• Make an impact in the Victorian healthcare sector
• An important leadership role representing a priority area of VHA activities
• Full time, ongoing contract
• Flexible working arrangements, including hybrid work from home and office (2 days)
• Dynamic and friendly team
• Generous benefits, including salary packaging, an RDO program and additional 5 days leave at Christmas and Melbourne Cup Monday

ABOUT THE VICTORIAN HEALTHCARE ASSOCIATION

The Victorian Healthcare Association (VHA) is the peak body supporting Victoria’s public health services to deliver high-quality care. Established in 1938, the VHA represents Victoria’s diverse public healthcare sector, including public hospitals, aged care and community health services. The VHA has over 115 member organisations, representing more than 95% of Victorian public healthcare services and a $27B industry in Victoria.

The VHA advocates on behalf of its members on sector-critical issues by engaging and influencing key decision-makers involved in policy development and system reform. The VHA regularly engages with Victorian Ministers, the Department of Health, the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing and other Victorian peak representative bodies on behalf of its members. As well as providing sector-wide advocacy and representation activities, the VHA delivers value for its members by sharing policy and advocacy insights, curating system and sector-level intel and offering networking opportunities, informative events and tailored professional development activities.

Working at the VHA offers great benefits such as additional paid leave at Christmas and Melbourne Cup weekend, salary packaging, a RDO program and ongoing staff development and training.

ABOUT THE ROLE

Reporting to the CEO, the General Manager – Policy and Advocacy is a key role within a priority of the VHA activities and member services. This role is responsible for leading the VHA’s policy positions and advocacy strategy with a particular focus on health system reform. You will work closely with VHA member organisations, internal teams, ministers and advisors, government officials, industry experts and other peak bodies to drive policy initiatives, influence decision-making processes and shape the future of the Victorian public healthcare sector.

In addition to the leadership responsibilities, this position will have three primary policy and advocacy responsibilities:

1. Build a whole-of-sector policy agenda and advocacy strategy, aligned to the strategic objectives of the organisation, through meaningful engagement with VHA member organisations and external stakeholders; and
2. Lead the implementation of discrete advocacy campaigns by the VHA, in accord with the whole-of-sector advocacy strategy, including building policy positions, developing supporting collateral, harnessing the support of members and external stakeholders.
3. Represent the VHA and member organisations through participation in forums, consultations, meetings and submissions, as examples, and provide timely and insightful advice to the CEO and the Board regarding representation and advocacy priorities.

This role forms part of the VHA’s executive leadership team. It will suit a well-established thought leader with knowledge of the Victorian/publicly funded healthcare sector and experience in developing and leading a whole-of-sector advocacy strategy, including the achievement of outcomes.

The successful candidate will be a champion of public sector healthcare and passionately represent the VHA’s member organisations on issues of importance.

ABOUT YOU

You are an experienced leader from an executive team, with extensive experience in policy development, advocacy, or government relations, preferably within healthcare or a related industry/professional association. You have prior experience building and implementing a whole-of-sector advocacy strategy, including a proven track record of influencing policy outcomes, and building effective relationships with government, internal and external stakeholders and other peak bodies and associations.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Essential

• Deep understanding of Australian government structures and policy-making processes, particularly as they relate to healthcare,
• High-order stakeholder engagement and advocacy skills, including influence and negotiation,
• Strong analytical and research skills, with the ability to synthesize information and develop evidence-based policy positions,
• Innovative and strategic thinking, including the ability to create a forward-thinking advocacy strategy,
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills, with the ability to articulate complex issues in a clear and compelling manner,
• A high degree of integrity when engaging with external stakeholders in a confidential environment,
• Work collaboratively and demonstrate a track record of building cooperation and overcoming barriers to information sharing and communication across teams.
• Value diversity and inclusion by demonstrating inclusive behaviour and showing respect for diverse backgrounds, experience, and perspectives.
• The ability to multi-task, problem solve, prioritise, and deliver results in challenging timeframes, including efficient use of resources,
• Excellent leadership skills, including a proven ability to build, lead and monitor a high-performing team.
• Provision of effective leadership in articulating an organisation’s purpose, strategies, goals, and objectives. As well as, promoting cross-team collaboration through an organisation.
• Tertiary qualifications in public policy, law, business, healthcare or a highly related field.

Desirable

• Experience working for or with a peak membership or advocacy body.

For further information on the position contact Kate Linton General Manager - Corporate Services on 0404 897 283.

A position description is attached.

VHA is committed to building a respectful and inclusive workplace, appointing the best person for the role and supporting diversity. You must be an Australian citizen or permanent resident with full work permissions in place in order to be considered for this role.