About us
Dietitians Australia is the peak industry body for dietetic and nutrition professionals, representing over 9,000 members in Australia and overseas. Our mission is to champion the professional nutrition and dietetic workforce to empower people and communities. We are the leading voice of nutrition and dietetics, committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment where all staff are valued and respected. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are strongly encouraged to apply.
About the Role
The Policy & Advocacy Manager is a key leadership position within Dietitians Australia, responsible for leading the organisation's policy, advocacy and government relations functions.
Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer and forming part of the Leadership Team, this role drives evidence informed policy development, strategic advocacy initiatives, government engagement and stakeholder influence activities that advance the interests of the profession and support organisational priorities.
The role provides strategic leadership across public health nutrition, workforce policy, food regulation, professional practice, quality standards, position statements and advocacy priorities.
Working collaboratively across the organisation, the Policy & Advocacy Manager ensures Dietitians Australia remains a trusted and influential voice in nutrition, dietetics and public health policy.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the development, implementation and evaluation of Dietitians Australia's policy, advocacy and government relations strategies
- Provide high level policy, advocacy and public affairs advice to the CEO, Leadership Team and Board
- Oversee the development of submissions, position statements, policy papers, consultation responses and advocacy materials
- Monitor and analyse political, legislative, regulatory and sector developments affecting members and the profession
- Develop advocacy priorities and influence strategies aligned with organisational objectives
- Build and maintain productive relationships with government stakeholders, regulators, industry bodies, professional associations and strategic partners
- Represent Dietitians Australia in government consultations, stakeholder forums, working groups and external engagements
- Lead stakeholder engagement and government relations activities to influence public policy and regulatory reform
- Ensure advocacy priorities reflect member needs, evidence, professional practice developments and emerging workforce challenges
- Collaborate across Membership, Education, Regulatory Affairs, Marketing and Communications portfolios to maximise member value and organisational impact
- Lead, mentor and develop Policy & Advocacy staff, consultants and contractors
- Manage portfolio budgets, operational plans, reporting frameworks and resource allocation
- Contribute as an active member of the Leadership Team, supporting organisational strategy, growth and continuous improvement
- Ensure effective governance, risk management and compliance across the policy and advocacy portfolio
About You
You are a strategic and influential leader with a strong background in policy development, advocacy and stakeholder engagement. You have a proven ability to navigate complex policy environments, build trusted relationships and deliver meaningful outcomes that create value for members and advance organisational objectives.
You will bring:
Tertiary qualifications in public policy, public health, government relations, health administration, nutrition and dietetics or a related discipline, or equivalent experience
- Demonstrated experience in policy development, advocacy, public affairs and government relations within a complex stakeholder environment
- Strong understanding of the Australian health system, regulatory environment and government decision making processes
- Experience developing and implementing strategic advocacy priorities and stakeholder engagement initiatives
- Exceptional written communication skills, including experience preparing submissions, policy papers, position statements, consultation responses and briefing materials
- Strong analytical and strategic thinking capability, with the ability to identify emerging risks, opportunities and policy developments
- Proven experience building and maintaining productive relationships with government, regulatory, industry and professional stakeholders
- Experience briefing and advising senior executives, Boards and committees
- Demonstrated leadership experience, including managing and developing high performing teams
- Strong stakeholder engagement, influencing and relationship management skills
- Financial and operational management capability, including budget oversight and resource management
- A collaborative leadership style and commitment to fostering a positive workplace culture
Desirable
- Experience working within a not for profit, membership based organisation or professional association
- Experience working within ministerial, parliamentary, government or regulatory environments
- Qualifications in Nutrition and Dietetics
- Experience influencing public policy, regulatory reform or workforce development initiatives
- Understanding of professional regulation, health workforce policy and public health systems
Why Join Us?
This is an exciting leadership opportunity to shape the future of policy and advocacy for Australia's peak body representing dietitians and nutrition professionals.
At Dietitians Australia, you'll work alongside passionate professionals who are committed to advancing the profession, influencing public policy and improving health outcomes for communities across Australia. You'll have the opportunity to engage with government, industry and key stakeholders while contributing to strategic organisational priorities in a collaborative, values driven environment.
How to apply
To apply, please submit your CV (no more than 3 pages) via Seek, along with a written response (maximum 2 pages) addressing your skills, knowledge and experience relevant to the role.
