Introduction Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA) is Australia’s leading breast cancer consumer organisation. We stand 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. BCNA was born out of a small group of determined women who wanted to make the breast cancer journey better. In 1998, when Lyn Swinburne founded BCNA, her vision was for no one to feel alone through their experience of breast cancer. Over the past 25 years, we have built a strong and resilient network that brings together over 250,000 individuals. We are led by the lived experience of those who have already been diagnosed and we are driven every day to make the experience better for 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. Description The Senior Manager, Policy & Advocacy is a senior strategic and operational leader at Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA), responsible for driving BCNA’s policy and advocacy priorities in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment. The role ensures the voices and experiences of Australians affected by breast cancer inform health policy, research, and system reform, often within tight timeframes and complex stakeholder contexts. The role leads high-impact, evidence-based advocacy initiatives and works across government, cancer agencies, health organisations, NGOs, research institutions, and consumer networks. It includes representing BCNA in select international forums and collaborations to exchange knowledge and strengthen domestic advocacy. The role requires sound judgement, decisiveness, and the ability to progress multiple priorities simultaneously while maintaining credibility and influence. Reporting to the Director, Policy, Advocacy & Support Services, the Senior Manager leads a high-performing policy and advocacy team, setting clear priorities, driving delivery, and building capability in an environment of constant change. As a member of the BCNA management team, the role provides expert, timely advice on policy and advocacy issues, manages risk, and contributes to organisational decision-making to ensure BCNA remains agile, influential, and impact-focused. This is a rare opportunity to work at the centre of national health reform, where policy decisions have real and immediate consequences for people affected by breast cancer. As Senior Manager, Policy & Advocacy at BCNA, you will operate in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment, influencing government, shaping system change, and driving advocacy that matters. You’ll lead high-impact work that moves quickly from evidence and lived experience to action — often within tight timeframes and complex political and stakeholder contexts. The role offers exposure to senior decision-makers, challenging policy issues, and moments where sound judgement, clarity, and leadership truly count. For the right person, this role is exciting because it is dynamic, and deeply purpose-driven. You’ll build and lead a high-performing team, collaborate across sectors, learn from international counterparts, and continuously refine how advocacy is done — all while knowing your work contributes to better outcomes, equity, and visibility for Australians affected by breast cancer. If you thrive on momentum, responsibility, and meaningful impact — and are motivated by work that stretches you — this role offers the chance to lead, grow, and make a difference every day. Skills And Experiences We are looking for an experienced policy and advocacy leader who is passionate about influencing health policy and improving outcomes for people affected by breast cancer. We're looking for people who can bring the following: Ability to interpret complex policy issues and synthesize them into clear, evidence-based positions. Strong research and analytical skills to ensure recommendations are rigorous and credible. Expertise in influencing policy and decision-making in high-stakes environments. Skilled in developing advocacy strategies that deliver visible outcomes under pressure. Capacity to manage multiple streams of work simultaneously without compromising quality. Strong prioritization and organizational skills to meet tight deadlines. Ability to build and maintain stakeholder confidence through transparent communication and collaboration. Skilled in integrating lived experience authentically and efficiently into policy and advocacy work. Competence in identifying emerging risks and opportunities early. Ability to adapt quickly and strategically in evolving policy environments. Strong direction-setting and accountability to ensure high team performance under pressure. Resilience and adaptability to maintain momentum in demanding contexts. Exceptional written and verbal communication skills for translating complex issues into clear, actionable messages. Ability to tailor messaging for diverse audiences, including policymakers, stakeholders, and the public. Commitment to learning and improving processes for greater impact. Ability to demonstrate adaptability and momentum in a dynamic operating environment. How to apply If this sounds like what you have been looking for and are ready to be a part of something special, please click the Apply Now button and attach a cover letter and your 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 have unlimited working rights suitable for an ongoing role and will be subject to successfully completing a National Police History Check.
