Ageing Australia is the national peak body representing providers across the aged care landscape, including retirement living, seniors housing, residential care, home care, community care, and related services. We advocate for our members, providing expert advice, resources and tailored services to ensure they deliver exceptional care to older Australians.
The opportunity
A newly created General Manager, Policy role has been established to provide senior leadership within our Policy & Advocacy team. This role is suited to an experienced senior policy professional who brings a strong track record in leading complex policy portfolios and contributing at executive and board level. The successful candidate will have overall carriage of a nationally focused policy function, guiding the development of policy positions that support advocacy objectives, organisational priorities and the needs of members.
About the role
Reporting to the Chief Policy & Advocacy Officer, you will provide leadership across multiple national policy streams, key responsibilities will include:
* Leading implementation of Ageing Australia’s national policy strategy, ensuring alignment of policy work with advocacy priorities, sector strategy and member insights
* Overseeing development of policy positions across the sector and providing high‑level, authoritative policy advice to the ELT and Board
* Ensuring consistency, evidence-based, high quality policy outputs
* Establishing and maintaining frameworks, methodologies and standards for best‑practice policy development
* Overseeing research, data analysis, consultation and environmental scanning to inform policy positions
* Ensuring policy recommendations are informed by robust evidence, data insights and member feedback
* Managing relationships with research bodies, consultants and sector experts
* Leading a multi‑disciplinary team across policy development and research, quality and funding streams
* Supporting capability uplift across state‑based engagement teams
* Partnering with State Directors to integrate jurisdiction insights into national policy positions
* Collaborating with the Communications team to shape public statements, campaigns and publications
* Overseeing significant policy projects, reviews and reform initiatives, ensuring the timely and effective delivery of policy commitments.
About you
To be successful in this role, you will bring:
* Extensive experience in policy development, public policy or regulatory environments
* Proven leadership experience managing multi-disciplinary policy teams
* Strong knowledge of aged care, healthcare, workforce or related systems
* Demonstrated ability to produce high-quality policy outputs under pressure
* Excellent analytical, conceptual and problem-solving skills
* Strong communication, negotiation and stakeholder engagement capability
* Experience with large reform agendas and/or government consultation processes
* Tertiary qualifications in public policy, law, economics, health, social sciences or related fields
* Postgraduate qualifications desirable
* 8–10+ years experience in policy leadership or senior policy roles
* Experience in peak bodies, government departments or regulated sectors highly regarded.
What we offer
As General Manager, Policy, you will join a high‑calibre organisation with national influence and a strong purpose to improve outcomes for older Australians. In this role you will enjoy:
* A senior leadership role with national scope and impact within a respected peak body
* Five weeks’ paid annual leave
* Flexible and hybrid working arrangements supporting sustainable work life balance
* An annual professional development allowance to support growth
* 12 weeks’ paid parental leave, with purchased leave options available
* Access to a confidential Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for you and your immediate family
* Employee discounts across a range of reputable retailers
* A collaborative, values‑driven culture committed to integrity, respect and impact.
We require federal police check as an essential selection component for this role, please consider this requirement when submitting your application.
We believe diverse and inclusive workplaces create stronger organisations and better outcomes for the communities we serve. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds.
How to apply: This position description and further information about Ageing Australia can be accessed at https://ageingaustralia.asn.au/about-us/careers. To apply, Click the “Apply” button and submit with your resume and a cover letter outlining your suitability for the role.