_{30th September, 2026}

Australian Primary Health Care Nurses Association (APNA)

Lead the national voice for primary health care nursing APNA is Australia's peak professional body for nurses working outside the hospital system in general practice, aged care, community health, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health, schools, correctional settings and homes. It supports around 10,000 members and speaks for a workforce of close to 100,000 nurses who care for Australians in their communities every day.

APNA is well governed, mission-clear and financially resilient, with a Strategic Plan through to 2027, a strong national policy footprint, a skills-based Board and revenue of approximately $15 million. An experienced Interim CEO is in place through to the end of 2026, so the incoming CEO will step into a stable, well-oriented platform for the next chapter.

The role

The Board is seeking a seasoned Chief Executive to lead APNA through a period of stability and cultural consolidation, while continuing to deliver against the current strategy and shaping the plan that follows. Leading an executive team of six, you will:

• Build trusted working relationships with the President, the Board and the executive team, and take confident carriage of APNA's strategic and operational agenda
• Consolidate a settled, team-based operating rhythm and a positive, values-led culture
• Complete delivery of the Strategic Plan 2023–2027 and lead the design of APNA's next strategic cycle
• Sustain APNA's advocacy and policy influence with government, regulators and the health sector
• Strengthen financial discipline, transparent Board reporting and revenue diversification
• Enhance member value and grow membership through education, events, professional development and the Florence digital platform
• Reinforce governance, risk and compliance, including transitioning into the Company Secretary role with Executive Officer support

What you'll bring

• A demonstrable track record as a Chief Executive, leading a national or comparable organisation and reporting to a skills-based Board
• Strong governance instincts, with clear command of the Board, CEO and Company Secretary relationship, delegations and policy compliance
• Financial acumen suited to an organisation of APNA's scale and revenue mix
• Practical change and cultural leadership that is thoughtful, paced and pairs empathy with clear expectations
• Credibility in advocacy, policy and stakeholder engagement at national and government level
• A genuine passion for the future of Australian primary health care and the role of nurses within it
• Tertiary qualifications in a relevant field

Experience in a not-for-profit, member-based or professional association, and a deep understanding of the Australian health system, are highly desirable. A nursing background is welcome but not required.

What's on offer

• Remuneration range of $250–280k, plus access to charity salary packaging — a tax-effective benefit that meaningfully lifts take-home pay
• A nationally significant CEO role with genuine influence over the future of primary health care nursing
• An engaged, experienced Board and a strengthened finance function
• Queen Street, Melbourne head office with hybrid flexibility and regular in-person team days

How to apply This search is being managed exclusively by Brooker Consulting on behalf of the APNA Board. Please visit brookerconsulting.com.au/position-description to view the Candidate Information Pack and apply, or email your application to career@brookerconsulting.com.au.

Applications should include a current CV and a covering letter (no more than two pages) outlining how your experience aligns with the success profile and your view of what the first 12 months would look like.

Applications close Monday 26 October 2026 at 9 pm AEDT.

For a confidential conversation before you apply, TEXT Elizabeth Milner on 0493 827 145 and she will send you a link to book a private call.

APNA and Brooker Consulting are committed to diversity, equity and inclusion, and warmly welcome applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, people with disability, people of all ages and genders, and LGBTIQA+ people.

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