Executive Director Health Protection NSW (Staff Specialist)
An opportunity to be part of the NSW Ministry of Health is available.
Applications are accepted via eCredential only, click HERE to apply
Please Note: NSW Health does not require or accept the ‘Fit2Work badge’ offered as an option in eCredential.
Employment Type: Temporary Full Time (up to 2029)
Position Classification: Staff Specialist
Location: 1 Reserve Road, St Leonards NSW
Hours Per Week: 40 hours
Requisition ID: REQ624237
Closing Date: Monday 12 January 2026
Lead Health Protection NSW at the NSW Ministry of Health for an exciting three-year opportunity and help shape the future of health protection in New South Wales!
About us
Health Protection NSW sits within the Population and Public Health Division and is responsible for:
- communicable disease surveillance, prevention and control
- state-wide immunisation policy and programs throughout the lifespan; and
- policy and programs to prevent and manage environmental health and cross-sectoral health risks and impacts on the community.
This role will be located in St Leonards
To learn more about the Ministry and what benefits we offer, access our Employee Benefits Handbook.
What we’re looking for
We are seeking a dynamic individual with strong leadership, superior communication skills and extensive experience in public health medicine to fill this executive leadership role.
A motivated and inspirational leader, you will develop a high functioning team and foster strong foundations for a supportive and collaborative culture. You will deliver health outcomes for the people of NSW and contribute to national capability.
It’s an exciting opportunity for an experienced leader to manage a diverse portfolio ranging from communicable diseases to environmental health and public health emergencies.
If you are interested in making a difference – apply now.
About the role
The Executive Director leads Health Protection NSW, working closely with local health districts and Pillar organisations such as the Clinical Excellence Commission and eHealth, to measure, prevent, and reduce communicable disease and environmental health risks, and improve health equity in New South Wales.
The Executive Director provides expert advice and technical support to the Chief Health Officer, the Minister for Health, local health districts and specialty health networks, pillar organisations, the broader health system and the community on the prevention and control of communicable and environmental health risks in New South Wales.
The Executive Director will also represent NSW Health publicly and at a state and national level in communicable disease prevention and control, and environmental health risk assessment and response.
What you’ll be doing
- Lead policy and program development for communicable disease surveillance, prevention and control, including outbreak investigations and vaccine-preventable disease strategies. Build strong partnerships with clinicians, specialists, and primary care providers.
- Lead policy and program development in environmental health, applying evidence-based risk assessment and communication in collaboration with other government agencies, public health units and local government to develop programs, and prevent and manage risks.
- Lead policy and program development for zoonotic and vector-borne diseases in the one health portfolio working with other government agencies and stakeholders to manage risks.
- Ensure NSW is prepared for public health emergencies, including pandemics, bioterrorism, and natural disasters. Develop and maintain emergency response plans and strategies in collaboration with state and national partners.
- Act as a trusted spokesperson on environmental health and communicable disease matters.
- Provide executive leadership for HPNSW, including strategic planning, budget management, performance monitoring, and surge capacity planning.
- Represent NSW Health across government and media, maintaining strong relationships with agencies and peak bodies.
- Promote evidence-based decision-making through epidemiological data analysis and foster a culture of research and learning.
About you
We are seeking motivated and committed individuals who hold specialist registration or are eligible for specialist registration as a Medical Practitioner with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency and have a Fellowship of the Faculty of the Australasian Public Health Medicine (or equivalent).
You will support the work of NSW Health with:
- Extensive experience in public health medicine practice (including across policy development and implementation), evaluation and commissioning of public health practice and research (including epidemiological investigations), and communication with communities, health professionals and decision-makers.
- Extensive knowledge of Australian health systems and the ability to navigate the machinery of government.
- Proven leadership capability to develop, implement, and evaluate public health policy, guidelines, and plans, as well as coordinate responses during public health emergencies.
- Exceptional oral and written communication, interpersonal, and facilitation skills, with demonstrated ability to consult and negotiate effectively with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders.
- Ability to act as a trusted media spokesperson, representing NSW Health’s position to key stakeholders, including Ministers and senior officials.
How to apply
At the Ministry of Health, we want you to make the most of the opportunities you’ll get to grow your skills and your career, surrounded by authentic, smart people and leaders.
Please review the role description and submit your up-to-date resume (up to 5 pages) and cover letter (1-2 pages), which should include explaining your interest and motivation in applying for this role and highlighting your relevant skills.
For role related queries or questions contact Dr Kerry Chant at moh-ods-pph@health.nsw.gov.au and quote REQ624237.
If you do require any adjustments to the recruitment process during the recruitment process, please contact Frankie De Luca on Frankie.DeLuca@health.nsw.gov.au
Closing Date: Monday 12 January 2026
Need more information?
- Click here for the Position Description
- Applications are accepted via eCredential only, click HERE to apply
Our commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
At the Ministry of Health, we are committed to creating a diverse, inclusive and flexible environment which reflects the community and customers we serve. We actively promote the employment of women, people with a disability, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, LGBTIQ+ community and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
If you identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander and would like assistance with your application or to obtain more information on how to apply, please visit The Stepping Up Initiative.
To be eligible for employment in these roles you must be an Australian citizen, or a permanent resident of Australia, or a New Zealand citizen with a current New Zealand Passport, or hold a valid visa with permission to work in Australia.
For more information about working at the NSW Health, please visit our career portal.
Applications Close: Monday 12 January 2026
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