Job Description

About us

Cancer Council NSW (CCNSW) is a community funded and focused not for profit. We are the largest cancer charity in NSW and our point of difference is that we work across every area of every cancer, from research right through to support.

At CCNSW we understand that nothing feels better than doing work you really care about. As Australia’s leading organisation supporting all people impacted by all cancers, we understand how good it feels to make a difference. We know that almost 1 in 2 Australians are affected by cancer during their lifetime, by joining the passionate team at CCNSW you’ll know that each day the work you’re doing will positively impact people in your life and Australia.

The Legal team provides strategic advice and legal services across Cancer Council NSW, supporting the organisation to deliver its purpose while managing legal and compliance risk. The team works closely with stakeholders across the organisation’s operations, partnerships and advocacy activities to enable informed decision-making, strong governance and effective risk management.

About the role:

Reporting to the General Counsel, the Senior Legal Counsel provides legal advice and services across the business, including on matters that have strategic significance. The role supports the General Counsel by undertaking the majority of the oversight of the team’s Legal Counsel, as well as oversight of the volunteer interns that participate in the team’s work from time to time. The role plays a key part in the design and implementation of legal operations and process improvement initiatives and stands ready to act as an alternate for the General Counsel in organisational forums and in interactions with the Executive Leadership Team and Board.

This role will be a 15 month maximum term contract.

About the benefits

• Generous salary packaging options that can increase your take home pay by paying certain expenses using pre-tax dollars up to $15,900 a year.
• Recognised for Voice Project's 2021 and 2023 "Best Workplace" Award.
• A balanced organisational approach to WFH and office
• Additional performance-based leave available.
• Work for purpose and know that your work fosters an engaged, diverse and culturally aware organisation.
• Discounts available for everyday expenses such as private health, retail and fitness

Key responsibilities of the role:

• Draft, review and approve contracts, and assist business owners in negotiating with customers, suppliers, service providers, retailers, partners, collaborators and other stakeholders, in respect of a wide range of commercial, IT, IP, research, events and fundraising agreements.
• Provide advice (and manage advice provided by external lawyers) on legal and regulatory issues of importance to the organisation, including the Charitable Fundraising Legislation and Privacy Law.
• Assist in the regular review and development of policies, procedures and training programs for staff on relevant legal issues.
• Assist in the management and protection of organisation’s intellectual property, in accordance with the Intellectual Property Policy including trade marks, copyright and moral rights (as applicable).
• Coordinate legal support (including external support as required) for the management of bequests made to the organisation, including the efficient management of external legal support for Court proceedings relating to contested estates.
• Stand ready to act as an alternate for the General Counsel in organisational forums and subject-specific teams (Privacy Officer, Incident Management Team, Data Breach Response Team); and in interactions with the ELT and Board if required.
• Play a key role in the identification, design and implementation of legal operations and process improvement initiatives to benefit the Legal team and the organisation.

About you,

Essential:

• Tertiary qualification in law and current practicing certificate, with 8+ years of experience, including in an in-house legal role.
• Strong contract drafting and negotiation skills, with particular experience in intellectual property and/or technology transactions.
• Demonstrated ability to provide advice in evolving and complex areas of law, translating legal issues into clear, practical guidance for non‑legal stakeholders.
• Proven track record in managing legal activities end to end, from initial scoping through to resolution.
• Sound commercial judgement, including the ability to formulate and communicate practical commercial solutions as well as legal advice.
• Strong service orientation, interpersonal capability, and a collaborative, team focused approach, including the ability to work effectively within a small, high performing team.
• Demonstrated ability to build trusted relationships and work effectively with a diverse range of internal and external stakeholders.

Desirable:

• Knowledge and experience advising on Privacy Law.
• Experience advising on intellectual property management, including trade marks, copyright and licensing.
• Knowledge of Wills and Succession Law.
• Some basic knowledge of or interest in oncology, cancer services and the needs of persons affected by cancer.

CCNSW is an inclusive place to volunteer and work.  We embrace diversity, celebrate our differences, and inspire each person to be their authentic self at work.  

As we strive to represent the communities we serve, we welcome and actively encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and other diverse groups.

If you require any adjustments to submit your application, please get in touch with Blayze Thomas at 

careers@nswcc.org.au

Apply online by visiting our website directly, copying the following link www.cancercouncil.com.au/jobs then click on the role title and submit your cover letter and resume.

Job ad closing:20/05/2026