Location: Wellington
Contract type: Fixed term – 12 months
Make a meaningful impact in cancer prevention across Aotearoa New Zealand.
1 in 3. That’s how many New Zealanders will be diagnosed with cancer in our lifetime. At the Cancer Society, our vision ‘working together towards a future free from cancer’ guides everything we do.
Our Advocacy and Public Affairs team lead initiatives that influence public and health policy to improve cancer outcomes across Aotearoa New Zealand. We are seeking an experienced Programme Manager and public health professional to join us on a 12-month fixed-term contract to deliver and review our national skin cancer prevention programme.
About the role
Based in Wellington, this is a hands-on opportunity to manage a national programme while helping to shape its future. The role involves delivering the existing programme in collaboration with internal and external partners, as well as leading a comprehensive review to inform future investment and direction.
Programme delivery
You will manage the delivery of the current skin cancer prevention programme, including:
- Leading the summer SunSmart campaign and health promotion activities
- Supporting advocacy efforts and the SunSmart Schools programme
- Supporting evidence-based policy and advocacy activities to advance programme objectives
- Coordinating sector engagement to ensure coordinated efforts and shared goals
- Maintaining up-to-date evidence and public resources
- Exploring opportunities for corporate partnerships and funding to support long-term programme sustainability.
Programme review and strategic development
You will also play a key role in delivering a comprehensive review to provide actionable recommendations for the programme’s future, including:
- Assessing and strengthening the SunSmart Schools initiative
- Develop recommendations for a future national skin cancer prevention programme
- Identify potential funding and investment opportunities
- Outline scalable programme options based on varying levels of resourcing
What you will bring
- Tertiary qualification in public health, communications, policy, or a related field.
- Proven experience working in the health sector, with strong understanding of health promotion, public health principles, and equity in New Zealand.
- Strong experience in programme management and delivery, including reviews and reporting to senior leadership.
- Demonstrated ability to interpret and apply health data, research, and evidence to inform programme decisions and messaging.
- Skilled in building partnerships and managing cross-sector relationships, with excellent communication skills.
- A proactive, adaptable and solutions-focused approach, with energy and resilience to work effectively across multiple teams and partners.
- Commitment to improving outcomes for people affected by cancer
Why join us?
At the Cancer Society, our kaupapa is clear: we’re working together towards a future free from cancer. We have a flexible working environment and opportunities for professional development, all while contributing to a cause that really matters.
This role is rewarding, challenging, and fast-paced. If you thrive in collaborative environments, have public health expertise, and enjoy shaping programmes with impact, we want to hear from you.
Sound interesting? Click apply to upload your CV and cover letter to Seek, and for any questions, contact us on admin@cancer.org.nz