The Consumers Health Forum of Australia (CHF) is the national peak body representing the interests of Australian healthcare consumers. They are dedicated to achieving safe, quality, and timely healthcare for all Australians.

As they continue to expand their impact and draw upon consumer insights and experiences, their vision is a world class healthcare system enhancing the well-being of consumers and communities by relentlessly driving innovations and improvements to the Australian healthcare system.

As a member of the Executive team, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the organisations advocacy strategies and fostering meaningful engagement with diverse communities. You will lead initiatives aimed at amplifying the voices of people experiencing health disadvantage to shape advocacy and influence decision makers, effectively bridging the gap between the community and policy makers.

This role is responsible for delivering strategy through a whole-of-business approach encompassing advocacy, public affairs, member and consumer engagement, internal and external communication channels including digital and content delivery, government relations, campaigning, media engagement and branding.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic oversight of the advocacy and engagement functions
• Work closely with the CEO, Board and Leadership Team on all relevant matters
• Build strategic partnerships with key stakeholders including Departmental staff, CHF members, partner organisations and consumers
• Inspire and lead the Advocacy and Engagement team to deliver and achieve strategic, operational, and business objectives
• Work collaboratively with the Research & Policy team to ensure CHF is making credible, authoritative, and constructive contributions to national policy and system design agenda

Key Selection Criteria

• Relevant tertiary qualifications and/or extensive relevant experience.
• High level of strategic and practical knowledge of stakeholder and consumer engagement, communications and advocacy, preferably in the Not-for-Profit sector.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills particularly in relation to inspiring positive responses and influencing outcomes
• Proven track record in successfully developing networks and relationships with key stakeholders including Department of Health & Aged Care, Government funded agencies, consumer advocates and special interest groups.
• Extensive experience in leading people and building trusted relationships with direct reports, inspiring and supporting the professional development of staff.
• Experiencing in managing budgets.

CHF fosters a collaborative team environment and culture that advocates mutual respect and robust conversation to collectively drive meaningful change. A small organisation of 17 staff, CHF are continuously working to improve internal processes and procedures and therefore require someone who can work effectively with ambiguity; is comfortable leading in an environment that is constantly evolving; and is committed to embedding continuous improvement.

In return, you will gain incredible insights into Australian healthcare, grow your personal network across the sector and develop as a leader through breadth and variety of experiences with potential for deputising the CEO when required.

This is an organisation where culture matters and values are demonstrated daily. CHF is committed to diversity and strongly encourages applications from First Nations people, people with disability, people from LGBTIQ community and people from culturally diverse backgrounds.

Note: You must have the right to work in Australia and demonstrate the absence of a relevant criminal history to be appointed. A current Working with Children’s check and/or a Working with Vulnerable People check is required. This role is offered on a full-time basis.
Other Benefits of Working with CHF

• Generous salary packaging arrangements and leave entitlements
• Share your working time between our office and home
• A strong commitment to your professional growth and development

For more information and to obtain a copy of the position description please contact Janelle Kelly [email protected] using the subject line: Director Advocacy & Engagement - Consumers Health Forum of Australia enquiry via EthicalJobs.

Applications to be made by no later than close of business on the advertised closing date.