Director, Government Relations & Public Policy

WEHI

**
Significant senior experience in government relations
Deep understanding of australian government funding mechanisms
Demonstrated success influencing complex funding outcomes
** WEHI is seeking a Director of Government Relations & Public Policy to lead strategic engagement with government bodies, aiming to enhance public funding and influence relevant policies for medical research. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in government relations, particularly within the Australian context, and will play a critical role in ensuring alignment between WEHI's scientific goals and government agendas. **

Job Summary

  • The Director is responsible for leading WEHI's strategic engagement with Commonwealth and State governments to protect and grow the Institute's public funding base.
  • This role requires designing and executing a coordinated government relations strategy that strengthens long-term funding and mitigates policy risks.
  • The successful candidate will work closely with the Executive team to position WEHI as a trusted advisor and national research asset.

Matching Summary

Match Score: 75

** WEHI is seeking a Director of Government Relations & Public Policy to lead strategic engagement with government bodies, aiming to enhance public funding and influence relevant policies for medical research. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in government relations, particularly within the Australian context, and will play a critical role in ensuring alignment between WEHI's scientific goals and government agendas. **

Skills & Requirements

Must-have

  • Significant senior experience in government relations
  • Deep understanding of Australian government funding mechanisms
  • Demonstrated success influencing complex funding outcomes
  • Strong strategic thinking and political judgement
  • Excellent written communication skills for ministerial briefings

Nice-to-have

  • Experience in medical research or health policy
  • Established networks within Commonwealth and Victorian government
  • Experience in organisations reliant on competitive public funding
  • Understanding of governance obligations within not-for-profit entities

Key Requirements

  • Senior experience in government relations or public service roles
  • Ability to operate with discretion and authority at executive level

Work Rights

Not specified

Tailored Resume

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