📊 Unlocking the Secrets of the Organ and Tissue Authority (OTA): Your 60‑Second Guide to a Government Career 🚀
Ever wondered what it’s really like to work at the Organ and Tissue Authority (OTA)? We’ve dived deep into their latest annual report, so you don’t have to! In this quick overview, you’ll discover everything you need to know—from their key functions and finances to the top skills and qualifications they’re looking for in new recruits. Whether you’re a seasoned public servant or a fresh graduate, this guide gives you the groundwork to step into a rewarding government career.
AT‑A‑GLANCE
Name of Department / Council: Australian Organ and Tissue Donation and Transplantation Authority (often referred to as the OTA)
Location: Headquartered in Canberra, with a national footprint
CEO: Ms. Lucinda Barry AM
Total Revenue: Approximately $59 million in total funding for 2023–24 (including $51.058 million in administered funds plus departmental appropriations)
Total Number of Employees: 59 (classified as an extra‑small agency in the Health and Aged Care portfolio)
THE QUALIFICATION, CERTIFICATIONS, TRADES, PROFESSIONS, WORK EXPERIENCES & SKILLS MOST SUITED TO
🎯 Top 5 academic qualifications most suited:
Health Sciences (Certificate to Degree level) – Helps in policy, program execution, and understanding public health needs
Business Administration / Commerce (Diploma, Degree) – Supports budgeting, grants administration, and stakeholder engagement
Information Technology (Certificate, Diploma, Degree) – Essential for managing OrganMatch, the Electronic Donor Record, and data analytics dashboards
Communications / Marketing (Diploma, Degree) – Key for running national awareness campaigns (e.g., DonateLife Week)
Public Policy / Public Administration (Bachelor, Master) – Important for coordinating with state/territory departments and developing cohesive strategies
🎯 Top 5 certifications most suited:
Project Management (e.g., PRINCE2, Agile) – Ensures efficient delivery and oversight of government programs
Data Analytics / Business Intelligence – Interprets large datasets for measuring performance, including donation rates
Human Resources (Certificate IV, Diploma) – Helps with recruitment and staff development in government roles
Health Services Supervision (VET Cert / Diploma) – Provides foundational skills in supporting clinical operations
Quality Assurance / Clinical Governance – Maintains compliance and safety standards in organ donation processes
🎯 Top 5 trades / professions most suited:
Nursing / Nursing Coordination – Vital for coordinating donor assessments and supporting donor families
Medical Practitioners (ICU/Emergency/Transplant background) – Guide organ donation decisions and medical suitability
Allied Health Professionals (social workers, counsellors) – Offer specialised support to families and recipients
IT Professionals (developers, system admins) – Keep key tools (OrganMatch, EDR) running and innovating
Data and Audit Specialists – Track and report on performance metrics for continuous improvement
🎯 Top 5 skills most suited:
Stakeholder Engagement – Work across jurisdictions, hospitals, and community organisations
Advanced Communication – Handle sensitive conversations, particularly around end‑of‑life and donation
Policy Development – Align donation frameworks with broader health policies and legislative requirements
Collaboration & Teamwork – Coordinate with clinical teams, communications staff, and diverse government agencies
Continuous Improvement Mindset – Innovate in data analytics, user‑friendly digital systems, and best‑practice clinical approaches
🎯 Top 5 work experiences most suited:
Clinical / Healthcare Settings (ICU, ED, transplant units) – Strong foundation for donation coordination roles
Government / APS Project Delivery – Familiarity with the budget cycle, grants management, and policy compliance
Data Analysis & Reporting – Essential for monitoring progress, forecasting donation rates, and resource planning
Community Engagement / Public Awareness – Beneficial for driving campaigns, building trust, and encouraging donor registrations
Training & Education – Helps to upskill medical professionals and donation specialists for improved service quality
THE KEY FACTS
Name of Department: Organ and Tissue Authority (OTA)
Name of CEO: Ms. Lucinda Barry AM
Location: Australia‑wide (headquartered in Canberra)
Year Founded: 2009
Main mission and purpose of the department
Purpose: To save and improve the lives of more Australians through organ and tissue donation and transplantation.
Real‑world example: The OTA’s work increases the number of life‑changing transplants by coordinating public awareness and donation logistics nationwide, ensuring the right organ reaches the right person in time.
Main duties of the department
Manage the DonateLife program – Coordinate donation efforts in partnership with hospitals and agencies
Public Awareness Campaigns – Encourage Australians to join the donor register and discuss their wishes with family
Data Analytics & Reporting – Track donation rates, transplant outcomes, and consent rates to inform policy decisions
Clinical Governance & Education – Fund specialist donation staff, run training workshops, and improve standards
Policy and Advisory Functions – Collaborate with state and territory governments to shape national standards
Real‑world example: By maintaining OrganMatch and the Electronic Donor Record (EDR), the OTA enables seamless coordination between donor hospitals and transplant teams across Australia.
Key Projects, Key Strategic Priorities, Future Plans and Initiatives
National Strategy for Organ Donation, Retrieval and Transplantation – Promotes consistent approaches to organ donation
Clinical Practice Improvement Program (CPIP) – Guides hospital teams on best practices when identifying potential donors
Digital Enhancements – Continual upgrades to OrganMatch, the EDR, and data dashboards (e.g., the Hospital Organ Donation Report)
Living Donation Support – Expanding paired kidney exchange programs (like the ANZKX) to help more patients receive timely transplants
Did you know?
Only ~2% of people who die in Australian hospitals can become organ donors—but 1 organ donor can save up to 7 lives!
THE EMPLOYEES & REVENUE
Total Number of Employees: 59
Total Number of Employees at each pay level:
The OTA is an extra‑small agency. Staff span Australian Public Service (APS) levels—from entry APS roles to Executive Level (EL) and the Senior Executive Service (SES).
Salary Bands:
APS Levels: ~$60,000–$100,000 AUD per year
Executive Levels: ~$110,000–$140,000+ AUD per year
SES: Higher band for strategic and leadership duties
Average salary in the department:
Often falls between $80,000–$90,000 AUD annually for many APS employees (indicative).
Total Revenue:
Approximately $59 million in 2023–24, which includes $51.058 million in administered funds plus additional departmental appropriations.
Average Revenue per Employee:
Around $1 million per staff member ($59M / 59 employees).
GETTING A JOB AT THE ORGAN AND TISSUE AUTHORITY
When applying to the OTA, you’ll find roles ranging from clinical coordination to policy development, communications, and tech innovation. Here’s what may give you a competitive edge:
Which academic subjects are likely to be most sought after, and of value, to this department?
Certificate / Diploma Level:
Certificate in Health Administration – Provides core insights into healthcare processes
Diploma in Business / Project Management – Useful for managing smaller teams and projects
Certificate in Information Technology – Helpful for basic system support and analytics tasks
Bachelor / Master Level:
Bachelor of Nursing / Social Work / Allied Health – Suited for donor coordination or family liaison roles
Bachelor / Master of Public Policy – Perfect for contributing to legislative frameworks and intergovernmental collaboration
Master of Data Analytics – High demand for experts who can transform raw data into actionable public insights
PhDs:
PhD in Health Sciences or Public Health – Positions you to lead research and shape evidence‑based policy
Which trades and professions are likely to be most sought after, and of value, to this department?
Nursing Coordinators / Nurse Donation Specialists – Serve at the intersection of end‑of‑life care and donation processes
IT Technicians and Developers – Maintain and refine crucial donation systems like OrganMatch and the EDR
Communications Specialists – Launch awareness campaigns and public outreach (e.g., DonateLife Week)
Data Scientists – Fuel data‑driven policy by analyzing donation and transplant metrics
Policy Officers – Develop, interpret, and implement national guidelines
Which work experiences are likely to be most sought after, and of value, to this department?
Clinical Experience (ICU, ED, Transplant Units) – Contributes firsthand knowledge of patient care settings
Government / APS Experience – Familiarity with public sector protocols, grants, and compliance
Non‑Profit / Community Engagement – Shapes outreach efforts and fosters ties with cultural, faith, or local groups
Project Coordination & Delivery – Advances new initiatives and tracks program outcomes
Stakeholder Management & Communications – Maintains robust relationships with hospitals, policymakers, and the general public
Which skills are likely to be most sought after, and of value, to this department?
Soft skills:
Empathy & Emotional Intelligence – Vital for guiding donor families
Team Collaboration – Critical for multi‑agency initiatives
Adaptability – The organ donation landscape can shift due to policy or medical advances
Technical skills:
Data Analysis & Reporting – Turn raw data into performance insights and forecasts
System Administration / Development – Manage large‑scale health IT solutions
Clinical Specialist Skills – Understand the nuances of ICU, ED, or transplant protocols
General skills:
Time Management & Organisation – Coordinate multiple tasks and deadlines
Strategic Thinking – Ensure that daily tasks align with broader national goals
Clear Communication – Translate complex clinical or policy info into accessible language
Which hobbies and interests align with the work of this department?
Volunteering in Healthcare Settings – Shows compassion and a willingness to serve
Community Fundraising / Advocacy – Engages the public, raises awareness, and builds your communication skills
Tech & Innovation Enthusiasm – Beneficial in data‑heavy roles and modernizing government systems
Health & Fitness Activities – Encourages a broader understanding of wellness and preventive care
Want more information on this department?
Contact the department:
OTA HR / Recruitment Team: (02) 6198 9800 (General Enquiries)
Postal Address: GPO Box 9848, Canberra ACT 2601
Email: enquiries@donatelife.gov.au
Website: www.donatelife.gov.au
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