Chief Executive Officer

• Lead a nationally respected organisation representing Australia’s remote and isolated health workforce.
• Champion culturally safe, high-quality healthcare for rural and remote communities.
• Strengthen the organisation’s grassroots mission through a committed team and membership.
• Shape a sustainable, influential future through advocacy, partnerships and innovation.

THE OPPORTUNITY

CRANAplus is Australia’s peak professional body for the remote and isolated health workforce. As a grassroots, membership-based organisation, CRANAplus has deep connections with nurses, midwives, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health practitioners, doctors, and allied health professionals who live and work in remote and isolated settings. The organisation is seeking to reinforce its original purpose—representing and supporting the remote health workforce—while evolving towards a more business-focused model that ensures sustainability and influence. This role offers the opportunity to restore a supportive culture, strengthen member value, and position CRANAplus as the leading voice and advocate for remote and isolated health professionals across Australia.

THE ROLE

Reporting to the Board, the Chief Executive Officer is responsible for the overall leadership, management and performance of the organisation. The CEO will provide clear and values-based leadership, aligning closely with the CRANAplus commitment to integrity, excellence, respect, inclusiveness, safety, accountability and social justice. A key focus of the role is to deliver on the Board’s strategic plan, ensuring the organisation remains true to its mission while strengthening its commercial foundations and long-term sustainability.

The CEO will lead a dedicated team and foster a culture built on collaboration, respect and empowerment, enabling staff to connect fully with CRANAplus’ purpose. They will build strong and enduring relationships with members, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, government, funding bodies and partner organisations, while maintaining the organisation’s role as a trusted advocate for rural and remote health.

THE CANDIDATE

The ideal candidate will be a collaborative, consultative and values-based leader who is deeply committed to remote health. They will ideally bring lived experience as a remote area nurse or health professional, with a strong appreciation of the unique challenges and resilience of those working in isolated settings.

Key capabilities include:

• Proven senior executive leadership experience, preferably within the not-for-profit or health sectors.
• Deep understanding of remote and rural health service delivery, including the social determinants of health and the importance of culturally safe care.
• Strong political and policy acumen, with the ability to advocate persuasively to government, funders, and other stakeholders.
• Financial literacy and commercial acumen, with demonstrated ability to diversify revenue and strengthen organisational sustainability.
• Outstanding people leadership skills, with the capacity to build trust, lead a positive culture, and support staff wellbeing.
• Highly developed communication skills, with the empathy and authenticity to connect with members, staff, communities, and the Board.

This role will suit a leader who can bridge grassroots connection with strategic foresight—someone who is empathetic to CRANAplus’ cause, results driven, and able to articulate a compelling vision for the future of remote and isolated healthcare in Australia.

HOW TO APPLY

The closing date for applications is Monday, 27 October 2025.

The reference number to include in your application is H25_5271