Director, Statewide and Specialist Programs

About this role

About the role: 

The Director, Statewide and Specialist Programs provides executive leadership across critical health system policy and programs supporting cancer services, end of life care, palliative care services, voluntary assisted dying, highly specialised therapies, genomics and health technology and other state-wide and specialist policy and programs as required.

Reporting to the Executive Director, Governance and Statewide Programs, the Director is responsible for providing strategic advice, direction, management and support to enable the effective implementation of cancer and other priority or specialist policy areas. The Director will lead key initiatives to progress the cancer and specialist program reform agendas. The position works collaboratively to monitor, coordinate and lead responses to new and emerging issues relating to statewide and specialist services to deliver system and patient experience improvements more broadly.

About us: 

At the Victorian Department of Health we want a future where Victorians are the healthiest people in the world. A Victoria where our children and people thrive, our workplaces are productive and safe, and our communities are more connected.  

We see it as our job to support Victorians to stay healthy and safe. And to deliver a world-class healthcare system that ensures every single Victorian can access safe, quality care that leads to better health outcomes for all. 

About you:

• Develop and deliver strategy and planning for the department including measures and reporting.
• Provide deep subject matter expertise in planning and analytics to investigate, assess and advise on the political and practical implications of government policy.
• Develop and manage relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders across the health sector and government. These include clinical leaders, industrial bodies and community representatives, as well as representatives from other portfolio departments, central agencies and the Commonwealth. 
• Maintain good awareness of the current political and government context and effectively liaise with Minister's advisors, media and communications teams and senior executives including the Secretary through timely, objective and impartial advice.
• Identify emerging issues and areas of risk across the health portfolio based on sound analysis of underlying system pressures and consultation with internal and external stakeholders, and develop appropriate responses. Examples of work might include advice to Ministers on opportunities for new models to better support integrated health care, opportunities to strengthen the resource pipeline and solutions to respond to challenges in rural areas including through the creation of new roles or training pathways. These responses may need Cabinet approval or require public consultation.
• Support departmental representation on key government and non-government committees and bodies concerned with achieving government and departmental objectives. These include national committees, Inter-Departmental Committees and Ministerial Advisory Committees. This includes preparation of position papers, with necessary engagement and approval from senior executives or Ministers.

What we offer: 

• The opportunity to perform meaningful work, making direct contributions toward enabling Victorians to be the healthiest people in the world.
• A wide range of growth and development opportunities within the department and wider Victorian Public Service & Sector.
• A strong commitment to work-life balance, including a diverse array of flexible working arrangements.

How to apply: 

Applications should include a resume and a cover letter. Click the ‘Apply' button to view further information about the role including key contact details and the advertisement closing date. 

We are committed to developing and supporting a workforce that is well equipped and highly motivated to provide responsive and quality services to all Victorians. We continue to build an inclusive workplace that embraces diversity of backgrounds and differences to realise the potential of our employees for innovation and delivering services aimed at enhancing the lives of all Victorians. All roles can be worked flexibly and we encourage applications from Aboriginal people, people with disability, LGBTIQ+ and people from culturally diverse backgrounds. Please contact us if you require any adjustments to participate in the recruitment process at inclusion@health.vic.gov.au. For more information on our commitment to inclusion and diversity see inclusion and diversity at the Department of Health.

Preferred applicants may be required to complete a police check and other pre-employment checks. Information provided will be treated in the strictest confidence in line with our Privacy Policy. If you have any queries in relation to the application or recruitment processes, please email talentacquisition@health.vic.gov.au.