_{09th September, 2026}

How many jobs let you help write the next chapter of a global mental health movement?

Mental Health First Aid International (MHFAI) is the global authority on mental health first aid — founded in Australia in 2000, now powering a network of 36 licensed partners delivering evidence-based training in over 50 countries. In the last year alone, 19 new countries joined the network and over one million people were trained. Since inception, MHFAI has helped train 8.9 million people worldwide, and the organisation is chasing an ambitious target of 12 million by 2030.

Now, at a genuine inflection point, MHFAI is creating a brand-new Head of Global Engagement role to lead its next stage of growth.

The opportunity

This isn’t a role you’ll be handed a playbook for; it’s one you’ll help write.
Reporting directly to the Executive Director, International Programs, Quality & Research, you’ll:

• Own relationships across MHFAI’s entire 50 + country partner network, with a structured quarterly check-in cadence
• Lead commercial negotiations transitioning legacy partners from peppercorn flat fees to a modern, sustainable per-participant model
• Sit at the centre of MHFAI’s international governance review, working directly with the Board’s International Governance Working Group as it explores a possible independent International Secretariat
• Design and launch a first-of-its-kind partner-mentoring program
• Represent MHFAI on the world stage 
• Engage governments, multilateral agencies and international institutions on MHFAI’s behalf, and help evaluate new markets including Vietnam, Madagascar and Papua New Guinea

About you

You’re a senior international relationship-builder with real commercial teeth — someone who can sit across the table from a long-standing partner and land a difficult pricing conversation without ever damaging the relationship. You’ll bring:

• Senior experience in international engagement, partnerships or relationship management — NGO, international clinical, higher-education, banking or comparable global-programs background
• A track record negotiating commercial or fee arrangements with external partners, balancing mission with financial sustainability
• Genuine comfort engaging governments, multilateral agencies or international institutions diplomatically and cross-culturally
• English fluency plus professional working proficiency in French; additional languages (Arabic, Spanish, Mandarin) a strong plus
• A self-starter’s mindset — you’ll be trusted with real autonomy from day one, working for an Executive Director who wants a proactive partner, not someone to manage
• Energy for unpredictable, cross-timezone international travel, and genuine enthusiasm for the mental health mission

What’s on offer

• An attractive plus superannuation, with flexibility for the right candidate bringing exceptional international experience
• Charity salary packaging, adding an FBT concession of approximately $15,900 per year
• Hybrid working from Melbourne CBD (one day per week in office), with flexibility for candidates based interstate
• Time-in-lieu hours rather than a fixed 9-to-5 — built for a genuinely global role
• A newly created mandate with direct access to the Executive Director, CEO and Board, and a real hand in shaping MHFAI’s future international operating model

How to apply

This search is being managed exclusively by Brooker Consulting on behalf of MHFAI.

The Candidate Information Pack is available
via:https://brookerconsulting.com.au/position-description/

If you have any specific questions after reading the full candidate information pack, please TEXT Rebecca Perrone, Managing Director, at 0429 381 277 to receive a call booking link.

APPLICATIONS CLOSE: Monday 5 October 2026 at 12 pm (midday) AEST

Mental Health First Aid International is committed to diversity and inclusion, and welcomes applications from all backgrounds. All enquiries and applications will be treated in strict confidence.

Apply For Job