Director, Health Service Interface, Collaboration and Maternity

Role Overview

The Director of Health Service Interface, Collaboration and Maternity holds a pivotal leadership position within the Victorian Department of Health. This role is charged with enhancing strategic partnerships across metropolitan, rural, and regional public health services in Victoria. Additionally, the Director oversees statewide maternity, newborn, and fertility policy, performance, and reform initiatives, ensuring the delivery of safe, high-quality, integrated, and sustainable health services.

Key Responsibilities

Reporting to the Executive Director of Health Service Interface and Collaboration, the Director leads multidisciplinary teams that collaborate with health services and sector partners. These efforts focus on identifying emerging challenges, driving complex healthcare improvements, and executing critical projects that promote wellbeing across Victoria. As the senior departmental liaison for health services, the Director builds trusted relationships, promotes collaboration, and addresses both strategic and operational issues in the public health sector. The role also spearheads reforms and improvement initiatives related to birthing, maternity, newborn services, and the public fertility program to enhance access, equity, safety, and outcomes for Victorian women, babies, and families.

Candidate Profile

The successful candidate will be an experienced health system leader adept at navigating complex environments. They will demonstrate strong relationship-building abilities across diverse stakeholders, strategic insight, sound judgment, and the capacity to provide authoritative advice under pressure. Their leadership style will combine analytical rigor with adaptability and collaboration to effectively manage high-performing teams and advance the department's stewardship of a safe, quality, integrated health system.

Qualifications and Expertise

• Tertiary qualifications in health, business, management, or related fields are advantageous.
• Proven experience in managing and supporting ministerial, cabinet, parliamentary, and executive departmental functions and processes.
• Deep understanding of the Victorian health system and maternity/newborn services, with the ability to enhance capability in others.
• Outstanding advisory, negotiation, communication, and relationship-building skills, with effectiveness in politically sensitive contexts.
• Familiarity with modern approaches to maternity and newborn care, health system demand and capacity management, and alignment with government policy and reform priorities.

About the Department

The Victorian Department of Health envisions a future where Victorians achieve optimal health and wellbeing. Committed to providing a world-class healthcare system, the department works to ensure every individual has access to safe, quality care leading to better health outcomes.

Benefits and Opportunities

• Engage in work that meaningfully contributes to improving health across Victoria.
• Access diverse growth and development opportunities within the department and the broader Victorian Public Service.
• Benefit from strong support for work-life balance, including flexible working arrangements.

Inclusivity and Support

The department emphasizes fostering an inclusive workforce that supports diversity across all backgrounds—including Aboriginal peoples, persons with disabilities, LGBTIQ+ community members, and culturally diverse groups. Flexible working arrangements are available. Assistance and adjustments for the recruitment process are offered upon request.

Application Process

Applicants should submit a resume and cover letter. For inquiries regarding recruitment or if assistance is needed during application, candidates can contact the department's talent acquisition team. Preferred candidates may be subject to police and pre-employment checks, respecting confidentiality according to the department's privacy policy.