Senior Adviser, Policy and Advocacy

St Vincent's Health Australia

. Develop and drive policy positions, submissions, briefing papers and advocacy materials .

Posted 11/10/2026full-timeMelbourne • AustraliaSeniorWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

Use this summary to align your resume positioning with the role.

Demonstrates expertise in public policy development, government relations, and stakeholder engagement, with a strong ability to analyze complex information and provide evidence-based recommendations. Proven track record in preparing advocacy materials and building relationships with senior stakeholders in complex environments.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Public Policy DevelopmentGovernment RelationsStakeholder EngagementAnalytical SkillsOutstanding Writing Skills

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Policy AnalysisStrategic AdviceEvidence-Based RecommendationsPreparation of Policy PapersExecutive BriefingsAdvocacy MaterialsLegislative MonitoringRisk IdentificationComplex Information SynthesisAttention to Detail

Soft Skills

Problem-SolvingCommunication SkillsRelationship BuildingCollaborationPolitical Awareness

Certifications & Qualifications

Relevant Tertiary Qualifications in Public PolicyPolitical ScienceLawCommunicationsHealthPublic Administration

Industry Keywords

Public AffairsParliamentary ProcessesHealth SectorAged CareCommunity ServicesSocial PolicyStakeholder ForumsParliamentary InquiriesConsultationsRoundtables

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Develop and drive policy positions, submissions, briefing papers and advocacy materials
Provide policy analysis, strategic advice and recommendations for executive decision-making
Support national advocacy and government relations activities
Prepare briefs, key messages, talking points and engagement materials for senior leaders
Build and maintain relationships with government departments, ministers’ offices, parliamentarians, peak bodies and other external stakeholders
Monitor and analyse legislative, parliamentary and policy developments
Identify emerging risks, opportunities and advocacy priorities
Coordinate participation in parliamentary inquiries, consultations, roundtables, hearings and stakeholder forums
Collaborate with leaders, clinicians and subject matter experts to develop evidence-based positions
Partner with communications and public affairs colleagues to align policy, advocacy and stakeholder engagement activities

Requirements

What you’ll need

Significant experience in public policy, government relations, public affairs, parliament, government, a peak body or a similarly complex environment
Excellent research, analytical and problem-solving skills
Ability to synthesise complex information and develop practical, evidence-based recommendations
Outstanding writing and communication skills
Experience preparing policy papers, submissions, executive briefings and advocacy materials
Strong understanding of government, parliamentary and policy processes
Demonstrated ability to build and maintain effective relationships with senior stakeholders
Ability to work collaboratively across a complex organisation
Sound judgement, political awareness, initiative and a high level of attention to detail
Relevant tertiary qualifications in public policy, political science, law, communications, health, public administration or a related discipline, or equivalent experience
Experience in health, aged care, hospital, community services or broader social policy sectors highly regarded
Satisfactory pre-employment checks, including identification, right-to-work, reference and nationally coordinated criminal history checks
Compliance with applicable St Vincent's Health Australia screening and immunisation requirements

Benefits

Comp & perks

Salary packaging to increase take-home pay
Ongoing learning and development opportunities
Employee Assistance Program (EAP) support
Fitness Passport access
Supportive, inclusive and values-driven workplace culture
Professional growth opportunities
Work-life balance support