Director, Prevention and Performance

About the role:

The Director, Prevention & Performance, leads several teams to provide advice to the Executive Director, Prevention & Health Promotion and other senior leaders across the department, on health prevention and screening programs and other items relating to the unit's activities.

This role is responsible for the performance, oversight and statewide policy with respect to public health prevention and screening programs. The incumbent will lead the planning, design, delivery, performance monitoring and funding of programs with a strong focus on alignment with the Victorian Cancer Plan and Cancer Screening framework where appropriate.

This role will lead and provide direction on all program matters always considering culture, workforce, financial, budget and output management, and strategic and business planning. The successful applicant will demonstrate thought leadership and an ability to influence others across government to improve public health outcomes of all Victorians.

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:

Can you demonstrate the following?

• Lead statewide strategy, governance, and performance monitoring of public health prevention and screening programs, ensuring alignment with the Victorian Cancer Plan, Cancer Screening Framework, and other key early detection and prevention policy instruments.
• Provide oversight of complex screening programs, including cervical, bowel, breast, lung, and newborn bloodspot screening, ensuring evidence-informed program design, robust commissioning arrangements, and delivery of equitable and high-quality outcomes.
• Provide day-to-day leadership, direction, management, and oversight of branch units and teams, with a focus on capability development, sustainable operating models, and high-performing, multidisciplinary teams.
• Provide strategic, evidence-based advice and act as an authoritative source of critical advice to the Chief Health Officer, Deputy Secretary, Secretary, Minister and other senior stakeholders, to further develop and implement the department's objectives on public health protection programs, funded service models, system performance, and emerging public health risks.
• Ensure the achievement of the wider government agenda and develop plans to mitigate any emerging issues including state, national or international environments. Coordinate any responses to major departmental impacts as well as managing change within teams.

Qualifications / Specialist Expertise

Qualifications

• A tertiary qualification is highly desirable and a post tertiary qualification in a relevant field (health, public health, business management or public administration or a related discipline) would be advantageous.

Specialist Expertise

• Demonstrated experience and ability to partner with public health professionals, technical experts and organisations to develop trusted and timely advice within a public sector context.
• Knowledge and understanding of current key public health issues, public health response, delivery and management of public health programs

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 For more information on our commitment to inclusion and diversity see inclusion and diversity at the Department of Health.

If you have any queries in relation to recruitment processes at Health, or experience any issues in applying, please feel free to email Please note that unsolicited applications will not be replied to. If you have questions regarding the role specifically, we would advise you to reach out to the contact listed on the advertisement directly.

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