Associate Director – Policy and Research
Location: Canberra
Employment Type: Full-time
Sector: Not-for-profit | Health | Accreditation
About Anmac
The Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council (Anmac) protects the health and safety of the Australian community by promoting high-quality education and accreditation standards for nursing and midwifery. As the national accreditation authority, Anmac also undertakes skilled migration assessments for nurses and midwives seeking to work in Australia.
Operating independently from government and regulators, Anmac works collaboratively with the nursing and midwifery professions, education providers, regulatory agencies and sector partners to deliver impact, integrity and excellence, while contributing to national policy leadership across health, education and workforce systems.
The Opportunity
The Associate Director – Policy and Research plays a senior role within Anmac’s Policy and Research Service Unit, supporting the development of evidence‑informed policy, research and thought leadership that underpins national accreditation, regulation and workforce reform.
Reporting to the Director of Policy and Research, this role draws on specialist nursing or midwifery expertise to produce authoritative policy advice, lead research and evidence synthesis activities, and engage with senior stakeholders across government, education and the health sector.
Operating with a high degree of independence, the Associate Director exercises sound judgement on complex and sensitive matters and contributes to the strategic direction of the Policy and Research Unit and the broader organisation.
Key Responsibilities
1. Policy Development & Analysis
- Lead development and review of policy
frameworks, position statements and submissions relevant to nursing, midwifery
and health education regulation.
- Monitor legislative changes and regulatory
reform; provide timely, evidence-based advice to senior leadership.
- Interpret legislation, standards and regulatory
requirements and advise on implications for practice and education.
- Develop policy, prepare submissions and policy
reports.
2. Research & Evidence
- Design and lead research activities including
literature reviews, environmental scans and stakeholder consultations.
- Synthesise complex evidence into clear,
accessible reports and position papers.
- Identify research gaps and recommend priority
areas for investigation.
- •Maintain currency with peer-reviewed literature
and best practice in health education policy.
3. Thought Leadership & Stakeholder Engagement
- Represent the organisation at external forums,
committees and working groups.
- Build and sustain productive relationships with
government agencies, peak bodies, education providers and professional
associations.
- Contribute to conference presentations,
discussion papers and public submissions.
- Guide and mentor other staff in policy research
methods and professional writing.
4. Governance
- Ensure policy outputs align with legislative
requirements, organisational strategy and professional standards.
- Contribute to risk identification and governance
reporting as required.
About You
You are a senior policy professional with strong analytical capability and experience working in complex health, regulatory or public sector environments. You bring deep expertise in policy development and research, with the ability to translate complex evidence into clear, practical advice that supports decision‑making and system improvement.
You are a collaborative, values‑driven leader with excellent communication skills and the confidence to engage with senior stakeholders across government, education and the health sector. You operate with integrity, sound judgement and a commitment to evidence‑based practice.
Qualifications and Experience
Essential:
- Current or recent registration as a Registered Nurse and/or Midwife with the NMBA.
- Tertiary qualifications in nursing, midwifery or health sciences.
- Demonstrated experience in policy analysis, development or research within a health, regulatory or government context.
- Strong understanding of Australia’s health education regulatory framework, including the National Registration and Accreditation Scheme (NRAS).
- Ability to synthesise complex information and produce high‑quality written outputs for senior and executive audiences.
- Demonstrated ability to effectively collaborate with colleagues and external stakeholders, building respectful and productive working relationships to achieve shared objectives.
Desirable:
- Postgraduate qualifications in health policy, public health or education.
- Experience in health professional accreditation, regulation or education policy.
- Knowledge of policy development processes within a regulatory or professional standards context.
- Experience presenting at professional forums or contributing to publications.
Why Join Anmac
- Opportunity to contribute to national nursing and midwifery education and workforce outcomes
- Values‑led organisation with a strong public purpose and impact
- Collaborative, expert and committed team environment
- Role offering autonomy, influence and meaningful policy leadership
How to Apply
Please submit your current CV and a brief cover letter outlining your suitability for the role.
For a confidential discussion, please contact the People and Culture team at recruitment@anmac.org.au.
Next steps: Shortlisted candidates will be invited to interviews. As part of our recruitment process, shortlisted candidates will be required to provide certified copies of their qualifications prior to interview.
Applications close: Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and the role will close as soon as a suitable candidate is identified.
Please note: Due to business needs, the successful candidate will be required to commence in the role as soon as possible.
