Executive Director, Corporate Governance and Communications
Northern Adelaide Local Health Network
CANDIDATE INFORMATION PACK
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The Northern Adelaide Local Health Network acknowledges the Kaurna people as the traditional custodians of the land on which we proudly deliver health and wellbeing services. We honour Kaurna Elders past, present and emerging. We recognise Aboriginal cultural authority, and the ongoing spiritual connection the Kaurna people have to country.
Executive Summary
- Contemporary corporate governance and communications leader
- Lead corporate governance, stakeholder relationship management, communications and engagement for a complex health service
- Be part of the senior leadership team of an organisation building a culture of collaboration, respect, integrity and accountability
THE OPPORTUNITY
Northern Adelaide Local Health Network (NALHN) provides care to more than 400,000 people living in the northern metropolitan area of Adelaide as well as providing a number of state-wide services, and services to those in regional areas. NALHN works to ensure quality and timely delivery of health care, while building a highly skilled, engaged, and resilient workforce based on a culture of collaboration, respect, integrity, and accountability.
THE ROLE
The organisation is now seeking an Executive Director, Corporate Governance and Communications. The role reports to the Chief Executive Officer and plays a critical role in leading the development, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of organisational governance; NALHN strategic partnerships, internal communications and events management; Public Relations including external communications and consumer engagement; management of the office of the CEO including responding to Ministerial and other correspondence and requests for legal advice and co-ordination of executive administrative systems and processes across the Network.
THE CANDIDATE
To be successful in this role you will have:
- Proven background in corporate affairs, communications, or government relations within a complex and high-profile environment
- Sound knowledge and understanding of contemporary governance frameworks, policies, and processes
- Significant experience in leading a cohesive team and encouraging a culture of teamwork and service delivery and take a shared responsibility for achieving results
- Extensive experience in the management of complex projects and associated budgets
- Extensive experience in providing leadership in a complex multi-disciplinary organisation in a climate of continuing change, with demonstrated success in increasing the effectiveness and accountability of the organisation
- Significant experience in identifying customer needs for incorporation into planning, with proven experience in developing service strategies, and providing quality customer service to effect positive results
- Proven experience in generating positive support and cooperation from stakeholders, clients, service providers and peers and in building a climate of trust to facilitate open communications between people.
For a confidential discussion, please get in touch with:
Liz Hlipala
HardyGroup Principal Consultant
M. +61 (0)401 122 301
E. lhlipala@hardygroupintl.com
NORTHERN ADELAIDE LOCAL HEALTH NETWORK (NALHN)
NALHN provides care to more than 400,000 people living in the northern metropolitan area of Adelaide as well as providing a number of state-wide services, and services to those in regional areas.
NALHN works to ensure quality and timely delivery of health care, while building a highly skilled, engaged, and resilient workforce based on a culture of collaboration, respect, integrity, and accountability.
NALHN offers a range of primary health care services across the northern metropolitan area of Adelaide, with a focus on providing preventive and health promoting programs in the community, and transition and hospital substitution and avoidance programs targeted at chronic disease and frail aged.
Clinical leadership of care systems is central to the current national and state-wide health reforms. NALHN care delivery is configured within clinical divisions that are patient–focused, clinically led groupings of services. Clinical Divisions are responsible for managing service delivery activities across NALHN campuses and units, bringing together empowered experts to directly make relevant decisions.
NALHN includes:
- Lyell McEwin Hospital (LMH) - a 507-bed specialist referral public teaching hospital which has links to the University of Adelaide, University of South Australia, and Flinders University. LMH provides a full range of high-quality medical, surgical, diagnostic, emergency, and support services
- Modbury Hospital - a 254-bed, acute care teaching hospital that provides inpatient, outpatient, emergency services, aged care, rehabilitation and palliative care
- GP Plus Health Care Centres and Super Clinics
- Aboriginal Health Services
- Mental Health Services
- In home and virtual services
The total operating budget for NALHN is over $1B with a workforce of over 5,500 FTE / 7,400 head count.
Role Specification
The Executive Director, Corporate Governance and Communications reports to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and plays a critical role in leading the development, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of organisational governance; NALHN strategic partnerships, internal communications and events management; Public Relations including external communications and consumer engagement; management of the office of the CEO including responding to Ministerial and other correspondence and requests for legal advice and co-ordination of executive administrative systems and processes across the Network.
The outcomes required of the role include:
- Organisational Governance including Governing Board and Corporate Governance
Significantly contribute to the development of the NALHN’s vision and strategic directions, consistent with the SA Health Plan and Government policy through:
- Developing and providing strategic leadership and management of NALHN’s organisational governance to ensure efficient and effective governance to enable an integrated and contemporary approach to strategic policy design and delivery, and corporate governance frameworks
- Providing high level strategic advice and services to the CEO and Executives to facilitate the management, co-ordination, and resolution of critical governance issues
- Leading the development of the overarching strategy and vision for governance while embedding continuous improvement
- Leading and maintaining a proactive and professional response to Ministerial matters
- Developing and maintaining NALHN Partnership programs, including the Health and Wellbeing Partnership, the Children in the North Partnerships, and partnerships with South Australian Universities to deliver tangible outcomes and benefits for the communities in the North
- Management of organisational conflict of interest including oversight of NALHN’s Statement and Management of Interest Policy, Framework, and procedures
- Developing and implementing risk and issue management strategy to manage and mitigate risks and barriers to implementation of governance initiatives
- Leading the development of highly complex, strategic policy advice on sensitive legal, legislative and policy issues as they impact the Governing Board, its committees, and the Organisation at the direction of the CEO
- Ensuring business plans are developed and implemented in relevant service areas to support business excellence across NALHN, e.g:
- Governance and Compliance
- Consumer and Community Engagement
- Stakeholder Management
- Media and Communications
- Stakeholder Relationship Management
- Establishing and maintaining high quality relationships at Ministerial, Chief Executive and Executive level across the SA Health portfolio
- Promoting strong and positive working relationships with both internal and external stakeholders and in particular, developing and maintaining strong relationships with NALHN Partnerships stakeholders
- Forging effective stakeholder relationships within and outside NALHN by initiating, developing, and maintaining appropriate working relationships with staff, community, and key stakeholders
- Developing a proactive and effective stakeholder engagement plan to foster positive working relationships with key stakeholders
- Effective Leadership
- Ensure all consultancy and advisory services are provided to key stakeholders and assist in effective corporate decision making
- Enable continuous improvement in business policy, processes, and governance as they relate to NALHN strategic priorities
- Establish and maintain effective consultation, participation, and communication mechanisms with key stakeholders to promote collaboration and achievement of objectives
- Enable effective leadership and sound management principles and practices to facilitate the achievement of NALHN Department for Health and Wellbeing, and state government /public sector goals
- Respond to or report on the performance/delivery of ad hoc/critical projects as required
- Lead and manage the Executive Services team aligned with NALHN values to delivery exceptional internal and external customer service and to meet Directorate and organisational objectives
- Communications and Engagement
- Lead the development and implementation of contemporary communications strategy and plan for activities across NALHN
- Develop and drive effective communication policies, procedures, protocols, and information reporting mechanisms consistent with those of SA Health, including the maintenance of protocols working with the media and managing media interface in consultation with the Department’s Media and Communications team
- Provide Leadership and direction to ensure provision of high quality written and verbal communications content and deliverables (strategies and tactical activities) for the communications work stream in line with the critical pathways
- NALHN Governing Board Support
Provide strategic and operational leadership and direction to ensure effective secretarial support to the NALHN Governing Board including:
- Providing expert advice and support to the board and its committee on governance matters and in the conduct of meetings and their directorial and governance obligations and responsibilities
- Ensuring timely completion and despatch of board and committee papers
- Ensuring reporting that allows for timely flow of necessary data to the Board and the CEO from the organisation and relevant departments
- Ensuring that board and committee meetings are accurately captured in the minutes and the accurate and appropriate records are maintained from a legal requirement and best practice perspective
- Continuous Improvement and Evaluation
- Develop, lead, and implement system improvement, integration and change management strategies that will support Government policy and NALHN’s strategic outlook.
- Promote the evaluation of measures to ensure procedural effectiveness
- Lead the business unit in preparation for audit and accreditation
- Support the achievement of accreditation through the systematic monitoring, evaluation, and review of performance against criteria
- Enable a culture of continuously reviewing and improving planning, policies, services, and programs
- Develop effective process improvement initiatives
- Identify performance bottlenecks, duplication, and inappropriate processes
- Ensure strong analytical, organisational, and problem-solving skills are utilised in all decision-making activities
- Financial Management
Accountable for the effective direction, management, and control of finances for the business unit including:
- Developing resource and budget allocation processes across services in line with the NALHN resource and budget allocation process
- Driving improved performance results through savings and operational reforms and priority focus
- Drive business excellence by monitoring and controlling the expenditure in accordance with NALHN budgeting, legal requirements and the NALHN delegations manual.
- Workforce Planning, Development and Unit Management
Accountable for the development and implementation of workforce planning within the business unit by:
- Leading, shaping, and developing workforce plans to ensure a skilled, qualified, and competent workforce aligned with current and future requirements
- Drive a culture of leadership, accountability, innovation, continuous improvement, and respectful behaviour across NALHN
- Drive culture change and ensure quality outcomes are achieved through empowerment of staff and effective use of people and culture initiatives including regular performance and development review cycles
- Foster a team environment, which encourages continuous positive learning and development, safety, and welfare of employees, acknowledges differences, and encourages optimum levels of service delivery
- Promote a culture of performance, professionalism and continuous improvement and timely information sharing and communication with key stakeholders
The Executive Director, Corporate Governance and Communications will be responsible for:
- Leading the Corporate Governance and Communications portfolio and creating a culture for the team that aligns with NALHN’s values.
- Leading the management, and continuous improvement of NALHN’s Governing Board and Corporate Governance functions including Board and Executive secretariat services
- Leading and managing NALHN’s internal and external communication, public relations, marketing and consumer engagement strategies, initiatives, actions, and plans
- Leading and co-ordinating NALHN’s Strategic Partnerships including Health and Wellbeing Partnership and partnerships with South Australian Universities
- Leading and co-ordinating NALHN internal and external events hosted by the Governing Board or CEO
- Leading the design and implementation of NALHN’s Stakeholder engagement plan
- Leading and managing the Office of the CEO including responding to Ministerial and other correspondence in a timely and appropriate manner
- Sourcing and managing legal support for NALHN as required
- Ensuring compliance with the relevant legislation
- Leading and Managing the Office of the CEO including CEO diary and correspondence management and co-ordination of executive administration systems and processes across the Network
- Co-ordination and preparation of key external reports including NALHN’s Annual Report
View the full scope of these in the Position Description.
ESSENTIAL MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
Educational/Vocational Qualifications:
- A tertiary qualification in a relevant discipline
Personal Abilities/Aptitudes/Skills:
- Strong interpersonal skills necessary to develop positive working relationships, negotiate effectively and establish the credibility to provide high level consultancy and advisory services to Executive, senior management, other government agencies and outside organisations
- Demonstrated ability to deliver outcomes in a fast paced, complex environment in a respectful and professional manner
- Demonstrated ability to analyse and conceptualise problems, formulate and execute appropriate solutions and negotiate successful outcomes in an innovative and resourceful manner
- Leadership qualities and demonstrated ability to motivate and inspire others to work together as a team to achieve objectives and proven ability to deal with competing demands and effectively manage the needs of multiple stakeholders in a complex environment
- Ability to drive and implement change and significantly contribute to change processes applying sound analytical skills and strategic thinking ability
- An ability to manage to the spirit and principles of the Premier’s Safety Commitment and the legislative requirements of the Work Health Safety Act 2012 and the Return to Work Act 2014, and apply a risk management approach that aligns to AS/NZS 31000:2009 Risk Management – Principles and Guidelines or to an equivalent set of standards
Experience:
- Proven background in corporate affairs, communications, or government relations within a complex and high-profile environment
- Sound knowledge and understanding of contemporary governance frameworks, policies, and processes
- Significant experience in leading a cohesive team and encouraging a culture of teamwork and service delivery and take a shared responsibility for achieving results
- Extensive experience in the management of complex projects and associated budgets
- Extensive experience in providing leadership in a complex multi-disciplinary organisation in a climate of continuing change, with demonstrated success in increasing the effectiveness and accountability of the organisation
- Significant experience in identifying customer needs for incorporation into planning, with proven experience in developing service strategies, and providing quality customer service to effect positive results
- Proven experience in generating positive support and cooperation from stakeholders, clients, service providers and peers and in building a climate of trust to facilitate open communications between people
Knowledge:
- Comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the political and socio-economic environment that impacts on the planning, development, funding, delivery, and management of public services, including health services, in South Australia
- Broad knowledge of national and international research, best practice, trends, and developments in respect of contemporary governance practices and structures
DESIRABLE CHARACTERISTICS
Educational/Vocational Qualifications:
- Tertiary or Post Graduate qualifications in a relevant field.
Personal Abilities/Aptitudes/Skills:
- Ability to quickly understand the key challenges and current issues across the health system in South Australia
Experience:
- Experience delivering projects in various health systems, including the public, private and not-for-profit sectors and in other states and territories
Knowledge:
- Understanding and knowledge of government.
- Understanding and knowledge of health in South Australia
- Awareness of trends and developments occurring within the State and wider economy and the likely impact of these on government and the SA Health business activities
Internal
- Reports to NALHN Chief Executive Officer and effectively participates as a member of the NALHN Executive Team
- Provides specialist advice and secretariat support to NALHN’s Governing Board and its Committees
- Maintains a specialist support and advice role to the Chief Executive Officer and other key senior NALHN leaders
- Collaboratively contributes to the Network’s leadership initiatives and ensures close liaison with other LHNs and key officers within the Department for Health and Wellbeing
- Working relationship with Media and Communications, Department for Health, and Wellbeing
External
- Maintains effective collaborative working relationships and manages interactions with Department for Health and Wellbeing, SA Government agencies (especially the Department of the Premier and Cabinet, Audit-General’s Department and Department of Treasury and Finance), consumer groups, industrial bodies, academic institutions, non-government agencies and the general public as required.
- Maintains effective relationships with the Health and Wellbeing Partnership, the Children in the North Partnerships and South Australian University stakeholders and relevant committees and sub-committees
Direct Reports:
- Manager, Executive Services
- Manager, Communications and Engagement
- Principal Coordinator Board Services
- Consumer and Community Advisor
- Executive Assistant & Project Support to Executive Director, Corporate Governance & Communications
- Senior Executive Coordinator, Office of the Chief Executive Officer
Annual Budget: $1B
Financial delegations:
- Financial in accordance with NALHN’s Delegation of Authority Document
- Human Resources in accordance with NALHN’s Delegation of Authority Document
Please discuss with the HardyGroup Principal Consultant.
The immediate challenges for the role include, but are not limited to:
- Liaising with and managing multiple stakeholders and competing priorities, in a dynamic, complex, challenging, and high-volume work environment, often with short deadlines
- Informing and educating the community and fostering a positive attitude towards NALHN
- Liaising and working in collaboration with the Department for Health and Wellbeing Media team and relevant media advisers in the Ministers Offices in relation to the resolution of media issues
- Enabling successful consumer relationships across a variety of pathways
- Working within a continually changing legislative frameworks and organisational structures
- Leading the improvement to NALHN’s executive administrative support business systems and processes
- Working within a rapidly changing health funding and policy landscape
Service Location: Northern Adelaide
Classification: Executive SAES Level 1
Criminal & Relevant History Screening: General Probity (NPC)
Immunisation Risk Category: Category B (minimal patient contact)
SPECIAL CONDITIONS / GENERAL REQUIREMENTS:
- A contract term up to three years
- Participation in the SA Public Sector biannual performance review process
- Maintain a safe working environment by adopting appropriate management practices and have an understanding of, experience in, and ability to manage legislative requirements of the Work Health and Safety Act 2012
- Advocate Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and Diversity in the Workplace in accordance with EEO legislation
- Promote and maintain a commitment to inclusive workplace in support of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and other under-represented groups
- Support the Department’s participation in the White Ribbon, Disability and Reconciliation Agendas
- Work within the legislative requirements of the Public Sector Act 2009 and the Work Health & Safety Act 2012 (SA), Return to Work Act 2014 (SA), Independent Commissioner Against Corruption Act 2012 (SA) and other relevant Acts and Regulations
- Achieve performance targets that are negotiated and mutually agreed with by the Deputy Chief Executive
- Maintain a strong commitment to The Code of Ethics for the Australian Public Sector, and the SA Health Values of Integrity, Respect and Accountability
The closing date for applications is Wednesday, 26 August 2026
The reference number to include in your application is H26_5554
Note: Please use the online platform to submit your application. It will not be accepted via email.
If you require assistance in submitting your application online, please get in touch with Executive Search Coordinator, Bradie Hammat: M: +61 (0)417 882 900 / E: bhammat@hardygroupintl.com
Your application must include:
- Cover letter addressed to the Principal Consultant;
- A written response addressing the key selection criteria; and
- An up to date copy of your Curriculum Vitae.
It Is standard practice for HardyGroup to acknowledge receipt of your application no later than the next business day. We request that if you do not receive the acknowledgement, you contact the search coordinator listed above as soon as possible after the 24-hour business period and arrange to resend your application if necessary.
For a confidential discussion, please contact:
Liz Hlipala
HardyGroup Principal Consultant
M. +61 (0)401 122 301
E. lhlipala@hardygroupintl.com
LIVING AND WORKING IN ADELAIDE
Adelaide enjoys a reputation for remarkable liveability thanks to its pleasant climate, manageable size and relaxed South Australian pace.
With warm summers, mild winters and generally clear skies, the city balances sophisticated urban living with a laid-back lifestyle, all framed by easy access to coastal and wine-region escapes.
The city has a vibrant cultural identity, with festivals, local music and a strong dining scene thriving across neighbourhood precincts. Known as the Festival State, South Australia hosts a packed calendar of cultural and culinary celebrations, including the world's second-largest Fringe Festival, Adelaide Festival, and Tasting Australia. The city also holds international and national sporting events, with the iconic Adelaide Oval as a centrepiece for sport and entertainment.
Adelaide Oval roof climbers take on the challenge during an Ashes cricket test (Credit)
Leafy suburbs offer both charm and community spirit, and many people appreciate the short commuting distances, affordable housing, and the distinctive character of areas such as North Adelaide, Norwood, Unley and the beachside suburbs of Glenelg and Henley Beach.
Golden hour at Glenelg Beach (Credit)
The Adelaide Botanic Gardens are a green serene paradise in the middle of the city (Credit)
Nature is never far away. Just 20 minutes from the city centre are pristine beaches, hills made for hiking, and the surrounding park lands that wrap around the CBD. Beyond Adelaide, regional South Australia offers dramatic landscapes, national parks, and abundant wildlife - from rugged coastlines to outback ranges and hidden caves.
Education is well catered for across metropolitan Adelaide, with a mix of high-quality public and private schools and several world-class tertiary institutions including the University of Adelaide, University of South Australia and Flinders University.
A barrel at Yalumba Wines, Angaston (Credit)
Food and wine are central to life in Adelaide, with a proud reputation as one of the Great Wine Capitals of the World. The city is home to top chefs, boutique producers, and the iconic Adelaide Central Market - one of the largest undercover fresh produce markets in the southern hemisphere.
With its blend of social vibrancy, natural beauty, culinary excellence, education and liveability, Adelaide offers a welcoming and well-balanced setting in which to live, learn and thrive.
ABOUT US
HardyGroup’s (HG) mission is simple
Find and Grow Great Leaders - and we have been doing exactly that for more than 30 years in public and private health, primary, community and aged care as well as the broader public service.
Our synergistic business model of Executive Search and Recruitment integrated with Executive Leadership and Learning is our unique point of difference.
It ensures our clients can count on us for the lifecycle of their organisations leadership journey and why we are regarded as the leading trans-Tasman partner agency by clients.
When engaging HG you can be confident in a deeply personalised experience and service as nothing matters more to us than relationships and results.