships to create lasting impact. You will manage a variety of projects, foster strong partnerships with stakeholders, and contribute to the creation of impactful content for our advocacy efforts. This is a hybrid, full-time ongoing role based at our Camberwell office, with flexibility to work from home 2 days per week.

About the role

The Senior Policy and Advocacy Officer role offers an exciting opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of those affected by breast cancer. The position involves strategic planning, content creation, and stakeholder engagement, ensuring dynamic and varied work. You will find excitement in the chance to collaborate with passionate professionals, innovate within the role, and engage with the broader community. Additionally, the position offers significant personal and professional growth, all while being part of a leading organisation dedicated to advocacy and empowerment in the breast cancer community.

Success in this role means effectively implementing BCNA’s policy and advocacy strategies, building strong stakeholder relationships, and producing high-quality submissions and reports. Your efforts will lead to improved support for those affected by breast cancer, making a real difference in their lives.

Key responsibilities include:

• Support the development, implementation, and evaluation of policy and advocacy projects aligned with BCNA’s Policy & Advocacy Strategy.
• Design and maintain systems to monitor progress, performance indicators, and outcomes across multiple workstreams.
• Coordinate consultation processes with BCNA Consumer Representatives and key stakeholders, including survey design, briefing sessions, and feedback analysis.
• Lead documentation and continuous improvement of team processes, frameworks, and workflows to enhance efficiency and accountability.
• Assist in operational planning activities, ensuring consumer voice and lived experience are embedded in all policy and advocacy work.
• Prepare internal and external communications to promote BCNA’s policy and advocacy initiatives.
• Conduct research and provide policy advice and analysis on emerging issues, trends, and reforms in breast cancer and the broader health sector.
• Build and maintain effective relationships with government, industry, research, and community partners to advance BCNA’s policy objectives.
• Represent BCNA in working groups, consultations, and forums, communicating policy positions clearly and constructively.
• Collaborate with team members to share knowledge and support capability development.
• Participate in BCNA-wide activities to foster organisational culture and continuous learning.

Desired Skills and Experience

We're looking for an experienced policy and advocacy professional who is passionate about influencing health policy and improving outcomes for people affected by breast cancer and can bring the following:

• Tertiary qualifications in public policy, health, social sciences, or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience in policy development, advocacy, or health sector engagement.
• Strong analytical, research, and communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Commitment to consumer-centred approaches and embedding lived experience in policy work.

Purpose-driven work — see the direct impact of your efforts on 250,000+ Australians affected by breast cancer. NFP salary packaging — package up to $15,900 per year, meaningfully increasing your take-home pay. Hybrid working — genuine flexibility with work-from-home arrangements (3 days in the office / 2 days WFH). Career development — real opportunities to influence health policy. Collaborative culture — join a warm, supportive team where your contribution is visible and valued every day. Camberwell location — well-connected inner-east Melbourne office.

How to apply

Please click the Apply button and attach: a cover letter that references the key selection criteria, a resume that outlines your skills and experience for this position.

BCNA is an employer of equal opportunity and encourages and values diversity and inclusion. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are encouraged to apply. Applicants must hold unlimited working rights suitable for an ongoing role and will be subject to successfully completing a National Police History Check.