Patient Advocacy and Government Relations Manager

Patient Advocacy and Government Relations Manager

Montu is a leading Australian health technology company dedicated to improving patient access to healthcare through innovation, telehealth, technology, and evidence-based care. We operate at the intersection of healthcare, technology, and public policy, actively shaping discussions around alternative medicine regulation, telehealth delivery, patient access, and healthcare innovation in Australia. As we grow, government engagement and stakeholder advocacy are crucial for representing patient needs, clinical evidence, and innovation in policy discussions.

This role is part of the Government Relations function and works directly with senior leadership to influence policy, strengthen stakeholder relationships, and shape the future of healthcare regulation in Australia.

This is a hybrid role. We ideally prefer a candidate based in Canberra who can attend Parliament House 1-2 days per week. We are also open to candidates based in Sydney who can travel to Canberra as required.

About the Role

The Patient Advocacy and Government Relations Manager will foster relationships and develop strategic partnerships with parliamentarians, government officials, and patient associations aligned with Montu's mission. This role serves as a key contact for Government and the primary liaison between Montu and key stakeholder groups, driving collaboration on strategic projects and securing advocacy support for policy initiatives that improve patient outcomes. You will develop and execute strategies to promote our company’s reputation, engage with external stakeholders, and ensure Montu leads in relevant policy areas.

Key Responsibilities

Government Relations

• Support the Government Relations team in maintaining relationships with government and key stakeholders.
• Develop, drive, and implement the patient advocacy strategy.
• Identify opportunities for strategic partnerships focused on patient education, support services, and access policy advocacy.
• Monitor and analyse legislative and regulatory changes impacting our industry.
• Draft policy proposals, position papers, and briefings to influence policymakers and government stakeholders.
• Assist with advocacy for policies that support our industry's growth and sustainability.
• Lead advocacy campaigns under the supervision of the Head of Government Relations.
• Collaborate cross-divisionally and cross-functionally to integrate critical patient insights into strategies and decisions.

Patient Advocacy

• Lead efforts to cultivate, maintain, and deepen relationships with patient advocacy groups and the broader community.
• Utilise patient stories, research, and real-world evidence to demonstrate the effectiveness of our medications in improving health outcomes.
• Develop and secure partnership agreements or formalised alliances with leading patient groups.
• Mobilise support for policy changes through meaningful patient group engagement.
• Measure and increase advocacy for the company's policy initiatives.
• Use data, patient insights, and research to guide strategic policy decisions.
• Research and draft policy proposals, position papers, and briefings for executive government, patient advocacy groups, the broader medicinal cannabis industry, and the health sector, under supervision.

Internal Collaboration & Reporting

• Liaise with internal teams to ensure patient advocacy efforts align with business objectives and regulatory requirements.
• Provide insights and recommendations from patient advocacy organisations to inform decision-making and strategic planning.
• Track and report on partnership outcomes, project milestones, and advocacy progress.

Requirements

• Demonstrated experience in government relations, public affairs, parliamentary environments, advocacy, lobbying, ministerial offices, or policy advisory roles.
• Strong understanding of Australian political and policy processes, with the ability to navigate government, regulatory, and stakeholder landscapes effectively.
• Proven ability to build and maintain influential relationships with government stakeholders, industry bodies, advocacy groups, and external partners.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills, with the confidence to engage credibly with senior decision-makers.
• Experience developing and executing advocacy, stakeholder engagement, or policy influence strategies that support organisational objectives.
• Strong project management and prioritisation skills, with the ability to manage multiple initiatives in a fast-paced and evolving environment.
• Demonstrated ability to operate autonomously, show initiative, and adapt quickly as priorities shift.
• Passion for healthcare, patient outcomes, public policy, or regulated industries, with an interest in shaping meaningful change through advocacy and engagement.
• Existing networks within government, parliament, ministerial offices, departments, or relevant industry associations will be highly regarded.

What We Offer

You’ll join a highly motivated, agile team where your ideas and work will directly influence the direction and progress of an expanding global company in a hyper-growth phase. We pride ourselves on our collaborative and driven culture and offer opportunities for advancement to high achievers.

• Access to SAGED courses and more through the Greenhouse learning platform for continuous growth.
• Discounts with over 450 retailers through our Reward and Recognition platform.
• The flexibility of a full-time role with remote work options.
• Access to co-working spaces in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and select regional cities.
• Mental health support through our wellbeing platform,