Director, Policy & Operations

Australian Council on Smoking and Health; Western Australia; On-site; AUD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

ACOSH (Australian Council on Smoking and Health) in Australia is seeking an experienced and influential leader to join as Director, Policy & Operations. Reporting directly to the CEO, you will help shape policy positions, guide strategic projects and oversee operational delivery to drive public health outcomes.

This broad role combines vision with hands-on execution, requiring strong stakeholder management, financial acumen and the ability to navigate complex government, health and community

Qualifications

• Experience operating in a senior leadership role.
• Strong financial and commercial capability.
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills.
• Proven stakeholder management and relationship-building experience.
• Ability to develop strategy and translate it into practical outcomes.
• Experience leading projects, initiatives or organisational change.

Responsibilities

• Support the organisation's strategic direction and ongoing growth.
• Lead strategic projects and work with stakeholders across government, health, research and community sectors.
• Oversee key organisational initiatives and contribute to financial planning.
• Shape policy positions and ensure readiness to respond to emerging challenges.
• Collaborate with the CEO, Board and partners to drive outcomes aligned with ACOSH's mission.

Skills

Senior leadership

Financial acumen

Stakeholder management

Strategic thinking

Communication

Change leadership

Cross-sector collaboration

Job description

ACOSH (Australian Council on Smoking and Health) is Australia\'s leading tobacco control advocacy organisation, with a proud history spanning more than 50 years. Working with governments, health organisations and communities across the country, ACOSH advocates for the end of tobacco and nicotine addiction in Australia and drives policy and regulatory reform that delivers meaningful public health outcomes.

We are seeking an experienced and influential leader to join ACOSH as Director, Policy & Operations. This is a pivotal leadership role that combines strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, organisational leadership and operational oversight, helping ensure ACOSH continues to deliver impact at both a state and national level.

About the Role

Reporting directly to the CEO, this role will play a key part in supporting the organisation\'s strategic direction and ongoing growth. You will provide high-level advice, lead strategic projects and work closely with stakeholders across government, health, research, regulatory and community sectors.

This is a broad leadership role that requires someone who is comfortable operating at both a strategic and operational level. You\'ll help shape policy positions, oversee key organisational initiatives, contribute to financial planning and ensure the organisation is well positioned to respond to emerging challenges and opportunities.

Success in the role will require strong stakeholder management skills, excellent judgement and the ability to navigate complex environments. You\'ll work closely with the CEO, Board, member organisations and external partners to drive outcomes that align with ACOSH\'s mission and strategic priorities.

About You

You\'re an accomplished leader with strong commercial and financial acumen who enjoys bringing people together to achieve common goals.

You are a strategic thinker who can see the bigger picture while maintaining a strong focus on execution. You communicate with confidence, build trusted relationships and know how to influence outcomes across a diverse stakeholder group.

You will likely bring:

• Experience operating in a senior leadership role
• Strong financial and commercial capability
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills
• Proven stakeholder management and relationship-building experience
• The ability to develop strategy and translate it into practical outcomes
• Experience leading projects, initiatives or organisational change
• A collaborative and values-driven leadership style

Experience within public policy, advocacy, government, health, not-for-profit or member based organisations will be highly regarded.

Why Join ACOSH?

ACOSH is a respected and influential organisation with a clear mission and a long history of creating positive change. As Australia\'s leading tobacco control advocacy body, the organisation continues to play a critical role in shaping policy and protecting the health of Australians.

You\'ll join a passionate and purpose driven team where your work will have genuine impact. This is an opportunity to contribute to important public health outcomes while helping shape the future direction of a highly regarded organisation.

What\'s in it for You?

This is a rare opportunity to join the executive leadership team of an organisation that influences policy and drives meaningful change across Australia.

You\'ll have the opportunity to work alongside respected leaders, engage with senior decision makers and play a key role in advancing ACOSH\'s mission. The role offers variety, autonomy and the chance to make a lasting contribution to an important cause.

Applications close Wednesday 21 October at 4:00pm