Chief Nursing Officer

Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO),

The CNO Supports The Commission In Fulfilling Its Legislative Obligations, Maintaining Productive Relationships With The Commonwealth, Jurisdictions, And Key Health Sector Agencies And Organisations. The CNO Ensures That The Commission's Clinical Activities Are

• Evidence-based and aligned with best practice policy and processes
• Capable of improving the safety and quality of health care in Australia
• Designed for maximum benefit within available resources
• Unique to the role of a national safety and quality body
• Appropriately aligned with national and state initiatives
• Clinically resonant with key professions and stakeholder groups

The CNO is accountable to the CEO and, through the CEO, to the Commission's Board.

Key Duties And Responsibilities
The Chief Nursing Officer will:

• Provide leadership and expert clinical advice to the Commission, its standing committees, and its Board, ensuring that initiatives are informed by and contribute to the latest evidence in safety and quality improvement in health care.
• Lead the development and implementation of national safety and quality policies and programs.
• Oversee and manage special projects, including research, needs assessments, strategic planning, and evaluations related to the Commission's work.
• Liaise at a senior level with key stakeholders, including the Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Aging, state and territory health departments, and professional, peak, consumer, and healthcare bodies.
• Work collaboratively with a broad range of medical, industry, and consumer stakeholders to support and enhance the quality of policy advice to the Commission.
• Represent the Commission as required in state, national, and international forums, promoting the Commission's priorities and work.
• Manage and supervise program teams, including performance management of staff.

• Be accountable to the CEO and, through the CEO, to the Board and its standing committees for all aspects of program delivery, including:

• Budget and staff resourcing

• Strategic direction
• Program content and deliverables

• Issues that may affect the Commission's reputation

• Collaborate across all Commission program teams to ensure strategic alignment and cohesion of work programs.

Key Selection Criteria
The Successful Candidate Will Demonstrate

• Extensive knowledge of the Australian health care system, including experience with national safety and quality initiatives and an understanding of government processes.
• A strong background in professional nursing practice and leadership, with expertise in continuous improvement and quality assurance principles.
• Significant experience managing complex programs and projects in the field of safety and quality in health care (or a similar domain) and delivering results.
• Proven ability to provide expert clinical advice and guide strategy development, implementation, and evaluation of relevant policies and programs.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage and negotiate effectively with government and non-government stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and maintain high-performing teams, and to manage and develop staff effectively.
• Superior communication skills, including the ability to produce high-level briefings and submissions, deliver public presentations, and explain complex clinical matters clearly and persuasively.
• A collaborative approach, with a proven track record of working effectively as a senior executive team member.
• Candidates must be Australian citizens to be eligible to apply.
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are encouraged to apply.

Please note:

• This position will be offered in a hybrid model of office based (Sydney) and working from home, where operationally feasible. A regular weekly presence in the office is required.