ESSA is the peak professional body representing Exercise Scientists, Exercise Physiologists and Sports Scientists. We provide industry leadership through advocacy, research, education and regulation to support exercise and sports science professionals and the Australian community in becoming a more active nation.

We’re looking for an experienced Policy and Advocacy Advisor to join ESSA’s high performing Policy & Advocacy team. This role will report directly to the Manager Policy & Advocacy, and our ideal candidate is:

• passionate about exercise as medicine
• a team player
• curious and enjoys identifying solutions.

Culturally, ESSA is flexible and family friendly and genuinely understands the value of connected and contented people. With an allowance to spend on your own health/well-being and a day off for your birthday, we want our people to be the best you can be. Finding the right fit for our team is as important as finding the right skill-set in a candidate for this role.

Overview of Responsibilities:

• Generate employment opportunities for exercise and sports science professionals through the development and delivery of policies, key projects, funding programs and innovation
• Drive industry and policy change by identifying key stakeholders and engaging them in ESSA advocacy
• Support members working in the industry to understand and work within changes to the health systems
• Investigate, analyse and review complex and sensitive information to make appropriate determinations, ensuring compliance with policy and guidelines
• Collaborate and liaise with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders to gather information, resolve customer issues and to make referrals

Essential Selection Criteria:

• 3+ years’ experience working with policy makers and industry stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to think strategically, identify trends and issues and make recommendations to assist the exercise and sport science industry and workforce.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to build relationships with staff, community, industry representatives and other stakeholders.
• Tertiary qualifications in Public Policy or Health Policy, or Exercise Physiology.
• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of the Australian health regulation system.
• Exemplary written and verbal communication skills.
• Embodies ESSA’s organisational values.

Highly Desirable:

1. Experience in the Aged Care sector
2. Experience in the National Disability Insurance Scheme
3. Experience in consumer advocacy

Exercise & Sports Science Australia values diversity, inclusion and flexibility and we encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, and people of all backgrounds to apply.

A position description is attached.