Locations: Sydney, Melbourne or Canberra

Role is full-time, fixed term contract until 30/06/2026

Competitive remuneration on SCHADS Award Level 7, starting from $120,692 (incl leave loading) base salary, plus super and NFP salary sacrifice

About Us

LGBTIQ+ Health Australia (LHA), is the national peak body for LGBTIQ+ health and wellbeing for organisations and individuals that provide health-related programs, services and research focused on lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans/transgender, intersex, queer and other sexual orientations, gender, and bodily diverse people.

About The Role

We are seeking a visionary and strategic leader to join our team as the Director, Policy, Research and Communications. This pivotal role will lead and coordinate LHA’s policy, research, and communications functions, shaping national conversations on LGBTIQ+ health and wellbeing—particularly in the areas of preventative health, ageing, and aged care.

What you will do

Provide strategic leadership across policy, research, and communications portfolios.

Drive policy development and research agendas that reflect the lived experiences of LGBTIQ+ people and communities.

Lead co-design processes with members and stakeholders to ensure inclusive and community-informed outcomes.

Represent the organisation in government and non-government forums, advisory groups, and alliances.

Collaborate closely with the CEO and Executive Director, Policy and Strategic Partnerships to advance strategic priorities.

Oversee public communications and media engagement to amplify LHA’s impact and visibility.

What are we looking for

Proven experience in policy development, research leadership, and strategic communications.

Strong understanding of LGBTIQ+ health and wellbeing issues, particularly in ageing and preventative health.

Demonstrated ability to manage and support staff, fostering a collaborative and high-performing team culture.

Exceptional stakeholder engagement and relationship-building skills.

Experience in co-design and participatory approaches.

Capacity to work effectively in a fast-paced and complex environment, including managing competing stakeholder agendas and navigating challenging relationships.

Ability to represent the organisation with credibility and influence in diverse forums.

How to Apply for this role

Apply now with your resume, a cover letter outlining your experience, vision for the role and answers to the following two targeted questions (Please aim for no more than 400–500 words per question (roughly one A4 page):

1. Leadership & Team Management

Describe your experience in leading multidisciplinary teams across policy, research, and communications. How have you supported staff development and fostered collaboration to achieve strategic outcomes?

2. Strategic Stakeholder Engagement

This role requires navigating complex stakeholder environments, including competing agendas and challenging relationships. Can you provide an example of a time you successfully managed such dynamics to advance a policy or advocacy goal? What strategies did you use?

Applications Close: Please apply as soon as possible – we will be assessing applications on a rolling basis and will close the process when a suitable candidate is found.

Applications should be sent via email to [email protected]

Please use Director, Policy, Research and Communications in the subject line.

Join our team and be part of an organisation that is dedicated and committed to creating positive change and advancing the health and well-being of LGBTIQ+ people and communities.

Accessibility

If you have any access requirements or need to submit your application in alternative format, please contact us to discuss.

You can apply verbally over the phone or through a face-to-face meeting if you cannot submit a written application.

You will need to tell us about your previous work experience, your suitability for this role and your answers to the target questions.

We encourage people from diverse backgrounds including people with a disability, LGBTIQ+ people, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to apply.