About us

The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) is the leading membership organisation for training, accrediting, and representing psychiatrists across Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand. Through conferences, publications, and initiatives, the College drives evidence-based practices, ensures high-quality, culturally aligned care, and works to enhance healthcare outcomes for Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander, and Māori communities in alignment with reconciliation and Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

About the role

Tenure: Full-time, ongoing 

Location: Melbourne, CBD (Hybrid)

The External Affairs Manager provides strategic support to the Director of the Office of the President & CEO, Communications & Media, leading high-level stakeholder engagement, advocacy, and government relations. This role translates complex policy into accessible public communication, acts as a bridge between the College and key external stakeholders, and contributes to issues management, media support, and reporting.

Key Responsibilities 

• Support bi-national government relations and advocacy planning for the CEO and President.

• Lead end-to-end advocacy campaigns aligned with RANZCP objectives.

• Develop speeches, presentations and columns for external-facing audiences, including presentations for conferences and columns for professional publications.

• Support the Director OPCEO, Communications and Media and the Media Manager on issues management, media inquiries and media monitoring.

• Identify, develop, and manage key stakeholders across governments, medical colleges, mental health, and advocacy organisations.

• Collaborate with the Board, committees, and staff to shape the College’s bi-national and jurisdictional advocacy strategy.

For more details, please refer to the Position Description via the "Apply Now" button.

What you'll bring

• Postgraduate qualifications or equivalent experience in advocacy, public policy, government relations, or communications.

• Exceptional written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, adaptable to diverse audiences.

• Proven experience developing and executing advocacy strategies in health, not-for-profit, or government sectors.

• Strong stakeholder engagement experience, including community consultation and integrating lived experience.

• Experience in membership or nonprofit organisations is a plus.

• A can-do mindset and relevant tertiary qualifications.

• Australian or New Zealand citizenship, or the right to work in Australia.

Some of what’s on offer: 

• Salary: $95,000-$120,000 + leave loading and 12% super.

• Hybrid working: 2 days in the office, 3 days from home.

• A paid day off each month for full-time employees.

• 12 weeks gender-neutral paid parental leave.

• A values-led, inclusive, culturally safe workplace.

• Purpose-driven work that makes a meaningful impact on mental health.

How to apply

Submit your resume and cover letter as a single document via the Expr3ss link. Review the Position Description before applying. Questions? Email [email protected] (no agencies). 

Diversity and Inclusion

RANZCP welcomes applications from all backgrounds, including First Nations peoples, LGBTQIA+ communities, neurodivergent individuals, and people of all ages, ethnicities, faiths, and lived experiences.

Applications close: 5PM, Sunday 28 September. 

Note: The ad may remain visible after the closing date. You may still submit your application, but the process may have progressed.