NATSIHA is Hiring — Come Build Something That Matters There has never been a more exciting time to join NATSIHA. We are a small, growing, and fast‑moving team. Our vibe is more like a purpose‑driven health start‑up than an organisation with two decades of history behind it. We are reimagining what is possible when Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Controlled Health Organisations (ACCHOs) work together as a strong regional network, alongside committed health partners.
Everything NATSIHA has achieved so far has brought us to a moment of real opportunity and growth. These new roles are central to delivering on our bold and ambitious direction. As part of our committed team, you will help shape how we work, strengthen support to our members, and drive genuine system reform for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples across Far North Queensland.
You will contribute to work that matters, including support for improving how the health system operates for communities, supporting practical initiatives, driving continuous improvement, and building public and population health capability across tropical, remote, very remote, island and urban settings. Most importantly, you will join a dedicated group focused on strengthening ACCHOs and ensuring the regional health system works better for First Peoples, delivering healthier futures for individuals, families, and communities, and lifting health outcomes for all.
If you’re energised by the idea of turning your skills, knowledge, experience, ideas, and commitment into actions that build strong, self‑determining organisations and a regional health system that endures for generations, we would love to hear from you.
Your RoleThe Service Development Director provides senior leadership in the planning, growth, and development of the Aboriginal Community Controlled Primary Health Care sector across Far North Queensland. The role works closely with NATSIHA’s independent member organisations across urban, rural, remote, and very remote to strengthen the service delivery system from corporate services to frontline community-level care.
The Director leads initiatives that improve service capability, drive innovation, support accreditation and quality systems, and enhance the long-term sustainability and effectiveness of health and health related services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. This role is central to shaping a strong, culturally grounded, community-controlled primary health care system that meets community needs now and into the future.
Key Responsibilities
Sector & Service DevelopmentWork in partnership with member ACCHOs to build high-performing, culturally safe and responsive primary health care services.Identify opportunities for service growth, expansion, and new models of care that meet emerging community needs.Lead regional planning processes, service mapping, and capability reviews to support sector development.Facilitate shared planning across the region to reduce duplication and promote complementary service delivery.
Strengthening Corporate, Operational & Governance SystemsSupport organisations to strengthen corporate services such as finance, HR, ICT, risk management, compliance, and member organisations to build system-level capacity and organisational readiness for growth or new service transitions, including transition to community control opportunities.Provide advice on governance structures, service design, funding opportunities, and organisational improvement.
Service Quality, Accreditation & Continuous ImprovementSupport member organisations to achieve and maintain accreditation across health, community services, and organisational standards.Lead in systemwide quality improvement initiatives and the development of tools, frameworks, and processes.Provide guidance on risk management, safety, evaluation, and performance monitoring.
Health System Design & ReformProvide expert advice on community-controlled system development, policy reform, commissioning, and investment priorities.Influence regional and state-level system design to ensure the ACCHO sector’s needs and strengths shape reforms.Lead submissions, discussion papers, and system advocacy on emerging issues affecting member services.
Collaboration, Partnership & Relationship ManagementBuild and maintain strong partnerships with QAIHC, Queensland Health (Cairns and Hinterland and Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Services), NQPHN, local councils, NGOs, and funding partners.Work closely with executives and operational leaders across member ACCHOs to develop joint initiatives and shared solutions.Support culturally grounded engagement processes that uphold community voice and self-determination.
Workforce & Capability DevelopmentIdentify capability gaps across the region and lead advocacy for the development of training, skills development, and workforce strengthening the development of management, operational, and service delivery workforce local employment, leadership development, and community capability growth.
Selection Criteria EssentialSenior leadership experience in Aboriginal Community Controlled Health or community services, health system management, or service development roles.Strong understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health, community governance, and the principles of community control and experience in planning, designing, or evaluating primary health care or community health services.Knowledge of accreditation standards (e.g., AGPAL, ISO, QIC, NDIS, NSQF or similar) and quality systems.Experience strengthening organisational and corporate systems (finance, HR, ICT, operations, risk).Excellent relationship management, facilitation, and collaboration skills.Ability to travel across Far North Queensland, including remote qualifications in public health, health management, business administration, community services, or related fields.Experience in policy development, health reform, commissioning, or government working with remote or very remote communities.
Personal AttributesCulturally respectful, grounded, and community-focused.Strategic thinker with strong operational delivery capability.Collaborative, solutions-focused, and confident engaging in complex system discussions.Committed to equity, self-determination, and strengthening the ACCHO sector.Strong analytical and communication skills, able to lead both high-level strategy and practical on-the-ground support. For the full Position Description please email .
How to apply:Please send your CV (including two referees) and a written pitch of no more than two pages addressing your suitability for the role to, with the role title in the subject line.