Advocacy and Campaigns Lead

Rare Cancers Australia Ltd; Bowral; Hybrid; AUD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible remote work arrangements

Salary packaging up to $18,500 per AU$

Flexible leave options

Great Place to Work Certification

Job summary

Rare Cancers Australia (RCA) invites applications for an Advocacy and Campaign Lead. This newly created role sits at the intersection of advocacy, engagement and public affairs, reporting to the Head of Policy and Public Affairs, leading campaigns to drive meaningful system change for Australians affected by rare cancers.

You will work across government, healthcare, research and the community sector to amplify patient and carer voices, shape policy debates, build coalitions and mobilise public

Qualifications

• Demonstrated advocacy experience driving campaigns and engaging diverse stakeholders.
• Experience turning research and policy into compelling advocacy messages.
• Strong written communication to influence policy and public debates.
• Ability to build strategic relationships across government, health and not-for-profit sectors.

Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver advocacy strategies and campaigns aligned with RCA priorities.
• Create compelling advocacy content and manage media engagement.
• Build strategic relationships with government, healthcare, research and community organisations.
• Champion patient and carer voices and ensure ethical storytelling.
• Strengthen RCA's influence through external representation and risk monitoring.
• Provide briefings and presentations to senior leaders.

Skills

Advocacy

Campaigns

Stakeholder engagement

Government relations

Corporate affairs

Education

Public policy

Public affairs

Communications

Job description

• Flexible location with remote working arrangements; applicant location flexible*
• Full-time or 0.8 FTE opportunity
• Competitive salary plus access to not-for-profit salary packaging (up to $18,500 per annum)
• Help shape national policy and improve outcomes for Australians affected by rare and less common cancers

RCA's head office is in Bowral NSW, and applications are invited from candidates located in Sydney, Wollongong or Southern Highlands areas, provided you can and are willing to travel to our offices occasionally.

About Rare Cancers Australia

Rare Cancers Australia (RCA) is Australia's leading advocacy and support organisation for people affected by rare and less common cancers.

Every day, we work alongside patients, carers, clinicians, researchers, industry and governments to improve access to treatment, influence health policy, deliver practical support and ensure the voices of people living with rare cancers are heard.

Our team is passionate, collaborative and values-driven. We are committed to creating meaningful change while fostering a supportive, flexible workplace where our people can thrive.

About the Opportunity

This is an exciting opportunity to join RCA in a newly created role that sits at the intersection of advocacy, engagement and public affairs.

Reporting to the Head of Policy and Public Affairs, you will be responsible for leading and delivering Rare Cancers Australia's advocacy, campaigns and community mobilisation activities to drive meaningful system change for people affected by rare and less common cancers.

Working across government, industry, healthcare, research and the community sector, the Advocacy and Campaign Lead will lead high-impact advocacy and campaign strategies that drive systemic change for people affected by rare cancers. The role will amplify patient and carer voices, shape policy debates, build influential coalitions and mobilise public support to advance Rare Cancers Australia's strategic priorities and improve access to care, treatment and support.

Working closely with the Head of Policy and Public Affairs, CEO and other RCA teams, this new role will play a critical part in ensuring that people living with rare cancers have a stronger voice, better outcomes, and greater recognition within Australia's health system, and that RCA remains a trusted and influential peak body.

Key Responsibilities

Develop and deliver advocacy strategies and campaigns aligned with Rare Cancers Australia’s priorities, using evidence, research and patient insights to influence policy and raise awareness.

Create compelling advocacy content and narratives, and lead proactive media engagement, including media releases, opinion pieces, case studies and spokesperson preparation.

Build and maintain strategic relationships with government, parliamentarians, healthcare and research communities, patient organisations, industry and media to advance shared objectives and support system change.

Champion patient and carer voice by gathering and elevating lived experience, supporting advocates, and ensuring their stories are represented ethically and authentically.

Strengthen RCA’s reputation and influence through external representation, thought leadership and strategic positioning; monitor relevant developments and manage advocacy-related risks and issues.

Provide advocacy advice, briefings and presentations to senior leaders, including the Head of Policy and Public Affairs, CEO and Board.

Work closely with patient-facing teams and communications colleagues to align advocacy with patient needs and maintain a consistent organisational voice.

Contribute to organisational planning, impact reporting and continuous improvement, fostering collaboration across RCA to maximise advocacy impact.

About You

We're looking for someone who brings a strong commitment to improving outcomes for people with rare and less common cancers and working with them to bring about change.

You will bring:

• Demonstrated experience in advocacy, campaigns, stakeholder engagement, government relations, corporate affairs or a related field.
• Tertiary qualifications in public policy, public affairs, journalism, communications, health, political science or a related discipline, or equivalent experience.
• Exceptional written communication skills, with experience of turning research and policy positions into compelling advocacy messages and campaigns.
• Highly developed interpersonal and relationship management skills.
• Demonstrated ability to influence and engage diverse stakeholders.
• Strong project management, organisational and prioritisation skills.
• Ability to work independently while managing multiple competing priorities.
• Experience in the healthcare, cancer, patient advocacy or not-for-profit sector with a knowledge of the Australian health policy and medicines access environment would be highly regarded.

Why Join Rare Cancers Australia?

At RCA you'll have the opportunity to make a genuine difference.

We offer:

• Flexible remote working arrangements.
• Not-for-profit salary packaging of up to $18,500 per annum.
• Flexible leave arrangements including annual leave at half pay, purchased leave and paid parental leave.
• A collaborative, supportive and purpose-driven culture with Great Place to Work Certification.
• The opportunity to help shape Australia's rare cancer landscape.

Applications close at 9am on Monday the 2nd of November 2026.

Enquiries

regarding this role can be addressed to:******@rarecancers.org.au. Please do not email applications to this email address.