Thorne Harbour Health seeks an exceptional leader to serve as Chief Executive Officer during a pivotal period of growth and opportunity. Following 40 years of pioneering community response to HIV and AIDS, and a decade of strategic expansion into trans health, mental wellbeing, and broader LGBTIQ+ services, Thorne Harbour Health is positioned to strengthen its role as Australia's leading community-controlled LGBTIQ+ health organisation.

Thorne Harbour Health is the community-controlled health organisation dedicated to delivering culturally appropriate, evidence-based health and wellbeing programs for LGBTIQ+ communities and people living with or affected by HIV in Victoria and South Australia. The organisation's mission is to advance community-led health practice and ensure authentic accountability to the communities it serves. The vision is to create a world where our communities are healthy and live safely, with dignity and wellbeing.

Reporting to an engaged Board, the Chief Executive Officer will provide outstanding leadership to a talented team across seven locations in two states. The CEO will lead the delivery of integrated health services, advocacy, and community engagement across diverse stakeholder groups. The CEO will bring high emotional intelligence, genuine commitment to LGBTIQ+ health equity, and will empower people through a culture of authenticity, inclusivity, and accountability. The CEO will work effectively across complex governance structures, internal teams, community stakeholders, and government partners.

To be considered, you'll need proven executive leadership experience in healthcare or community services with CEO/Deputy CEO experience managing similar-sized organisations. You must bring a strong track record of navigating community-controlled governance, driving organisational growth, and maintaining financial sustainability. We're seeking someone with authentic connection to LGBTIQ+ communities, exceptional stakeholder engagement skills, and the sophistication to advance LGBTIQ+ health advocacy in complex political environments.

Essential capabilities include:

• Progressive leadership with CEO/Deputy CEO experience managing complex, multi-site organisations and demonstrated success in community-controlled or mission-driven contexts
• Strong government relations, media skills and advocacy capability at state and federal levels; ability to serve as organisational spokesperson and to engage in public-facing political advocacy
• Authentic connection to LGBTIQ+ communities and/or extensive track record of authentic engagement with LGBTIQ+ populations and health equity
• Proven experience navigating community-controlled and member-elected governance structures with political intelligence and sophistication
• Understanding of healthcare funding models (Medicare, grant-based, state and federal funding) and ability to drive revenue diversification
• Sophisticated strategic leadership capabilities with ability to integrate diverse programs into compelling organisational narrative
• Sharp and current organisational management skills with proven ability to build high-performance team culture, support staff wellbeing, and drive collaborative leadership
• Deep commitment to social justice, equity, community liberation, and workplace diversity, inclusion and collaborative practices

This is an exceptional opportunity to lead Australia's most established LGBTIQ+ community-controlled health organisation at a pivotal moment. You'll join an organisation with a strong financial foundation, proven service delivery model, and significant growth potential, working alongside a talented, committed team and an entirely LGBTQI+ identified Board. The role offers the chance to make meaningful impact on LGBTIQ+ health equity through direct government policy influence, national advocacy leadership, and strategic service expansion across Victoria and South Australia. With a compelling mission, deepening political relationships, and genuine opportunity to reshape community-controlled LGBTIQ+ health leadership in Australia, this position is ideal for a visionary leader ready to drive strategic change in a complex, mission-critical healthcare environment.

Before applying, download an Information Pack by entering your details below and pressing the 'Submit' button. Please note that the pack will load into your browser for you to download. After reading the Information Pack, contact Michael Holdway, Searchlight Group with any further questions on 0400 006 513 or email michael@searchlightgroup.com.au. All third party and unsolicited CV’s will be referred to Searchlight Group. 

Applications close at midnight on Sunday 23rd of November 2025. Candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.