EL2 Director, National Standards

The National Standards Program is responsible for national standards to improve the safety and quality of healthcare. These currently include the National Safety and Quality Health Service (NSQHS) Standards, Primary Health Care Standards, Cosmetic Surgery Standards, and Digital Mental Health Standards. The program is responsible for the maintenance, review and development of standards as a robust lever for improvement. The work underpins the broader work of the Commission to support implementation of evidence based best practice to mitigate risks associated with healthcare and drive health system improvement.

In addition, the program develops and maintains the Australian Health Service Safety and Quality Accreditation Scheme, the National General Practice Accreditation Scheme and the National Diagnostic Imaging and Pathology Accreditation Schemes. This includes ongoing support and coordination of accreditation assessment processes, review and evaluation of data and reporting and feedback to drive improvement.

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

1. Lead the development and maintenance of national standards consistent with the priorities of the 2025 – 2030 Strategic Plan.
2. Effectively manage and oversee the accreditation schemes.
3. Lead the development of the third edition of the NSQHS Standards.
4. Coordinate a multi-year safety and quality program for national standards.
5. Implement agreed work plans in relation to the development of standards, accreditation schemes and any related projects required to meet the Commission’s responsibilities, as directed by the CEO and COO.
6. 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.
7. Lead and manage project staff to deliver the outcomes specified for the National Standards program and other complementary activities required to meet the overall responsibilities of the Commission, as directed by the COO.
8. Collaborate with teams across the Commission to integrate their expertise in the development of standards, in particular the NSQHS Standards (3rd ed.), and supporting resources.
9. Work closely with the COO and other Executive to develop and maintain effective and productive relations with the Commonwealth, the jurisdictions and other key stakeholders.
10. Establish and maintain networks of key stakeholders to facilitate the work of the Commission including in relation to the Diagnostic Imaging Accreditation Scheme, National Pathology Accreditation Scheme, National General Practice Accreditation Scheme and the Australian Health Services Safety and Quality Accreditation Scheme.
11. Promote the program’s priorities and work through a range of communications, public relations and appropriate fora as required by the CEO and COO.
12. 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.
13. Advise the COO and other Executives, and where required, the CEO, Board and Commission standing committees on the program.
14. Ensure the COO is consulted and informed about the implementation of and progress on program projects and strategic implications.
15. 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.
16. Undertake the fiscal management of the program including program budgeting and staff resourcing in consultation with the COO.

The successful candidate will have:

• An extensive and comprehensive understanding of Australia’s health care system, including knowledge of standards development and implementation and experience working with the safety and quality standards.
• Highly developed analytical skills and conceptual ability, with the demonstrated capacity for sound judgement and innovative problem-solving.
• Strong interpersonal skills including an ability to communicate with influence and an ability to cultivate productive working relationships with a range of government and non-government stakeholders.
• Highly developed oral and written communication skills including demonstrated ability to prepare high level briefing documents and submissions, present to a range of audiences, 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.
• Demonstrated skills in leading and managing high performing teams.

How to apply

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

• A CV summarising your relevant experience and qualifications
• A two-page cover letter broadly addressing your suitability against both the position description and selection criteria.

Candidates must be Australian citizens to be eligible to apply.

Please note:

• This position will be offered in a hybrid model of office based (Sydney) and working from home, where operationally feasible. A regular weekly presence in the office is required.
• Salaries in the Commission are provided through its Enterprise Agreement. An Individual Flexibility Arrangement for additional remuneration may be offered for successful applicants who are able to demonstrate applicable skills and experience at a senior level.

Questions about the role can be directed to Chris Leahy (02) 7232 6040.

Closing date for applications is 11.59pm Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST) Monday 22 September 2025.