Job Title

Executive Director, Aboriginal Primary Health and Wellbeing Add expected salary to your profile for insights Join GEGAC as the Executive Director, Aboriginal Primary Health and Wellbeing and lead transformative, culturally safe care across Gippsland. Drive strategic reform, clinical excellence, and community-led models grounded in Aboriginal self-determination. This is a rare executive opportunity to make lasting impact on Country, in community, and across the sector. Organisational Profile GEGAC is an Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation based in Bairnsdale Victoria. Consisting of about 160 staff, GEGAC is a Not-for-Profit organisation that delivers holistic services in the areas of Primary Health, Social Services, Elders & Disability and Early Childhood Education. GEGAC advocates for the self-determination of the Aboriginal community by prioritising services that enhance social, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing, with culture at the heart of everything we do. Position Purpose The Executive Director, Aboriginal Health and Wellbeing, is responsible for leading the strategic direction, operational performance, and cultural integrity of GEGACs health and wellbeing services. This executive role drives delivering culturally safe, high-quality, and community-led care across a diverse portfolio, including primary health, social emotional wellbeing, aged care, therapeutic programs, and clinical governance. The position is critical in implementing organisational strategy, strengthening partnerships, maintaining funding compliance, and fostering a high-performing workforce grounded in GEGACs values and cultural framework. Operating within a complex and dynamic environment, this role requires a deep understanding of Aboriginal health, community priorities, and the legislative and policy frameworks shaping the Aboriginal Community Controlled Health sector. As a key member of the Executive Leadership Team, the Executive Director supports innovation, continuous improvement, and culturally informed service development to close the health gap and uphold GEGACs commitment to Aboriginal self-determination, wellbeing, and cultural strength. This position will lead a professional team of Senior Managers, overseeing respective service areas. Key Selection Criteria Demonstrated executive-level leadership and strategic management experience in an Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation (ACCO), with a strong understanding of the health and wellbeing needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. Proven ability to work in a culturally safe, respectful, and strengths-based manner with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, guided by cultural protocols, community expectations, and self-determination principles. Demonstrated expertise in managing multidisciplinary health and wellbeing services, with an ability to implement and oversee quality and clinical governance frameworks, risk mitigation strategies, and continuous improvement processes aligned to NSQHS, RACGP, Aged Care, and Mental Health standards. Demonstrated experience in financial oversight, contract performance, and leading business units to achieve deliverables within budget and regulatory requirements. Ability to provide strategic advice on economic sustainability and diversification of funding streams. Proven ability to develop, implement, and evaluate evidence-based programs, emphasising innovation, culturally informed service models, and policy advice relevant to Aboriginal health and social wellbeing. Demonstrated ability to lead, mentor, and manage high-performing teams through change, embedding continuous improvement and professional development across complex service environments. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including influencing, negotiating, and building strong working relationships with Aboriginal communities, funding bodies, sector partners, government stakeholders, and regulatory authorities. Sound understanding of the statutory frameworks governing child safety (CISS, FVISS, MARAM), occupational health and safety, privacy, clinical regulation, and service accreditation relevant to Aboriginal health and wellbeing. A clear alignment with GEGACs values of trust, respect, integrity, connection, and cultural safety, with a demonstrated commitment to the organisations strategic direction and leadership charter. Demonstrated ability to lead large-scale organisational change, drive innovation, and embed continuous improvement practices in culturally safe and community-led service environments. Proven experience guiding teams through transformation while maintaining stability, accountability, and staff wellbeing. Qualifications and Registrations Requirement (Essential or Desirable). Bachelor''s degree in a health-related field, or a bachelors degree in social services, or health administration ESSENTIAL Registration or eligible for registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency in the relevant field, or registered or eligible for registration with the Australian Association of Social Workers ESSENTIAL Postgraduate qualifications in health, social services or leadership HIGHLY DESIRABLE Professional Development Leadership and Management Training Completion of recognised executive leadership, governance, or management training (e.g. Australian Institute of Company Directors, executive coaching, or public sector leadership programs). HIGHLY DESIRABLE Executive Senior Management level experience in a health or social services, preferably in an Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation or the public sector. ESSENTIAL Demonstrated understanding of Aboriginal culture, and the health and wellbeing needs of Aboriginal people. ESSENTIAL Governance or Risk Management Credentials: Given the role''s oversight of compliance, safety, and quality systems, formal training or certification in clinical governance, corporate governance, or risk management (e.g., ISO 31000, Governance Institute qualifications, or similar). HIGHLY DESIRABLE Valid Drivers Licence: A current and unrestricted Victorian Drivers Licence is essential, as the role involves regular travel across the Gippsland and East Gippsland region to engage with community, staff, service sites, and external stakeholders. ESSENTIAL A satisfactory Working with Children Check and Fit2Work Police with Bankruptcy Check ESSENTIAL A person of Aboriginal / Torres Strait Islander background HIGHLY DESIRABLE Proof of COVID-19 vaccinated to align with GEGAC requirements ESSENTIAL How to apply for this job A copy of the position description is available: Applicants must address the key selection criteria for shortlisting. Any applications that have not addressed the key selection criteria will not be considered during the shortlisting process. No late applications will be considered (unless under exceptional circumstances). A valid Working with Children Check and Police check is mandatory to work in this organisation. "this advertisement is pursuant to the ''special measures'' provision at section 8 of the Racial Discrimination Act 1975 (Cth)". How do your skills match this job? How do your skills match this job? Sign in and update your profile to get insights. Your application will include the following questions: Do you have a current Working with Children''s Check Have you ever been employed by GEGAC before? Do you have working rights in Australia? GEGAC was originally established in 1975 to support and develop the Aboriginal Medical Service and also as an Aboriginal culture centre. GEGAC was established when the local Aboriginal men and women decided that the East Gippsland region needed services specific to the Aboriginal people to fill the void and address the lack of understanding about Aboriginal issues. Source: This is an extract from the company''s own website. GEGAC was originally established in 1975 to support and develop the Aboriginal Medical Service and also as an Aboriginal culture centre. GEGAC was established when the local Aboriginal men and women decided that the East Gippsland region needed services specific to the Aboriginal people to fill the void and address the lack of understanding about Aboriginal issues. Source: This is an extract from the company''s own website. To help fast track investigation, please include here any other relevant details that prompted you to report this job ad as fraudulent / misleading / discriminatory. What can I earn as an Executive Director J-18808-Ljbffr