St Vincent's Health Australia

Executive Director First Nations Health

NSW - Sydney, CBD, Inner West and Eastern Suburbs Full time

Job Description:

  • Role title: Executive Director First Nations Health

  • Role type: Permanent full time

  • Role grade: Health Service Manager Grade 6

  • Department and location: First Nations Health, St Vincent’s Hospital, Darlinghurst

  • Salary: $189,878 - $207,381 + super

Better and fairer care.  Always.

We are St Vincent’s Health Australia, Australia’s largest not-for-profit provider of health and aged care services. 

Founded by The Sisters of Charity in 1857, our +30,000 healthcare superheroes operate public and private hospitals, residential aged care, community and virtual care, and outreach programs. 

About the role

Drive the transformation of First Nations health at St Vincent’s Public Hospital Sydney, working with our partners to support the best possible outcomes and experience for our First Nations patients, clients and staff.

Partner with the St Vincent’s Public Hospital Sydney leadership team and clinicians as well as Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services, First Nations communities, research & education partners, state and commonwealth government providers, and peer organisations to drive innovation in clinical and workforce models and support the delivery of culturally safe, trauma-informed care.

  • Reporting to the CEO, the Executive Director First Nations Health is an active member of the Senior Leadership group contributing leadership excellence and presence both within the organisation and externally

  • Manage and lead staff within the First Nations Health Unit

  • Provide cultural leadership and expert advice to staff from across St Vincent’s to guide the development, implementation, and evaluation of inclusive policies and services and to support cultural safety across the Network

  • Drive and champion a research program to support innovation in service and workforce models in First Nations health as well as initiatives to enhance health outcomes for First Nations communities

  • Develop and monitor the implementation of the St Vincent’s Health Network Sydney Aboriginal Health Plan, ensuring First Nations health is embedded in all strategic and operational objectives

  • Manage the First Nations Health Unit budget including annual financial planning, expenditure reporting, and submissions to address service delivery gaps

  • Represent the organisation on national committees and with external agencies, collaborating with multi-disciplinary teams to advocate for improved health outcomes for Aboriginal communities

About you

  • Be of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent

  • Tertiary qualifications or extensive experience in First Nations Health

  • A deep understanding of the cultural and social factors affecting First Nations communities and a genuine commitment to change and enhancing outcomes and experiences for First Nations people

  • Proven track record in formulating, implementing, and monitoring complex health policies and services

  • Ability to motivate, manage, and develop staff while fostering a collaborative team environment

  • Ability to consult and negotiate on sensitive issues with diverse internal and external stakeholders

  • High-level written skills for producing strategic documents, a valid NSW Driver’s Licence, and a willingness to travel as required

Why work at St Vincent’s?

  • Join us on our mission to provide care to all, including the most at-risk people in our community

  • Discounted access to many gyms for you and your family with Fitness Passport

  • Access to discounted private health insurance with Medibank

  • Access to a government salary sacrifice program.  Make a proportion of your salary tax-free

  • Committed to financial support for educational development, scholarship programs, paid study leave

About the hospital

In this role you will be based at St Vincent’s hospital, Darlinghurst.

  • A busy inner-city hospital in a beautiful location

  • Surrounded by great cafes, galleries and theatres, parks, nightlife, and nearby glorious beaches

  • A place of expert clinical care for at-risk people

  • Closely partnered with universities & affiliated research institutes, many of which are located on-campus

  • Centres of excellence include heart & lung transplantation, bone marrow transplantation, cardiology, cancer care, AIDS/HIV, respiratory medicine, mental health, homeless health, drug & alcohol services, and correctional health 

Identified role

As part of our commitment to reconciliation we encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to apply and join us in delivering care that heals body, mind, spirit and community.

This role is only available to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Pre-employment checks

Your employment is conditional upon the completion of all role-required pre-employment checks, including relevant immunisations.

How to apply

The closing date for applications is 31 March 2026.

Please submit your resume and a brief cover letter highlighting how your interest, skills, and experience align with each of the things listed in the About You section of this job advert. 

Respectfully, this role is not open to recruitment agencies.

Reconciliation Action Plan:

At St Vincent's we acknowledge the importance of creating a work environment that is welcoming, safe, equitable and inclusive for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Employees. As part of our Commitment to Reconciliation and Closing the Gap in employment related outcomes, we encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.

For further information, visit https://www.svha.org.au/about-us/reconciliation or get in contact at indigenouscareers@svha.org.au

View Reconciliation Action Plan

Code of Conduct:

View Code of Conduct