• AS754R
• Melbourne based, national role

This profit-for-purpose organisation provides a range of services to an industry sector which is experiencing significant growth by virtue of its prominence in the public arena.

You will work closely with the CEO in researching and formulating policy to shape the organisation’s advocacy agenda to drive sustainability, growth, outreach and access to markets.

Your expertise in enhancing relationships with government, relevant peak bodies, industry and a vast array of globally-oriented, national stakeholders will be based on a sound grasp of issues in the technology-driven healthcare sector.

Position Description

The Director, Industry Policy and Advocacy plays a crucial role and leads industry policy directions, and advocating on behalf of members to key stakeholders, including governments. The role will support positioning and the reputation of AusBiotech and the life sciences industry. The role includes responsibility within the organisation for policy development, advocacy and strategy across a broad range of policy areas - as well as the design and collection of data to support policy positions and reports to communicate findings and proposals.

AusBiotech is a not-for-profit membership-based organisation, working on behalf of members for 30 years to provide representation and services to promote the global growth of Australian biotechnology. AusBiotech is a well-connected network of over 3,000 members in the life sciences, including therapeutics, medical technology (devices and diagnostics), food technology and agricultural.

AusBiotech is dedicated to the development, growth and prosperity of the Australian biotechnology industry, by providing initiatives to drive sustainability and growth, outreach and access to markets, and representation and support for members nationally and around the world. AusBiotech’s policy interests traverse a broad range of topics including tax incentive, Intellectual property protection, regulation, investment, clinical trials and other medical research, commercialisation as well as skills access and development.

The role will offer interesting, science and investment-based content, access to a large network and opportunities for growth and progression for the right candidate.

Responsibilities

The duties and responsibilities of the position include:

• Developing and aligning the strategic policy and advocacy directions of the organisation’s advocacy agenda with AusBiotech’s strategic plan;
• High level responsibility for major and complex work initiatives including convening and managing advocacy strategy and stakeholder engagement plans, and communications;
• Initiating and managing the development of policy ideas and proposals for the organisation in consultation with the CEO and relevant stakeholders;
• Policy research and analysis to support policy positions, including preparation of written reports and submissions;
• Developing, engaging and maintaining effective relationships with AusBiotech’s diverse member base, external policy experts and other stakeholders.
• Developing and maintaining effective relationships with Government officials and stakeholders outside the membership to progress the policy agenda.
• In conjunction and consultation with the CEO and key stakeholders, representing AusBiotech in advocacy activities such as meetings, inquiries, and conferences – and supporting AusBiotech’s role as the ‘voice’ of the life sciences sector.
• Driving cross-functional collaboration and systems and processes to support quality outputs.

Essential Selection Criteria

• Outstanding strategic policy and planning skills.
• Strong experience in advocacy, stakeholder engagement and campaigning
• Outstanding written and oral communication skills.
• High level supervisory and organisational management experience.
• Excellent research and analytical skills.
• An understanding of communications and media in relation to campaigns and positioning.
• Proven ability to develop innovative and sound policy proposals and assist others in developing such proposals.
• Proven ability to work effectively with a diverse range of stakeholders, including strong consultation skills.
• Extensive knowledge of political governmental structures and policy processes.
• Graduate qualifications in relevant disciplines such as public policy, macro-economics or experience that demonstrates sound foundations.
• Commitment and capacity to implement and support equity and diversity practices.

Desirable Selection Criteria

• Experience working in a government and/or industry role with exposure to policy development
• Experience of working within the health industry
• A sound understanding of the biotech and/or medtech sector

Organisational Relationships

• Reports to the CEO
• Member of AusBiotech leadership group
• Cross-functional learning and working across the AusBiotech team
• May supervise staff in the future, including in policy and communication roles

Diversity and inclusion

AusBiotech is committed to principles of diversity and inclusion, and believes that diversity in all aspects of business operations will optimise the continued growth and success of the life sciences industry. See https://www.ausbiotech.org/about-us/other-about-ausbiotech-pages/diversity-inclusion.