The Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS) is a member-based not-for-profit supporting over 8,600 surgeons and 1,300 trainees and Specialist International Medical Graduates across Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand. We advocate for excellence in surgical care, deliver world-class education and training, invest in research, and partner across the Asia-Pacific to strengthen local surgical services. Learn more at surgeons.org.
About the role This is a key role within the Pathways to Fellowship portfolio, responsible for leading the development, review and continuous improvement of education and accreditation policy. You will operate across a complex regulatory landscape, ensuring policies are aligned, consistent and practical—supporting surgical education teams and Specialty Training Boards to deliver high-quality outcomes. This role goes beyond policy writing. You will take a whole-of-framework view, identifying cross-policy impacts, risks and opportunities, and translating policy into real-world application. Key responsibilities • Lead the development, review and enhancement of education and accreditation policies, ensuring alignment to organisational strategy, regulatory requirements and best practice • Take a whole-of-framework approach to policy, identifying overlaps, gaps, inconsistencies and unintended impacts across the broader education policy suite • Monitor and interpret regulatory, accreditation and sector developments across Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand, assessing implications for policy and practice • Provide expert advice on compliance requirements, supporting the organisation to proactively identify and manage risks, dependencies and opportunities • Support governance processes, ensuring policy documentation is clear, structured, version-controlled and aligned to approval and decision-making frameworks • Contribute to compliance activities, including audits and gap analyses, with a focus on identifying systemic risks rather than isolated issues • Drive continuous improvement by identifying trends, recurring challenges and opportunities to strengthen policy coherence across the Pathways portfolio
About You You’re an experienced policy professional who can operate confidently in regulated, multi-stakeholder environments. You combine strong analytical capability with the ability to influence and bring others with you. • Proven experience leading policy development in complex, regulated environments (healthcare, education or government preferred) • Strong ability to interpret legislation and accreditation requirements and translate them into practical, workable policy • Exceptional analytical thinking, with the ability to identify cross-cutting risks, gaps and opportunities • Highly developed stakeholder engagement and influencing skills across senior leaders and external bodies • Organised and outcomes-focused, with the ability to manage competing priorities while maintaining attention to detail
Your experience with us
We’re committed to creating a workplace where our people feel supported, valued, and able to do their best work. We invest in your wellbeing, professional growth and work life balance. Our benefits reflect our dedication to a positive, safe and inclusive culture.
Key benefits include: • Competitive remuneration + salary packaging up to $15,900 each FBT year and novated car leasing. • Hybrid working arrangements that support flexibility + starter equipment allowance • Generous leave options including volunteer leave, paid parental leave and the ability to purchase up to two weeks of additional leave • Access to a wellbeing app and annual reimbursement to support your physical and mental wellbeing • Gifted leave over the Christmas/New Year period • Support for you and your family including counselling, legal advice, career coaching, financial counselling, and more. Read more about what we offer you here. How to apply Click “Apply” to begin your application. We encourage you to include both your resume and a cover letter. In your cover letter, please highlight your experience that aligns with the key responsibilities outlined in the position description.
Applications are reviewed as they are received, so we encourage you to submit yours as soon as possible. If you have any questions or for copy of the position description you’re welcome to contact us at careers@surgeons.org.
Please note that we are unable to accept applications via email. You will be informed of the outcome of your application in due course.
Everyone is welcome We’re committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels safe, respected, and valued. We are committed to supporting diversity and inclusion in our workforce. RACS recognises the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island people as the traditional landowners of Australia and Māori as the tangatawhenua (people of the land) of Aotearoa New Zealand. We are committed to creating employment opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders and Māori and building an environment that is inclusive, culturally safe and appropriate.
