Chief Executive Officer

Who we are

Women's Health and Equality Queensland are leaders in women's health, gender equity and the primary prevention of violence in Queensland. We provide counselling, therapeutic groups and health services for women and gender-diverse people, as well as health promotion, community programs, professional education, and systems change.

We prioritise better outcomes for cohorts experiencing the highest rates of health disadvantage and inequality. WHEQ is a pro-choice organisation that supports people with diverse bodies, sexualities, and gender identities. We are committed to inclusivity and ensuring that our services are accessible and welcoming to all.

Our vision is for women to be equitably resourced, healthy, safe and thriving.

Our Strategies

• Healthy Women: Enable Queensland women to enjoy optimal physical, mental, and social well-being, enabling them to lead fulfilling lives and actively participate in society.

• Systems Change: Lead transformative impacts by addressing root causes of gender disparities and health inequities for women.

• Organisational Growth: Intentionally enhance our capacity to make a more significant and sustainable impact on advancing Queensland women's health and wellbeing.

Our Values

• Person-centred care

• Equity and Inclusion

• Curiosity and Collaboration

• Innovation and Impact

• Compassionate Leadership

The Role

Reports to: Chair and Board of Directors 

Classification: Social, Community, Homecare & Disability Services Industrial Award 2010 

Remuneration: Above Award

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) leads WHEQ with strategic vision, values-based leadership, and a commitment to systems change and equity. This role is responsible for organisational performance, sustainability, culture, stakeholder engagement and impact. The CEO ensures WHEQ delivers its purpose and strategic plan through strong governance, service excellence, and a collaborative, empowering culture.

Key responsibilities include leading the Executive team, stewarding organisational strategy and finances, representing WHEQ publicly and with partners, and fostering inclusive, trauma-informed, and feminist leadership across the organisation.

Reporting Structure

The CEO reports to the Chair and Board of Directors and leads the Executive team. The CEO holds responsibility for delivering on the strategic plan, oversight of operational performance, governance structures and key external stakeholders to advance WHEQ's mission. The CEO works collaboratively with WHEQ's Executive Team to deliver on the strategic and operational plans.

Position Responsibilities

• Organisational Leadership and Governance
• Strategic Planning and Innovation
• Culture, People and Performance
• Partnerships, Advocacy and Influence
• Financial Stewardship and Sustainability

What success looks like in this role

• WHEQ delivers high-quality, impactful programs aligned to strategic goals and values

• The organisation is financially sustainable and well-governed, with strong risk management

• Staff are empowered and supported in a safe, collaborative and purpose-driven culture

• WHEQ is recognised as a trusted and influential voice for gender equity and women's health

• The organisation grows its reach, resourcing and relevance in response to community needs

• Board and stakeholder confidence is maintained through strong leadership and transparency

Key Requirements in the Role

1. Leadership and Strategy

2. Extensive experience in executive or senior leadership roles, ideally in health, social services or gender equity sectors

3. Demonstrated ability to lead organisational strategy, operations, governance and people

4. Experience reporting to or working closely with Boards, with a sound understanding of governance

5. Oversight and monitoring of clinical governance

6. Visionary, values-driven and capable of guiding organisations through complexity and change

7. Sector and Systems Knowledge

8. Strong understanding of women's health, gender equity and systems change frameworks

9. Familiarity with trauma-informed, feminist and intersectional practices in service and leadership contexts

10. Deep knowledge of health promotion, social policy or DFV systems is highly regarded

11. People and Culture Leadership

12. Proven ability to foster inclusive, high-performing and supportive workforce

13. Excellent communication, collaboration and decision-making skills

14. Commitment to professional development, wellbeing and leadership at every level

15. Finance and Risk

16. Experience overseeing budgets, funding contracts, compliance and reporting

17. Ability to manage risk and drive growth while upholding ethical and transparent practice

18. Values and Alignment

19. Demonstrated commitment to feminist leadership, equity and social justice

20. Capacity to represent WHEQ's values, vision and voice across diverse audiences

21. Courage, compassion and integrity in leading organisational impact and change

22. Additional Requirements

23. Bachelor degree and postgraduate qualification in health, social sciences, management, leadership or related discipline

24. Minimum 5 years as a CEO or senior executive leader

25. Current Blue Card or ability to obtain

26. High-level digital literacy and comfort with data and reporting systems

27. Availability to travel intra- and inter- state and work outside standard hours as required

APPLICATION PROCESS

• Please apply via the Seek portal by Sunday 14th of September.
• Please include your resume and a maximum two-page cover letter that responds to the selection criteria.Applications without a response to the selection criteria will not be accepted.

Selection Criteria

1. Why do you want this job?
2. Please share how your skills and experience meet the key requirements of the role.
3. What will you bring to WHEQ?

QUESTIONS?

Email for further information.

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