- Full time, fixed-term
- Executive Leadership Team
- Reports to the Chief Executive

Lead cohealth’s client participation and partnerships portfolio which brings together client participation, community partnerships, government relations, stakeholder engagement and strategic communications to strengthen health equity and improve outcomes for communities. About cohealth cohealth is a not-for-profit community health organisation providing health and support services across Melbourne’s CBD, northern and western suburbs, and the East Coast of Tasmania. We work to improve health and wellbeing, address health and social inequality, and support people experiencing barriers to being healthy and well.

About the role

As Executive – Client Participation and Partnerships, you will be accountable for strengthening how cohealth engages with clients, communities, governments and strategic partners to improve health outcomes, service delivery and community trust. The portfolio brings together client participation, community partnerships, government relations, stakeholder engagement and strategic communications.

Working with the Chief Executive, Executive Leadership Team and Board, you will embed meaningful participation and engagement into organisational strategy, decision-making and service design.

What you will lead

- Establish the strategic direction and operating model for the new Client Participation and Partnerships Network.
- Embed client participation, community partnership and stakeholder engagement into organisational strategy, governance, service planning and reform.
- Strengthen relationships and influence across government, funders, community organisations, peak bodies and strategic partners.
- Apply contemporary participation and co-design practice,



including IAP2 principles and cohealth’s Client and Community Collaboration Framework.
- Elevate the contribution of the Community Advisory Committee and Community Advisory Group.
- Set the direction for strategic communications, media, digital engagement and workforce communications.
- Advise the Chief Executive and Board on reputation, complex issues and high-profile matters.
- Build and lead a high-performing multidisciplinary portfolio and contribute to cohealth’s broader strategic leadership.

What you will bring

You are a values-led senior executive with the judgement, political acumen and relationship skills to influence in complex environments. You bring:

- At least 10 years’ senior leadership experience, including leading multidisciplinary portfolios and advising at Executive or Board level.
- Demonstrated experience across client participation, community partnerships, government relations, stakeholder engagement, strategic communications, media and public affairs.
- A strong record of building organisational capability and trusted partnerships that deliver measurable outcomes.
- Experience embedding contemporary practice in participation, community engagement and co-design.
- Highly developed strategic communication, executive advisory and issues-management skills.
- Strong knowledge of community health, primary health, social care or not-for-profit service systems.
- A relevant tertiary qualification; IAP2 Certificate in Engagement or equivalent accreditation is highly desirable.

Application Process

Submit your CV and a cover letter outlining your relevant experience and alignment with the role by (closing date 7 business days). Further information is provided in the position description. To learn more about working at cohealth, visit Why join us.

If you have any questions regarding this role, please contact Leanne Ansell-McBride [email protected]

📌 Leadership - Executive Client Participation and Partnerships (Melbourne)
🏢 Cohealth
📍 Melbourne