Policy Advisor

Dementia Australia; City of Melbourne; Hybrid; AUD 85,000 - 115,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible work arrangements

Extra leave entitlements

Salary packaging options

Employee support programs

Job summary

Dementia Australia is seeking a dedicated policy professional for a full‑time role based in our capital city offices across Australia. You will develop policy papers, submissions and strategic communications, while contributing to national and state advocacy efforts.

In this role you will research policy developments in aged care, health and disability sectors, engage with people living with dementia and families, build external relationships, and represent the organisation at policy forums and

Qualifications

• Tertiary qualification in relevant discipline such as Public Health, Public Policy, Social Sciences, Politics or Social Work.
• Minimum 2 years of experience in dementia, consumer advocacy and health, aged care or disability policy.
• Demonstrated ability to develop policy materials, governance reports and project documentation.
• Continual development of specialist expertise to achieve outcomes.
• Ability to collaborate, remove barriers and deliver client‑focused outcomes.
• Builds and sustains internal and external relationships to advance Dementia Australia's mission.

Responsibilities

• Develop high-quality policy papers, submissions, presentations and strategic communications.
• Contribute to national and state policy development and advocacy initiatives.
• Research and analyse policy developments across aged care, health and disability sectors.
• Engage with people living with dementia, families, carers and staff to inform policy priorities.
• Lead policy initiatives addressing needs of people impacted by dementia.
• Represent Dementia Australia at policy forums, networks and stakeholder meetings.
• Provide policy advice and support to Policy Officers and contribute to advocacy strategies.

Skills

Public Health

Public Policy

Social Sciences

Politics

Social Work

Policy development

Stakeholder engagement

Project management

Governance reports

Collaboration

Communication

Education

Tertiary qualification in Public Health/Public Policy/Social Sciences/Politics/Social Work

Job description

Work at Dementia Australia and be part of a passionate team committed to making a difference. We value our people and are proud to offer flexibility, extra leave entitlements, attractive salary packaging options and employee support programs.

About the role

Full-time permanent position based at any of our capital city offices. Reporting directly to the General Manager Policy and Advocacy, you will be responsible for:

• Developing high-quality policy papers, submissions, presentations and strategic communications
• Contributing to national and state-based policy development and advocacy initiatives
• Researching and analysing policy developments across aged care, health and disability sectors
• Engaging with people living with dementia, families, carers and staff to inform policy priorities
• Building and maintaining strong relationships with external stakeholders and identifying collaboration opportunities
• Leading policy initiatives that respond to the current and emerging needs of people impacted by dementia
• Representing Dementia Australia at policy forums, networks and stakeholder meetings
• Providing policy advice and support to Policy Officers and contribute to broader advocacy strategies

What is in it for you?

Salary benefits: We offer all employees the opportunity to salary package up to $15,900 each year for living expenses and up to $2,650 each year for meal and entertainment benefits.

Leave allowances: In addition to your annual leave allowance, we offer one day of paid birthday or day of significance leave, paid days off during our end of year closure period (if these fall within your regular work days), enhanced personal leave and extended parental leave for all parents. You will also receive 17.5% annual leave loading and the option to purchase additional leave.

Work/life balance: Flexible, hybrid work arrangements (2 days in the office, 3 from home).

Employee benefits: Access to discounts and savings at over 450 retailers across Australia, wellbeing programs and free, confidential counselling for you and your family. Access to continuous professional development, staff recognition programs, a paid volunteering day and paid study leave.

About you

To be successful in this role, we are looking for someone with the following:

• Tertiary qualification in relevant discipline e.g. Public Health, Public Policy, Social Sciences, Politics, Social Work
• Minimum 2 years of experience in dementia, consumer advocacy and health, aged care and/or disability policy
• Demonstrated understanding and capability in the development of policy and project material including policy position material, governance reports, project management
• Continually develops and applies specialist expertise to achieve outcomes
• Collaborates with others to remove barriers and break down silos and enable effective delivery of client-focused outcomes
• Builds and sustains relationships internally and externally, and helps pursue Dementia Australia's vision and mission
• Listens to and considers different ideas, gains consensus and commitment from others

Our values are informed by the voices of people impacted by dementia

• Living Experience
• Inclusive
• Empowering

To find out more about our ALICE principles see link here: https://www.dementia.org.au/about-us/alice-stronger-voice-together

About us

Dementia Australia is the national peak body and source of trusted information, education and services for the over 446,500 Australians living with dementia, and the almost 1.7 million people involved in their care. We advocate for positive change and support vital research. We are here to support people impacted by dementia, and to enable them to live as well as possible. Our commitment to a shared set of values shapes our decisions, actions and behaviours towards achieving our core purpose and strategic priorities.

For specific role enquiries, please contact ***********@dementia.org.au