Employment OS for your Business

Assistant Director, Mental Health Projects and Partnerships

Mental Health • Canberra, Australian Capital Territory 2601, Australia • Full-time
AI Job Summary
  • Demonstrated experience managing staff and leading teams, setting direction, managing workload and performance.
  • Strong research, analytical and writing skills; translate evidence into policy and practice.
  • Tertiary qualifications in health, social sciences or related field.

Role Type

On-site • Contract • Full-time • Mid-level Senior

Pay Rate

$110,000 AUD – $125,000 AUD (Annum)

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 will be responsible for leading a national portfolio of mental health, social and emotional wellbeing, and suicide prevention projects, providing strategic leadership, policy advice, and partnership management to support the delivery of culturally safe, evidence-based outcomes across the sector.

 

Responsibilities of this role but not limited to:

  • Contribute to the design and implementation of nation frameworks, including suicide prevention education and training initiatives
  • Develop strategic policy, submissions and advice on complex and sensitive issues impacting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander mental health and wellbeing.
  • Translate research into practice, working with partners to strengthen culturally safe service delivery across the ACCHO sector.
  • Oversee project management, performance reporting and contractual relationships with funding partners and consultants.

 

About You

To succeed in this role, you will bring:

  • Tertiary qualifications in a relevant discipline (health, social sciences or related field).
  • Demonstrated experience managing staff and leading teams.
  • Experience operating at a similar senior level in a comparable organisation or role.
  • Strong research, analytical and writing skills, with experience translating evidence into policy and practice.
  • Experience in public health, social programs or research environments.
  • Experience working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people is highly desirable.

 

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 how your skills and experience align with the requirements of the role.

 

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

 

For any questions regarding the role, please contact: Thomas Quayle, Director, Mental Health at Thomas.quayle@naccho.org.au

 

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

Job Closing Date 20 July 2026

Company Overview

The National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO) is the national peak body representing 146 Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services (ACCHSs). ACCHOs deliver comprehensive primary health care to more than half of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples nationally. As an act of self-determination, these services attend to all matters affecting health and wellbeing spanning transformative community empowerment through to individual health treatments and continuity of care. NACCHO’s work is focused on supporting the work of ACCHOs and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people overall through negotiating and advocating with Governments on health care policies and programs and systems reform. These issues range in variety from chronic disease management, preventative health strategies, telehealth, mental health and social and emotional well-being, listing of Medical Benefits Scheme (MBS) to the social and cultural determinants of health. NACCHO’s partnerships with governments and non-government organisations include: The Department of Health, National Disability Insurance Agency, Department of Social Services, National Mental Health Commission, Vision Australia, Royal College of General Practitioners and Gaaya Dhuwi. These partnerships greatly contribute to significantly enhancing the quality and accessibility of health care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. It is a very interesting and transformative time across the health sector. NACCHO has been driving systems reform in the context of the National Agreement

Position Description