Patient Advocacy & Government Relations Manager

Company: Montu

Location: Remote (Ideally based in Canberra, Australia; open to Sydney with travel)

Company Description:
Montu is a leading Australian health technology company dedicated to improving patient access to healthcare through innovation, telehealth, and evidence-based care. We operate at the intersection of healthcare, technology, and public policy, actively shaping conversations around alternative medicine regulation, telehealth, 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.

About the Role:
This role is within the Government Relations function, working directly with senior leadership to influence policy outcomes, strengthen stakeholder relationships, and shape the future of healthcare regulation in Australia. The Patient Advocacy & Government Relations Manager will foster relationships and develop strategic partnerships with parliamentarians, government officials, and patient associations aligned with Montu's mission. You will be 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. This role involves developing and executing strategies to promote our company’s reputation, engage external stakeholders, and ensure we remain leaders 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 analyze 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 incorporate critical patient insights into strategies and decisions.

Patient Advocacy

• Cultivate, maintain, and deepen relationships with patient advocacy groups and the broader community.
• Utilize patient stories, research, and real-world evidence to demonstrate medication effectiveness in improving health outcomes.
• Develop and secure partnership agreements or formal alliances with leading patient groups.
• Mobilize 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 medicinal cannabis industry, and the health sector.

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 organizations to inform decision-making and strategic planning.
• Track and report on partnership outcomes, project milestones, and advocacy progress.

Qualifications:

• 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 organizational objectives.
• Strong project management and prioritization 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 to shifting political, regulatory, or business priorities.
• Passion for healthcare, patient outcomes, public policy, or regulated industries, with an interest in shaping meaningful change.
• Existing networks within government, parliament, ministerial offices, departments, or relevant industry associations are highly regarded.

Additional Information:
Join a highly motivated, agile team where your ideas directly influence a growing global company. We offer a collaborative and driven culture with opportunities for advancement.

Benefits:

• Access to SAGED courses and more through the Greenhouse learning platform.
• Discounts with over 450 retailers through our Reward and Recognition platform.
• Full-time, remote role.
• Access to co-working spaces in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and select regional cities.
• Mental health support through the Unmind wellbeing platform.
• Private health insurance discount through Medibank.
• Up to 8 weeks of paid parental leave.
• Swag kits for key milestones.
• Ergonomic equipment reimbursement for home office.
• Opportunity to be part of one of Australia's fastest-growing industries, improving patient lives.