Director, Government Relations & Public Policy

Job Title

Director, Government Relations & Public Policy

Job Description

WEHI is transforming how our professional services empower and enable scientists to deliver world‑leading medical research now and into the future. Following a holistic review and redesign across our professional services portfolios, we are now focused on strengthening our critical capabilities, aligning our structures and systems with strategic priorities, and empowering our people to do what they do best. We are now recruiting a variety of newly established positions to help shape and embed these new ways of working. 

About the Position

The Director, Government Relations & Public Policy is responsible for leading WEHI’s strategic engagement with Commonwealth and State governments to protect and grow the Institute’s public funding base, influence policy settings relevant to medical research, and ensure WEHI’s scientific priorities are aligned with government agendas and opportunities. As a senior strategic leader, this role provides policy intelligence, funding strategy alignment, and stewardship of key institutional relationships to position WEHI as a trusted advisor, a national research asset, and a credible and proactive partner to government. Working closely with the Executive, including the Director, COS, COO and senior scientific leaders, the role will design and execute a coordinated and disciplined government relations and public policy strategy that strengthens long-term funding, anticipates and mitigates policy and funding risk, and ensures WEHI’s advocacy is authoritative, timely and institutionally aligned.

Selection Criteria

Knowledge and Skills:

• Significant senior experience in government relations, public policy, ministerial advisory, or senior public service roles.

• Deep understanding of Australian government funding mechanisms and budget processes.

• Demonstrated success influencing complex funding or policy outcomes.

• Strong strategic thinking and political judgement.

• Excellent written communication skills, including preparation of ministerial briefings and submissions.

• Ability to operate with discretion, credibility and authority at executive level.

Highly Desirable:

• Experience in medical research, health, higher education, innovation or science policy.

• Established networks within Commonwealth and/or Victorian government.

• Experience in organisations reliant on competitive public funding.

• Understanding of governance obligations within large not-for-profit entities.

How to Apply
Please apply by uploading your CV, cover letter and a statement addressing the key selection criteria.

The full Key Selection Criteria can be found in the position description here.

General enquiries can be directed to Pauline Mooney on recruitment@wehi.edu.au

Application Closing Date: Wednesday 20 May 2026