Women's Health Northern Rivers (WHNR) is a feminist, community-based organisation with more than 40 years' experience supporting women across the Northern Rivers region of NSW. We deliver women's health services, domestic and family violence support, counselling, social work and group programs, all grounded in trauma-informed, inclusive and culturally responsive practice.

The WHNR Board is seeking a values-led Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to lead the organisation through its next chapter of growth and impact.

The Opportunity

As CEO, you will provide strategic leadership across WHNR, working closely with the Board and leading a multidisciplinary team to translate WHNR's strategic vision into clear priorities and sustainable outcomes. You will nurture relationships with government, funders and community partners and strengthen WHNR’s long-term sustainability through new partnerships and innovative funding models.

This is an exciting opportunity for a strategic leader to build on WHNR’s strong foundations and shape its next chapter. You will support the organisation’s continued development and growth, expanding service reach and developing a comprehensive women's health service model, while ensuring WHNR’s feminist, trauma-informed values remain central to its identity.

Responsibilities

● Translate WHNR's strategic direction into actionable implementation and operational plans.

● Lead and develop a multidisciplinary team, maintaining a culture of trust, accountability and wellbeing.

● Act as WHNR's principal spokesperson, building and maintaining relationships with government, peak bodies, philanthropic funders and community partners.





● Hold overall accountability for clinical governance, risk management and Board reporting.

● Maintain financial sustainability and pursue revenue diversification beyond core grant funding.

● Model WHNR's values of equity, integrity, respect, kindness, courage and sustainability in every aspect of your leadership.

What You Bring

● A minimum of three years' experience in a CEO, executive or senior leadership role, ideally within health, community or the NFP sector.

● A strong track record leading and developing multidisciplinary teams and building a culture of excellence.

● Sound understanding of clinical governance, NFP governance obligations and risk management, including crisis and disaster response planning.

● Demonstrated ability to build productive relationships with government, peak bodies, philanthropic funders and community partners.

● Ability to build and maintain a transparent, trusted partnership with the Board.

● Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including confident public and media engagement.

● Demonstrated experience in organisational change management, with a values-led approach to supporting teams through transitions.

● Strong financial acumen,



including demonstrated ability to oversee budgets and reporting, identify funding opportunities and develop diversified revenue streams.

● Demonstrated alignment with WHNR's values and a deep understanding of WHNR's client group and the communities it serves.

● Familiarity with, or willingness to understand, issues specific to the Northern Rivers region.

What We Offer

● Salary range $150,000 - $175,000 plus super

● NFP salary packaging benefits of up to $15,900 per year, plus meals and entertainment benefits.

● Full time position, three-year fixed-term contract with flexible working arrangements available.

● Opportunity to lead a values-driven organisation with 40+ years of community trust and impact.

● Based in Lismore, NSW, with travel across the Northern Rivers region and occasional travel to other locations.

How to Apply

Please submit a current resume and cover letter (no more than two pages) addressing your suitability against the capabilities outlined in the Position Description to *****@commongoalconsulting.com.au. The Position Description can be found at the Jobs section of the WHNR website: https://whnr.org.au/our-people/#jobs

Applications close Monday, 28 September 2026 at 8.00am.

Please direct all enquiries to Nikki Jenkinson, Common Goal Consulting, 1300 367 ***, or *****@commongoalconsulting.com.au, in strict confidence.

WHNR is an equal opportunity employer and strongly encourages applications from First Nations women, women from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and women of diverse sexualities and genders.

📌 Chief Executive Officer (Lismore)
🏢 Women's Health Northern Rivers
📍 Lismore