Location: West Melbourne, Victoria  

Classification: Executive Manager  

Contract: Executive Contract (fixed-term of up to 5 years)   

SHAPE THE FUTURE OF HEALTH PROMOTION IN VICTORIA

Are you a visionary leader ready to drive transformational systems change across Victoria's health landscape? VicHealth, the world's first health promotion foundation, seeks an exceptional Executive Manager to lead strategy execution, policy development, and impact measurement as it reshapes systems for a healthier, fairer Victoria. 

ABOUT VICHEALTH

As Australia's pioneering health promotion foundation, VicHealth has been at the forefront of evidence-based health promotion for over three decades. It’s a WHO Collaborating Centre for Leadership in Health Promotion and technical partner to UNICEF, investing $45.4 million annually across 436 organisations.

Following the recent appointment of Professor Anna Peeters AM as CEO, VicHealth continues to deliver on its ambitious 10-year strategy targeting three critical systems for transformation, underpinned by a focus on equity:

• Neighbourhood and Built Systems
• Commercial and Economic Systems 
• Food Systems

VicHealth’s aspirations are bold: deliver healthier lives for all Victorians, generate $1 billion in economic benefits, and commit 30% of budget to priority communities facing the greatest health inequities. 

For more information about VicHealth's work and strategy, visit www.vichealth.vic.gov.au

THE OPPORTUNITY

This is a rare opportunity to lead systems-based health promotion at scale. Reporting directly to the CEO, you'll oversee strategy execution whilst leading a high-performing team of 24 professionals across policy development, research, partnerships, and stakeholder engagement.

 You'll be responsible for:

• Strategy Execution: Translating VicHealth's 10-year vision into actionable plans that deliver measurable population health outcomes
• Policy Leadership: Driving those strategic policy positions relevant to improving the health and wellbeing of Victorians across Commonwealth, State, and Local government whilst maintaining VicHealth's unique role in the sector
• Research and Impact: Overseeing research investments, evaluation frameworks, and knowledge translation that advances Victoria's health promotion system
• Strategic Partnerships: Building coalitions across government, research, community, and non-government sectors to achieve transformational change

WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR

Essential Experience

• Health leadership with substantial experience leading evidence-based health promotion programs at scale and working with diverse communities to achieve better health outcomes
• Executive management experience with similar-sized teams in knowledge-based organisations
• Systems thinking expertise with proven ability to translate strategic vision into operational excellence
• Government relations acumen including policy development and stakeholder management across multiple levels of government
• Research leadership in overseeing investments, partnerships, and knowledge exchange activities

Academic Credentials

• Postgraduate qualifications in medicine, allied health, public health, or related field
• Broadcast media experience desirable

Leadership Competencies

• Visionary thinking that energises teams around purpose and strategic direction
• Cultural competency with systems approach to equity and community engagement
• Ethical leadership balancing organisational outcomes with collaborative decision-making
• Adaptability to thrive in complex, changing environments whilst maintaining performance standards

WHY JOIN VICHEALTH NOW?

• Global Impact: Lead health promotion innovation with international influence through WHO Collaborating Centre status
• Systems Transformation: Drive measurable change across entire health -related systems
• Independence with Influence: Maintain research integrity whilst shaping government policy at the highest levels
• Career-Defining Role: Join at a pivotal moment with new CEO leadership and ambitious 10-year strategy
• Influence: Help to shape VicHealth’s ongoing equity agenda, working with diverse communities across the state
• Professional Development: Access to international networks, leadership & development opportunities, and cutting-edge research collaborations

WHAT SUCCESS LOOKS LIKE

In this role, you'll demonstrate success through:

• Evidence of measurable systems change across VicHealth's target areas
• Strengthened partnerships with government, research, and community sectors
• Enhanced policy impact whilst maintaining organisational independence
• High-performing teams delivering innovative health promotion approaches
• International recognition of VicHealth's continued research leadership

READY TO MAKE YOUR MARK?

This is more than a senior executive role it's an opportunity to shape the future of health promotion whilst contributing to global best practice. Join VicHealth at this transformational moment and help us deliver on our vision of a healthier, fairer Victoria. 

For a confidential discussion about this role, contact Michael Holdway, Searchlight Group on 0400 006 513 

VicHealth is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity, inclusion, and cultural safety in our workplace.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Download an Information Pack by entering your details below and pressing the 'Submit' button. The pack will then load in your web browser for you to download. For a confidential discussion and any questions call Michael Holdway, Managing Director, Searchlight Group on 0400 006 513.

e: michael@searchlightgroup.com.au

Candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. All third party and unsolicited CV’s will be referred to Searchlight Group. Applications close midnight on Friday 15th August 2025.