EL2 Director, National Standards

The Director is responsible for leading the program’s development and implementation within the Commission in line with this strategic direction. The Director reports to the Chief Operating Officer. As a member of the Leadership team, the Director provides strategic advice and leadership for the development and delivery of their program within the Commission’s approved work plan and will support the achievement of Commission priorities and programs regarding safety and quality in health care. The Director works closely and collaboratively with other Program Directors within the Commission, particularly with Directors who manage programs that are key content areas for Standards.

Duties of the Director will include, but are not limited to, the following:

1. Lead the development and maintenance of national standards, working collaboratively with other program directors to deliver on the priorities of the 2025 – 2030 Strategic Plan.
2. Collaborate with teams across the Commission to integrate their expertise into the development of national standards in particular the NSQHS Standards (3rd ed.) and supporting resources.
3. Effectively manage and oversee the accreditation schemes.
4. Review the accreditation scheme for the NSQHS Standards for acute care to ensure that it continues to deliver intended outcomes
5. Undertake the fiscal management of the program including program budgeting and staff resourcing in consultation with the COO.
6. Manage team members on a day-to-day basis, including providing supervision, coaching, performance development and performance management where required, to ensure the program area’s deliverables are met to time and to a high-quality.
7. Undertake and oversee project management activities, including the development of project plans, budgets, monitoring and reporting, including timely and effective identification of problems and management of risks.
8. Work closely with the COO and the Commission’s Executive management team to develop and maintain effective and productive relations with the Commonwealth, the jurisdictions and other key stakeholders relating to the Commission’s Accreditation Schemes.
9. Promote the program’s priorities and work through a range of communications, public relations and appropriate fora as required by the CEO and COO.
10. Provide advice and assist with the Commission’s involvement in relevant inter-government committees, working groups and projects at a national level, including undertaking representational activities on behalf of the CEO, the COO and the Commission.
11. Advise the COO and other Executives, and where required, the CEO, Board and Commission standing committees on the program.
12. Ensure the COO is consulted and informed about the implementation of and progress on program projects and strategic implications.

The successful candidate will have:

• An extensive and comprehensive understanding of Australia’s healthcare system and regulatory structures, ideally with experience of health policy planning, development and implementation at a jurisdictional or national level
• Understanding of the risks to patient safety and quality of care across the continuum of care and experience with the development and/or implementation of quality and safety health service standards to address these risks.
• Demonstration of extensive experience in liaison, negotiation, and influencing and consultation skills at a senior level, and ability to engage and develop relationships with peers and senior stakeholders and to broker decisions through collaboration and consensus.
• Highly developed analytical skills and conceptual ability, with the demonstrated capacity for sound judgement and innovative problem-solving and ability to grasp the underlying concerns which may influence positions.
• Highly developed oral and written communication skills including demonstrated ability to communicate with a range of audiences, prepare high level briefing documents and submissions, and explain complex technical and clinical issues simply
• Demonstrated experience in program or project management including managing budgets, organisational capability, and strategic planning, with a focus on achieving outstanding results.
• Excellent interpersonal, leadership and staff management skills with a demonstrated capacity to develop and maintain high performing teams.

How to apply

To apply for this position, please complete and submit an application form and upload:

• Cover letter addressed to the Principal Consultant
• A written response addressing each of the key selection criteria; and
• An up-to-date copy of your Curriculum Vitae.

Candidates must be Australian citizens to be eligible to apply.

Questions about the role can be directed to Principle Consultant, Lynette Taylor on 0431 293 861.

Closing date for applications is 11.59pm Australian Eastern Daylight Time (AEDT) Wednesday 14 January 2026.