Staff Specialist - Director Alcohol and Other Drugs, Strategy and Systems Transformation Apply via eCredential
Director, Alcohol and Other Drugs Strategy and System Transformation (Senior Staff Specialist)
Please refer to the Staff Specialist State award for Total Remuneration Package - staff specialist award
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 2 years)
Position Classification: Staff Specialist, staff-specialists-award.pdf
Remuneration: Staff Specialists (State) Award per annum plus Superannuation
Location: 1 Reserve Road, St Leonards NSW
Hours Per Week: 38 hours
Requisition ID: REQ658450
Closing Date: 18 May 2026
Join the Centre for Alcohol and Other Drugs (CAOD) at NSW Ministry of Health for a senior clinical leadership opportunity, shaping statewide strategy and system reform to improve alcohol and other drug (AOD) health outcomes across New South Wales.
About us
- We lead statewide policy, planning and performance initiatives to improve population‑level AOD health outcomes.
- We work collaboratively across NSW Health, Local Health Districts, the non‑government sector and other government agencies to drive evidence‑based system reform.
- We support flexible and hybrid working arrangements and value integrity, collaboration and excellence in public health leadership.
- Build your career in a role that combines public health medicine, system strategy and executive leadership within Australia’s largest health system.
To learn more about the Ministry and what benefits we offer, access our Employee Benefits Handbook
About the role:
This senior Staff Specialist leadership role provides expert population and public health advice and strategic direction to improve alcohol and other drug (AOD) outcomes across NSW. As Director, AOD Strategy and System Transformation, you will lead strategic planning, clinical service planning, system purchasing and performance initiatives that support a responsive, evidence based and high quality AOD service system.
Working closely with the Executive Director, Centre for Alcohol and Other Drugs, you will influence whole of system reform across NSW Health, Local Health Districts, the non-government sector and other government agencies. This role suits an experienced public health physician with a strong track record in strategy, service planning and system leadership.
What you’ll be doing
- Provide expert population and public health leadership to drive AOD strategy and system transformation across NSW Lead strategic planning, clinical service planning and performance initiatives to improve AOD health outcomes.
- Deliver high‑level strategic advice to Ministry executives, Local Health Districts and government partners.
- Oversee system performance, purchasing, contracting and governance frameworks for AOD services.
- Lead and develop multidisciplinary teams to deliver complex, high‑impact reform initiatives.
We are seeking a senior medical specialist who demonstrates:
- Specialist registration (or eligibility) with AHPRA and relevant postgraduate public health qualifications.
- Extensive experience in public health medicine, strategy development and system‑level reform.
- Proven leadership in service planning, performance management and commissioning within complex systems.
- Strong analytical skills, with the ability to apply health data, evidence and economic analysis to decision‑making.
- Exceptional communication, negotiation and stakeholder engagement skills.
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).
For role related queries or questions contact Daniel Madeddu Daniel.Madeddu@health.nsw.gov.au
and quote REQ658450.
As an organisation we are committed to creating an accessible and inclusive workplace. If you require any adjustments during the recruitment process, please contact Anu Kundu on anu.kundu@health.nsw.gov.au
Need more information?
- Click here for the Position Description
- Applications are accepted via eCredential only, click HERE to apply
- For assistance with your application please refer to the eCredential guide
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.
Additional information
- This is a temporary role and there may be opportunities for ongoing employment at grade.
- This recruitment may be used to create a Talent Pool for similar future roles (ongoing or temporary) that may arise over the next 18 months.
- Please note the selection process will include a range of merit-based techniques to assist in determining your suitability for the role.
- For more information about working at the NSW Health, please visit our career portal
Applications Close: 18 May 2026
