Deputy Secretary, Community and Public Health
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| Department: | Department of Health |
| Work Type: | Fixed term - full time |
| Job Function: | Executive Management |
| Classification: | SES3 |
| Work Location: | Melbourne - CBD |
| Reference: | VG/720162 |
| Closing Date: | 10-Mar-2026 |
| Salary Range: | $430,741 - $573,328 |
| Job Duration: | 5 Years Fixed Term |
| Attachments: | 2026-02 PD Deputy Secretary CPH SHK.pdf (PDF, 269KB) Position Description 2026-0~1.DOC (Word, 164KB) Position Description |
| Contact: | Penny Wilson, Senior Partner, SHK penny.wilson@shk.com.au |
Position Details
- Help shape Victoria's health future
- Lead meaningful public health reform
- Improve outcomes for people across the state
About us:
The Department of Health helps Victorians stay healthy, safe, and well. It delivers a high quality healthcare system and works to ensure communities are connected, workplaces are safe, and people have the support they need to thrive. The Executive Board sets the department's strategic direction and leads work to implement government priorities and strengthen health services for all Victorians.
About the role:
The Deputy Secretary, Community and Public Health will lead a division with significant service delivery requirements as well as a broad and ambitious reform agenda. Reporting to the Secretary and serving as a member of the Executive Board, this role oversees public health, prevention, community health, maternal and child health, and the department's emergency management responsibilities. A central focus will be timely and high quality delivery of key divisional priorities and reforms, strengthening the division's culture and capability, supporting teams through change, lifting performance, and building a robust, cohesive leadership culture. The Deputy Secretary will provide trusted advice to the Minister and government, work closely with the Chief Health Officer, and collaborate across the department and the wider health system to deliver meaningful improvements for the Victorian community.
About you
You are an experienced senior leader who has delivered complex reform and successfully advanced government priorities, ideally in the public sector. With experience in health, social services, policy or a related field, you understand how government works and how to get things done in a challenging and fast paced environment. You are skilled at leading people through cultural and organisational change, bringing a calm, practical, and accountable approach to decision making and delivery. While a background in clinical or public health practice is welcome, your strongest attributes are strategic leadership, collaboration, and a track record of driving delivery and leading reform.
How to apply:
Click ‘Apply Now' to submit your CV along with a concise covering letter. For more information prior to application and for details of the process, please see the Position Description. Direct and third-party applications will be forwarded to SHK.
Appplications close 10 March 2026
