Manager Communications & Public Relations – Government Advocacy

Welcome to St John of God Health Care

St John of God Health Care is one of the largest private providers of health care services in Australia, employing more than 16,000 employees (caregivers). We operate 26 hospitals and services comprising more than 3,300 hospital beds, including home nursing, disability services and social outreach programs.

Your role at St John of God Health Care

We are looking for an experienced government relations professional to join our team and help us advance SJGHC’s Mission by strengthening the organisation’s engagement with government and key industry partners. Reporting to the Senior Manager Communications & Public Relations, this new role will lead advocacy strategies to influence policy development.

The Manager Communications & Public Relations will maintain and grow strong relationships with key ministerial and parliamentary offices, both at the State and Federal level, as well as key departmental officers.

The Position

• Develop and implement advocacy strategies to advance SJGHC’s policy priorities, including healthcare funding, regulation, and workforce issues.
• Monitor and analyse emerging government policies, legislation, and regulations that impact the private healthcare sector.
• Provide strategic advice to senior management on policy developments and their potential impact on hospitals and services.
• Build and maintain strong, positive relationships with key government stakeholders, including ministers, advisors, departmental representatives, and parliamentary members.
• Collaborate with internal teams, including senior leadership, to align policy advocacy efforts with broader organisational objectives.
• Support the Chief of Staff in the development of productive relationships with government and industry partners by coordinating relevant activities across hospitals and services to ensure alignment on positioning and messaging.
• Develop and maintain database of engagement
• Assist with preparation of invitations and Ministerial briefing notes and other collateral
• Engage with hospital and services marketing communication teams to identify opportunities to share good news and profile-raising opportunities with relevant Ministers, local MPs or other stakeholders.

The Requirements

You will hold a tertiary qualification in a related field and have five years experience in a senior role, with demonstrable experience in government relations or public policy. To excel in this role, you will have experience liaising with and advising CEOs and senior leaders on communications and stakeholder activities along with outstanding writing skills and ability to produce clear and compelling information simply and consistently. A good understanding to identify key corporate drivers is essential along with a strong ability for strategic planning and development ability.

Above all, people will be at the core of everything you do committing to and supporting our Mission and Values.

We can offer you

• Salary $149,237 to $165,829 per annum plus 11.5% Superannuation
• Permanent full time or part time position, working hours negotiated with successful applicant
• Located at Perth CBD Kings Square office
• 40% work from home option
• Salary packaging up to $18,550 on a range of benefits such as mortgage, rent, meal entertainment, holiday accommodation or other everyday living expenses as well as options to salary package benefits above the FBT cap on items such as:
  • Novated leasing
  • work related expenses
  • self-education and
  • additional superannuation
• Employee discount on St John of God Hospital & Medical Services and Private Health Insurance
• Employee support through our dedicated free Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• End of trip/bike and shower facilities
• A healthy work-life balance through flexible work options, additional purchased leave and well-being programs
• Access to a range of Lifestyle, Health & Wellbeing rewards and discounts
• 14 weeks Paid Parental Leave
• End of trip/shower and bike facilities
• Close to public transport

All applicants are to submit a comprehensive covering letter and CV outlining your experience and key achievements

For enquiries contact Christine D’Souza, Senior Manager Communications and Public Relations, on (08) 6116 0712

Applications will be reviewed throughout the advertising period and shortlisting may commence before end date – so apply today!

Applications close: 21/03/2025

St John of God Health Care embraces diversity and strongly encourages applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and people with disabilities. We are committed to providing a safe environment for all children and vulnerable people in our care and proactively take measures to protect children/vulnerable people from abuse.