Head of Advocacy

• Exciting opportunity to lead the Heart Foundation’s Advocacy Agenda
• Make a difference to the heart health of people in Australia
• Competitive remuneration including generous salary packaging
• Hybrid work options available

About us

Did you know that heart disease is the number one killer of Australians?

50 Australians die every day from heart disease, and as Australia’s leading heart health charity, we are committed to changing this!

We do this through:

• Funding high-impact research, supporting emerging and leading heart health researchers.
• Working to improve heart disease prevention, detection, care, and support for all Australians.
• Advocating to governments and industry for increased funding and resources for heart health
• Building community awareness about living a heart-healthy lifestyle through public health awareness campaigns, accessible information, and resources
• Supporting health professionals in their work to prevent, diagnose, treat, and manage heart disease.

Let’s talk about the role

This is an exciting time to join Australia’s leading heart health charity and to take on this newly created role providing strategic leadership for our advocacy agenda and activities. You will work collaboratively across the organisation and help to position the Heart Foundation as the pre-eminent authority on cardiovascular health.

You will help develop the Heart Foundation’s national advocacy strategy and platform and use your relationship management and influencing skills to help bring about public policy changes that will improve the heart health of all people in Australia. This will include identifying and leveraging opportunities to build consensus with other cardiovascular health stakeholders on matters of mutual interest, as well as working with the Australian Government to help bring about positive change.

​Let’s talk about you

To be successful in this role you will have:

• You will have demonstrated experience in a senior advocacy role with a track record of achieving impactful change.
• A sound understanding of the health sector and Australian political system and processes along with an established network of key contacts.
• An understanding of the key issues in cardiovascular disease prevention and management would be an advantage.
• Excellent stakeholder management skills and be able to influence and negotiate with key players.
• The ability to work collaboratively and consultatively and be able to represent the Heart Foundation in external forums, using your excellent presentation skills where required.

Why work with us?

Our team believe in our purpose: we make a difference every day through meaningful work. We promote active living and support our employees to have healthy work life balance.

• Generous Salary Packaging
• The ability to work from home up to 50% of your working week.
• A positive and supportive culture
• Programs and initiatives that focus on your wellbeing at work

Ready to apply? 

To apply, please submit a CV and covering letter that addresses the essential requirements by clicking the apply now button below. Please refer to the position description available on our website for further information about the role.

Applications will close on Friday, 2 February 2024.

​(PS: We may commence shortlisting candidates prior to the closure of this role, so please don’t delay submitting your application!)

Be yourself, express yourself

We are committed to creating a safe and inclusive work environment for all. We strive to represent the communities we serve and recognise the skills, knowledge and experience a diverse team brings to our organisation. We strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and other diverse groups.

Our commitment to health & safety

We have a COVID-19 vaccination policy in place that requires all staff and volunteers to be fully vaccinated or hold a valid medical exemption. We may request vaccination or exemption evidence in the pre-employment stage.

Please note that any offer of employment will be subject to pre-employment checks which must be completed prior to commencement. This may include a national criminal history check, working with children check and other background checks relevant to the specific role.