Job Description

About NACCHO

The National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO) is the national peak body representing 148 Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations (ACCHOs). ACCHOs deliver comprehensive primary health care to more than half of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples nationally.

About the Role

The Assistant Director supports NACCHO’s vision for ACCHO led, culturally safe and sustainable approaches to reducing the inequitable burden of ARF and RHD. The role leads key program and policy initiatives, works collaboratively with ACCHOs and partners on consultation and co design, and provides leadership to the NACCHO RHD Team. It contributes to national reform efforts that improve health and wellbeing outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Responsibilities of this role but not limited to:

• Liaise with organisations within both the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and non-Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community and government to contribute to the planning and delivery of program and policy initiatives.
• Represent NACCHO at meetings, conferences, seminars, and with the public to discuss and contribute to the planning and delivery of programs.
• Undertake data analysis, research and conduct horizon scanning activities to inform program planning and delivery.
• Supervise and support the NACCHO RHD Team across a broad range of activities.

About You

To succeed in this role, you will bring:

Essential:

• Tertiary qualifications and/or equivalent experience in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health, public health, policy, or community development.
• Demonstrated experience in program or policy leadership, preferably in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health or the community controlled sector.
• Strong understanding of the ACCHO sector, community led decision making and culturally safe practice.
• Proven ability to lead and supervise staff, manage complex projects and balance competing priorities.
• Highly developed written and verbal communication skills, with experience preparing high quality reports, briefs and presentations.
• Demonstrated ability to build effective partnerships with ACCHOs, governments and sector stakeholders.
• Ability to interpret and apply data, evidence and research to inform program and policy development.

Desirable:

• Experience working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities or organisations.
• Knowledge of ARF, RHD, environmental health or public health issues affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
• Understanding of government processes including funding, reporting and policy frameworks.
• Experience supporting governance committees or advisory groups.

Why Join Us?

At NACCHO, you’ll contribute to meaningful, community focused work that supports improved health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. You’ll join a supportive and inclusive team, with opportunities for professional growth and a role where your work genuinely makes a difference.

How to Apply

Submit your resume and a cover letter (maximum one page) addressing the selection criteria listed above.

For more information, visit our website at Homepage - NACCHO or download the position description. Copy the URL: https://shorturl.at/2keaV

For any questions regarding the role, please contact: Claire O’Niell, Director, Rheumatic Heart Disease at claire.oneill@naccho.org.au

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are strongly encouraged to apply.

Job Closing Date 24 February 2026

Applications will be assessed as they are submitted, and application may be closed early if a suitable candidate is found