Jobs in Australia

ASO7 | 0.8 FTE Permanent | Adelaide/Negotiable

Join SHINE SA as our inaugural Policy, Advocacy and Systems Lead

This is a rare opportunity to establish and lead a newly created strategic function within one of South Australia's most respected public health organisations.

For more than 50 years, SHINE SA has been a trusted leader in sexual and reproductive health, delivering clinical services, education, workforce development, community partnerships and advocacy. As we look to the future, we are investing in dedicated leadership capacity to strengthen our influence on policy, advocacy and systems change.

Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer and sitting on SHINE SA's Leadership Team, the Policy, Advocacy and Systems Lead will play a pivotal role in advancing SHINE SA's vision of a future where sexual and reproductive health and rights are universal, upheld and celebrated.

Working across the organisation and with government, partners and stakeholders, you will lead evidence-informed policy development, strategic advocacy and system engagement initiatives that strengthen public understanding, influence decision-making and help improve outcomes for the communities we serve.

This is a unique opportunity to shape a new function, work alongside senior leaders and contribute to meaningful population-level and system-level change.

About the Role

As SHINE SA's inaugural Policy, Advocacy and Systems Lead, you will:

• Lead the development and implementation of SHINE SA's policy, advocacy and systems engagement priorities.

• Monitor and analyse emerging policy, legislative and system developments relevant to sexual and reproductive health and rights.

• Prepare policy positions, submissions, consultation responses, briefings and strategic advice.

• Build and maintain trusted relationships with government, sector partners and key stakeholders.

• Represent SHINE SA in relevant policy, sector and stakeholder forums.

• Identify opportunities to strengthen policy settings, workforce capability and system performance.

• Support consistency and capability across SHINE SA's policy, advocacy and systems leadership activities.

• Strengthen SHINE SA's reputation as a trusted, evidence-informed and influential voice in sexual and reproductive health and rights.

About You

You are a strategic thinker who understands how policy, advocacy and system change come together to create lasting impact.

You may come from public policy, public health, advocacy, government, community services, research, peak bodies or a related field. Regardless of your background, you bring sound judgment, political awareness and a proven ability to influence outcomes through collaboration, credibility and strong relationships.

You will demonstrate:

• Experience in policy development, advocacy, public health, systems leadership or a related strategic role.

• Strong understanding of government systems, public policy processes and decision-making environments.

• Experience influencing outcomes within complex stakeholder environments.

• Highly developed strategic thinking, judgement and political acumen.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Strong stakeholder engagement and relationship management capability.

• The ability to work independently while building collaboration across diverse teams and sectors.

• A commitment to equity, inclusion, cultural safety and evidence-informed public health practice.

Most importantly, you are passionate about improving sexual and reproductive health and rights and motivated by the opportunity to help shape policy, strengthen systems and influence positive change.

Why Join SHINE SA?

At SHINE SA, we believe every person has the right to autonomy, dignity and access to inclusive, evidence-informed sexual and reproductive health care.

When you join SHINE SA, you'll be part of a values-driven organisation making a tangible difference to the health and wellbeing of South Australians.

We offer:

• Flexible working arrangements.

• Generous salary packaging to maximise your take-home pay.

• Cultural leave, menstrual and menopause leave, and wellbeing leave provisions.

• A supportive, inclusive and collaborative workplace.

• The opportunity to work alongside passionate and highly skilled professionals.

• Meaningful work that contributes to better health outcomes and stronger communities.

Salary: ASO7 ($123,498 - $129,954 pro rata) plus superannuation and generous salary packaging.

How to Apply

To apply, please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your interest in the role and relevant experience.

A copy of the Job and Person Specification is available at:  shinesa.org.au/vacancies

Applications close 9:00 am Monday 2 November 2026.

For a confidential discussion about the role, please contact:

Holley Skene
Chief Executive Officer
via ••••@shinesa.org.au

SHINE SA is an equal opportunity employer. If you don’t tick every box in this ad, please don’t rule yourself out. We acknowledge that people in underrepresented groups (including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, LGBTIQA+, culturally diverse and people with disability) tend only to apply if they meet every requirement. We focus on hiring people who share our values of inclusion, collaboration, adaptability, courage, and integrity rather than ticking boxes – so if this role resonates with you, please apply.   

We offer cultural leave, flexible work arrangements, an inclusive and supportive team environment, and an Aboriginal Alliance Staff network to support our staff.   

This appointment will be subject to a satisfactory Working with Children Checks (WWCC).