Dialog Box


Work with us

Our team is united in our passion for providing help and support for people impacted by Ovarian Cancer.  We are located in the historic Queen Victoria Women’s building.

The diversity  of the work I do means that no two days are like any other, and I can be focused on  our wonderful community.  I love listening and talking to them. Also I work with people I like and respect."

Kara Handley - Administration Coordinator

As an ovarian cancer survivor, I love being part of the OCA mission to ensure no woman with ovarian cancer walks alone.  There is nothing more important than standing with our women and the families that love them - to listen to them, speak up for them and support and guide them through the most difficult time in their lives.  It is a privilege to play my role as a Board member to support the team of OCA, who have dedicated their careers to support these brave, strong women."

Meghan Speers - Chair of OCA Finance, Audit & Risk Committee

It is a privilege to support women with ovarian cancer, to be able to make a difference and by working at OCA this allows me to be able to do that."

Di Kenneally - Ovarian Cancer Support Nurse 

For me being a volunteer is more than just being useful and doing good work. Like any job, if you do not think that you are valued and that you make a difference then you should stop. OCA is an organisation whose task is that “no woman with ovarian cancer should walk alone”. Ovarian cancer is lethal and there is a great need. Because of this the people who work at OCA are motivated and have a single purpose. Why would you not want to help?”

Bob House - Volunteer 

Job Opportunities

Program Manager, Clinical Trials Project
  • Are you inquisitive and passionate about research?
  • Would you like to make a difference for women impacted by ovarian cancer?
  • Apply your nursing, clinical trials and project management experience to lead a new research project.

As part of our growth agenda, a new position has become available at Ovarian Cancer Australia to lead a specifically funded project seeking to find out why women diagnosed with ovarian cancer are not being informed of, or referred to, clinical trials.  The findings from this research could carve a pathway to future change.

About the position:

You will be responsible for developing, implementing and managing this important project from conception through to achievement of agreed outcomes, including:

Develop, manage and deliver the clinical trials project – scope, budget, planning, promotion, pilot, quality, risk and resource management, evaluation, reporting.

Relationship and stakeholder management including collaboration with advisory groups.

  • Apply best practice and appropriate research mechanisms – consultations, focus groups, surveys etc.
  • Represent OCA in a professional capacity at meetings, committees, conferences.
  • Contribute to OCA Support and Advocacy strategic planning.

This is a part-time fixed term contract, working 2 days per week over 18 months.  Some interstate travel may be required from time to time.

To be successful in this role, you will bring:

  • Tertiary qualifications in Nursing.
  • At least 5 years’ experience working with people experiencing cancer.
  • Experience in clinical trials in the cancer sector (highly regarded).
  • Proven ability to plan, manage and deliver projects.
  • A positive, collaborate and ‘can do’ approach to your responsibilities.
  • Resilient and actively conscious of self-care, given the nature of OCA’s purpose and the potential interactions with those affected by ovarian cancer.

About Ovarian Cancer Australia:

Ovarian Cancer Australia is the leading national body for ovarian cancer in Australia.  Our vision is to save lives and ensure that no woman with ovarian cancer walks alone.  Our focus is to provide care and support for those  affected by ovarian cancer; and represent them by leading change.

We offer a positive and supportive work environment, with like-minded colleagues committed to our cause.  Not-for-profit salary packaging and hybrid working options are available - the position may work remotely or, if the successful candidate is based in Melbourne, working out of our Melbourne CBD office is an option. 

Download a Position Description   

Telephone enquiries regarding the position can be directed to:

Sue Hegarty, Chief, National Ovarian Cancer Advocacy at 03 9289 9718 or sue.hegarty@ovariancancer.net.au 


Applications must include:

  • a cover letter addressing the key selection criteria as outlined under ‘Experience, Skills and Qualifications’ in the position description; and
  • a complete and current CV

Please submit your application to careers@ovariancancer.net.au

Only applicants with unrestricted and ongoing working rights in Australia can be considered.

Apply now and don’t delay we will be interviewing and may appoint during the time the job is listed

Ovarian cancer is one of the deadliest women’s cancers with a low 49% five-year survival rate. If you want to make a difference and if you believe you meet the above criteria, apply now.  We will be reviewing applications as they are received, and the position will be closed off once a suitable candidate is found.


Grants Officer
  • Work with a professional, passionate and purpose-driven fundraising team
  • Use your grant writing experience to help grow and support the services we offer
  • Hybrid working arrangements and salary packaging options

Are you looking for an exciting opportunity where you can genuinely make a difference in the lives of others?  Ovarian Cancer Australia (OCA) has an exciting opportunity for a self-driven and experienced Grants Officer.   This role is responsible for writing and submitting grant proposals across a variety of platforms in order to grow OCA’s income and ultimately secure ongoing funding for services and support that we provide to people who have been diagnosed with ovarian cancer.

About the position:

Reporting to the Development Manager, this role will cover a parental leave absence and is 0.8FTE (30.4 hours per week) for a fixed period of 12 months with the possibility of extension.  Working to our strategic priorities of “Support You” and “Leading Change”, you will be responsible for co-ordinating, submitting and managing funding opportunities.  This role is a revenue generating position and responsibilities include:

  • Identify new and existing funding opportunities
  • Source, research and prepare submission information
  • Prepare and deliver high quality proposals and presentations to prospective foundation decision makers.
  • Coordinate, research, author and submit high quality grant submissions on time and within established selection criteria.
  • Track applications, projects and donors
  • Ensure ongoing compliance with approved grant and program requirements
  • Prospect and research emerging grant opportunities and maintain a pipeline of activity
  • Develop and maintain external relationships with trusts and foundations and other external stakeholders

To be successful in this role you will bring:

  • 3-5 years’ experience preparing funding proposals
  • A strong understanding of the not-for-profit sector
  • Experience in health grant writing (highly regarded)
  • A strong track record of growing revenue through grants and other funding sources
  • Highly developed written, interpersonal and verbal communications
  • High level organisation and time management skills to balance competing priorities and meet deadlines.
  • Ability to develop and manage effective external and internal relationships.
  • A positive, collaborative and ‘can-do’ approach to your work.

About Ovarian Cancer Australia:

Ovarian Cancer Australia is the leading national body for ovarian cancer in Australia.  Our vision is to save lives and ensure that no woman with ovarian cancer walks alone.  Our focus is to provide care and support for those  affected by ovarian cancer; and represent them by leading change.

Our people are central to what we do and are encouraged to participate in planning and decision-making.  A supportive environment, continuous improvement and inclusivity form an important part of our culture.  We offer not-for-profit salary packaging and flexible work arrangements including a hybrid working model. 

Download a Position Description   

Telephone enquiries regarding the position can be directed to:

Shirley Getley – People & Culture Manager, on (03) 9289 9712 or

Kristine Pillai – Development Manager on (03) 9289 9730

In your application, please include an up-to-date CV and a cover letter addressing the criteria outlined in the position description under the heading ‘Experience, Skills and Qualifications’. 

Please email applications to careers@ovariancancer.net.au.   

Only applicants with full and ongoing working rights in Australia will be considered.

We will be shortlisting and interviewing as we receive applications.  The position will be considered closed once a suitable applicant has been appointed.  If this sounds like your next career move, apply today!


Community Fundraising Coordinator
  • Your coordination skills and service orientation will help our community to ensure their fundraising events are a huge success!
  • Join our FIA award winning team to grow revenue through effective fundraising activities
  • Hybrid working arrangements and salary packaging options

This type of opportunity doesn’t come around too often!  Apply your outstanding organisation, communication and customer service skills to take responsibility for growing Ovarian Cancer Australia’s (OCA’s) community fundraising campaigns!  Provide support to, and develop relationships with, community fundraisers and assist them to host events and fundraise for OCA.

About the position:

The Community Fundraising Coordinator, by contributing to community fundraising income generation, has a direct impact on OCA’s ability to fund ongoing programs and provide support for those affected by ovarian cancer.  This full-time position reports to the Development Manager and works collaboratively with our marketing, support and business services teams to ensure community fundraising opportunities run smoothly and successfully.  Responsibilities include:

  • Coordinate and implement agreed community fundraising campaigns for OCA to meet income targets.
  • Be the primary contact for fundraising and general telephone and email enquiries.
  • Assist the Development Manager to acquire new community fundraisers.
  • Build strong internal and external relationships, including with community and corporate volunteers.
  • Provide advice, tips and encouragement to fundraisers.
  • Apply your inquisitive thinking to develop new ideas for improving income generation from fundraising activities.
  • Manage fundraising merchandise including stock levels, orders and dispatch.
  • Assist the fundraising team to support large fundraisers and third-party fundraising events.
  • Track fundraiser and event information in Salesforce CRM.
  • Report on and evaluate fundraising events and campaigns.
  • Participate in fundraising strategy reviews.

To be successful in this role you will bring:

  • 1-2 years’ experience in fundraising, preferably community fundraising or events.
  • Previous experience in a similar role, especially in face-to-face, online and over the phone community engagement.
  • Highly developed written, interpersonal and verbal communication skills and the ability to build productive and effective working relationships with a range of stakeholders.
  • High level of initiative and ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
  • High level organisational and time management skills including the ability to balance competing deadlines.
  • High attention to detail and quality of work.
  • A working knowledge of customer relationship management systems (CRM) such as Salesforce (desirable) or an equivalent .
  • A positive, collaborative and ‘can-do’ approach to your work.

About Ovarian Cancer Australia:

Ovarian Cancer Australia is the leading national body for ovarian cancer in Australia.  Our vision is to save lives and ensure that no woman with ovarian cancer walks alone.  Our focus is to provide care and support for those  affected by ovarian cancer; and represent them by leading change.

Our people are central to what we do and are encouraged to participate in planning and decision-making.  A supportive environment, continuous improvement and inclusivity form an important part of our culture.  We offer not-for-profit salary packaging and flexible work arrangements including a hybrid working model. 

Downlaod a Position Description  

Telephone enquiries regarding the position can be directed to:

Shirley Getley – People & Culture Manager, on (03) 9289 9712 or

Kristine Pillai – Development Manager on (03) 9289 9730

In your application, please include an up-to-date CV and a cover letter addressing the criteria outlined in the position description under the heading ‘Experience, Skills and Qualifications’. 
Please email applications to careers@ovariancancer.net.au.   

Only applicants with full and ongoing working rights in Australia will be considered.

We will be shortlisting and interviewing as we receive applications.  The position will be considered closed once a suitable applicant has been appointed.  If you’re keen to take on this challenge and work with a passionate and dedicated team, apply today!


Ovarian Cancer - PR & Communications Officer

The PR & Communications Officer is responsible for generating national awareness for ovarian cancer, Australia’s deadliest female cancer through media pitching for our key campaigns as well as through our advocacy events such as the annual Parliamentary Breakfast. It is an exciting and diverse role that suits a highly skilled communications professional who is passionate about making a real difference in people’s lives. The role involves writing across various channels and audiences (e.g media, government and donors) and works closely with the Marketing Manager to deliver on awareness and fundraising targets.

About the role:

The PR and Communications Officer role is part of the integrated Marketing, Fundraising and Communications team. This role contributes to OCA’s vision and mission by providing purpose driven, passionate communications, copywriting and storytelling, and effective public relations management

Key Responsibilities: 

Deliver best in class integrated campaigns

  • Be our storytelling lead, working with our community of women to tell their incredible stories and raise awareness across media touchpoints
  • Write well-articulated and precise press releases and pitch them to media
  • Own our media relations through your existing and enviable media relationships across a range of channels including online (and influencers), broadcast, print and radio
  • Together with the Marketing Manager, develop the marketing and communications strategy for OCA campaigns, including Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, Workout 4 Women and other brand partnership moments
  • Evaluate campaigns and give feedback so that we can continue to grow and evolve
  • Work closely with the advocacy team to provide copywriting support and communications planning
  • Adept in crisis communications and ability to plan and build proactive communications solutions ahead of needing them.
  • Work with the Communications Specialist in the Support team to Increase awareness of and engagement with the support services OCA offers among people affected by the disease and their families
  • Speech writing for key speakers (e.g.CEO) for OCA events

Lead OCA’s Corporate Identity & Government Awareness Programs 

  • Assist with internal communications
  • Lead all requirements for the annual Parliamentary Breakfast event and Women of the Press Gallery event.
  • Act as the key contact for all government relations
  • Together with the CEO and executive team, develop and deliver any Corporate documents as required (e.g. Annual Report etc)

About us:

Ovarian Cancer Australia (OCA) is the leading national body for ovarian cancer in Australia. Founded in 2001 by a group of people personally affected by ovarian cancer, our vision is to save lives and ensure that no woman with ovarian cancer walks alone.

Our focus is to provide care and support for those affected by ovarian cancer; and represent them by leading change.

Our values: We listen. We are inclusive. We are courageous. We act with integrity.

Each year in Australia, approximately 1800 people are diagnosed with ovarian cancer, and more than 1,000 die from the disease. Ovarian cancer has an extremely poor prognosis and has the lowest survival rate of any female cancer. In Australia, the overall five-year survival rate for people diagnosed with ovarian cancer is 49%. People impacted may experience poor quality of life and outcomes and Ovarian Cancer Australia has a range of programs supporting them and their loved on­­­­es. The main programs include a helpline, the Teal Support Program, psychosocial services, support groups and information resources. Outside of these programs OCA works closely with government to advocate for better treatment and research.

Download a full Position Description  

Email applications to: sarah.michowski@ovariancancer.net.au

We will be shortlisting and interviewing as we receive applications and may appoint the right candidate ahead of the closing date, so if this sounds like your next career move, apply today!


Volunteering at OCA

As a national organisation, Ovarian Cancer Australia’s volunteers are vital to the growing ovarian cancer movement, helping us to increase our reach.

From the strategic leadership of our national board of directors, to our volunteers championing ovarian cancer awareness in their local communities, our volunteers are intrinsic to the success of our organisation.

Our volunteering vision statement

OCA believes that volunteers are vital to the achievement of our vision and mission. They bring energy and commitment to our organisation and demonstrate the power of community. 

At OCA we aim to create an environment in which volunteers:

  • Contribute in meaningful ways to the success and growth of our support, awareness, advocacy and research programs
  • Are empowered to raise awareness of ovarian cancer and the work of OCA in their communities
  • Bring unique skills, experience and insights
  • Have the opportunity to develop new skills and enhance their work experience
  • Are appropriately briefed, trained and supported in their work with us
  • Are valued as part of our team and our community
  • Are acknowledged and thanked for their contribution

Current volunteer opportunities

For any volunteer-related enquiries, please contact Kara through admin@ovariancancer.net.au or 1300 660 334.



Donate