Programs Coordinator

Pancare Foundation – Full-time | Heidelberg, Melbourne | Hybrid working

About Pancare

Pancare Foundation is committed to improving outcomes for people impacted by upper gastrointestinal cancers (UGICs), including pancreatic, stomach, biliary, oesophageal, and liver cancers.

We provide care and support to patients and families from diagnosis through to treatment and beyond, while also funding and advocating for world-leading research and cancer control initiatives.

In July 2025, we commenced our new 3-year strategy – The Next Frontier – with strong focus on cross-sector collaboration, innovation, and transforming patient outcomes.

About the role

The Programs Coordinator is a newly created position working closely with the Head of Research, Innovation and Advocacy to deliver impactful projects across the Research, Advocacy, and Innovation portfolios.

This role will be pivotal in driving collaboration across the UGIC sector nationally, supporting the implementation of Pancare’s Next Frontier’s strategics plans and ensuring high-impact outcomes via a Collective Impact model.

Key responsibilities of the role include:

Supporting delivery of Pancare’s Board-approved Research, Advocacy and Innovation strategies, business plans and KPIs

Coordinating multiple programs and projects with diverse stakeholder groups including clinicians, researchers, consumers, government, industry, and not-for-profit partners

Supporting new research initiatives, advocacy campaigns and innovation opportunities that will improve survival and quality of life via sector-wide collaboration

Facilitating the establishment of new Pancare Advisory Committees (Medical, Innovation, Consumer)

Conducting sector analysis, mapping, due diligence and benchmarking to aid decision making and prioritisation, minimise duplication and maximise impact

Reporting project outputs to key stakeholders including the Pancare Board, Government departments and other funders

Ensuring robust governance, project management, risk management and financial processes are applied across Pancare initiatives

Assisting in the refresh of Pancare’s 2022 State of the Nation report into upper GI cancers to inform future Research, Advocacy and Innovation priorities that assist in shaping sector-wide reform

Supporting the preparation of submissions (e.g. PBAC, MSAC) and grants (eg. NHMRC, MRFF) to government

Developing communications in collaboration with the Pancare Marketing & Fundraising team to showcase programmatic outputs and engage the Pancare community

Managing project databases, budgets, contracts, and action/risk/lessons learned registers to support effective program operations

Arranging and coordinating stakeholder meetings, forums, and workshops and developing minutes and actions for follow-up

Supporting consumers to share their lived experience through program design and implementation

Cultivating strong relationships with clinicians, researchers, industry and other patient organisations to build capacity across the upper GI cancer sector

About you

We are looking for a driven and passionate team player who has:

Relevant experience in health, research, and/or a clinical environment

Strong program coordination skills and experience, with proven ability to manage multiple projects and stakeholder groups simultaneously

Excellent communication skills with the ability to liaise with and engage clinicians, researchers, policymakers, and community members

Highly organised with strong analytical skills and the ability to synthesise complex information

Highly collaborative, outcomes-focused, and adaptable in a fast-paced environment

Strong problem-solving and multitasking skills, with ability to balance competing priorities

Experience preparing reports and updates for boards, leadership teams, and government funders is desirable

An understanding of the Australian oncology and healthcare landscape is desirable

Qualifications:

A tertiary degree in science, public health, research, or a related discipline

Postgraduate qualifications in a relevant health, research, or management field are highly desirable

Benefits

Join a values-driven organisation making a real difference for Australians impacted by upper GI cancer.

Be part of a passionate, supportive, and impact-driven team.

The opportunity to not only contribute your existing skills to drive impact, but also to learn and significantly expand your healthcare networks nationally and internationally

A hybrid working model with flexibility to balance on-site collaboration and remote work.

Salary packaging benefits available as part of the NFP sector (up to $15,900 and $2,650 towards meal entertainment, venue hire and holiday accomm)

How to apply

Applications close 5pm on Monday 15th September, unless a suitable candidate is found sooner.

For a confidential discussion or if you would like to receive a copy of the full Position Description for the role, please contact Dr Mark Buzza, Head of Research, Innovation and Advocacy on [email protected]