Position Description

Position: National Policy Director

Employment status Full Time (Can be flexible to .8) Fixed Term - 30 June 2026

Reports to: CMHA CEO

Environment: Remote, with flexible working arrangements with occasionally travelling to a meeting space for collaboration with other team members and CEO.

Salary: SCHADS 8.1 equivalent FTE

Job summary:

The National Policy Director will support CMHA to influence system and service transformation across Australia. The role will support the development and nurturing of strategic partnerships across the system, service sector, and lived experience stakeholders to understand their concerns and issues. It will involve close collaboration with CMHA members to support and coordinate strategic policy development and knowledge sharing. The role will also research and refine CMHA’s policy positions on key national system transformation issues and developments. It will involve delivering informative, data-driven reports to members, relevant stakeholders and the wider communities through collaborative strategic communications and engagement plans.

About CMHA

Community Mental Health Australia (CMHA) is a Federated Peak representing the Community Managed Mental Health Sector, governed by a Board of Directors. CMHA embodies member State and Territory Peaks, which in turn represent hundreds of community managed organisations.

CMHA was established to provide national strategic advocacy and influence on mental health policy and progressive future directions by influencing and providing strategic advocacy to Federal Government Ministers, Government Department decision makers and community stakeholders.

CMHA is governed by a Board of Directors comprising representatives from the state and territory member Peaks and independent board members.

Further information at: https://cmha.org.au

Key responsibilities

Applying contemporary rights-based policy expertise

Maintain current knowledge of the mental health sector, mental health legislation, policy and initiatives, and apply contemporary rights-based mental health perspectives to inform engagement opportunities.

Influencing change

Lead the development of consistent CMHA policy positions and represent these at forums and events

Support CMHA’s advocacy and policy program in alignment with our vision, values, principles, and culture to inspire others and influence change

Advocacy and policy

Oversight the development of a comprehensive policy program that:

Centres human rights and the lived experience of consumers and family, supporters and kin

Draws on research findings, including grey literature, and understandings of relevant social policy and advocacy issues

Motivates decision makers across the political, government and service spectrum to support positive change

Builds trust and credibility for CMHA as a primary partner in mental health reform.

Represent CMHA’s advocacy agenda at policy forums, conferences and events

Represent CMHA as required in government and agency meetings as delegated

Lead the development of written submissions and position papers for a broad audience

Collaborate with carer academics and other researchers

Collaborate with stakeholders to refine policy positions

Lead projects

Develop policy project plans to support CMHA’s strategic initiatives

Identify stakeholders for engagement

Convene and lead project or policy meetings

Deliver the projects with support from the CEO

Monitor and report on project deliverables

Control and coordinate projects according to CMHA’s goals

Stakeholder Relationships

Develop professional relationships with a wide range of mental health and suicide prevention sector peers to share knowledge and align where possible on policy priorities and influence change

Support CMHA’s reputation and credibility through effective stakeholder engagement and communications

People and Culture

Model the principles of recovery-oriented and trauma informed practice, human rights, social justice, equal opportunities, cultural safety, dignity and respect

Work within and across teams to deliver CMHA’s vision, purpose and strategic priorities

Actively participate in internal meetings and contribute to developing and implementing CMHA’s strategic objectives

Establish operational procedures that support the organisation’s overall activities

Monitoring

Assist with monitoring the effectiveness of the advocacy, policy program and adjust as necessary in collaboration with the CMHA team

Essential criteria

Policy writing. Extensive background in policy writing using strong understandings of research, data and funding models to influence decision makers.

Stakeholder Engagement. Demonstrated background in building strong relationships with key stakeholders to ensure policy positions are informed by diverse perspectives and there is strong support for implementation.

Project and Program Management. Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of project management approaches in complex and politically sensitive environments.

Valuing diverse communities and contributions. Demonstrated understanding and valuing of the contemporary roles of people with lived experience of mental distress, their families and carers, the value and roles of government, the contribution of research and education, and the full range of diverse services and service providers in the community.

Communication. Demonstrated interpersonal and communication skills including across diverse communities, demonstrated ability to produce effective and accurate written documentation, including ability to present and implement effective remote conferencing and social media skills.

Project Management. Demonstrated experience delivering projects and managing programs on time, budget and according to agreed quality criteria.

Time management. Ability to work effectively on tight deadlines, independently, and as part of a team.

Advocacy. A passion for mental health advocacy and system transformation.

About our Benefits

Not-for-profit salary packaging, which can increase your take-home pay by allowing up to $18,700 of your salary to be tax-free, subject to eligibility and current ATO guidelines.

Flexible working arrangements

To Apply

Applications must include a resume and cover letter expressing your interest and suitability for the role. Salary range is $125,000-$130,000 plus superannuation. Remuneration is commensurate with experience.

Applications close Sunday 17 August 2024

We promote diversity and practice equity. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people from different cultural backgrounds. LGBTIQA+ people and people with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.