Program Director: National Navigation Service

About Cancer Council Australia

Cancer Council Australia is part of the national Cancer Council Federation, focused on reducing the impact of cancer through research, prevention, and support. We work alongside the community, health professionals, and government to provide trusted information and services to those affected by cancer. With a mission to save lives and create a cancer-free future, Cancer Council offers a purpose-driven workplace where everyone can make a meaningful difference to help improve outcomes for people affected by cancer.

About the role

The Cancer Navigation Service is a key component of the Australian Government’s Australian Cancer Nursing and Navigation Program (ACNNP). This national initiative is enhancing and expanding Cancer Council’s existing information and support services to provide more timely, equitable, and culturally safe access to information, navigation, and support for anyone impacted by cancer. The project aims to integrate, strengthen, and digitalise navigation pathways alongside key cancer sector stakeholders, offering new ways for people to connect with support that best meets their needs now and into the future.

We are now seeking an experienced Program Director to lead this nationwide program of work to design, build, and implement the Cancer Navigation Project. The role is accountable for delivering the program of work, overseeing planning, development, and transition activities, to ensure Program outcomes are achieved within the agreed governance framework. The Program Director ensures all program delivery activities are aligned with national cancer control priorities and the Australian Cancer Plan, and that the initiative is delivered in partnership with stakeholders across the Cancer Council Federation, particularly the service-providing states responsible for operational delivery, and the broader cancer sector.

The Program Director will:

• Lead integrated planning, delivery and hold accountability for risk management and evaluation and benefits realisation in partnership with the Program Management Office (PMO).
• Operate within the established program governance framework and ensure accurate and timely reporting to the CEO Forum via the SRO.
• Foster collaboration across state and territory Cancer Councils, government, sector partners, and priority population representatives.
• Ensure design and delivery adhere to agreed principles of inclusivity, equity, transparency, and continuous improvement.
• Oversee program planning, risk management, budget management, evaluation, and benefits realisation and provide transparent reporting to governance forums, including the SRO, CEO Forum, and CCA Board.
• Oversee program-level change management in collaboration with the PMO, ensuring that change activities are aligned with program objectives, stakeholder needs, and governance requirements, and that change impacts are effectively managed across the federated delivery model.
• Oversee benefits realisation planning and program evaluation in partnership with the PMO and quality teams ensuring reporting demonstrates service impact, stakeholder satisfaction, and alignment with funding outcomes.
• Foster collaboration across state and territory Cancer Councils, government, sector partners, and priority populations ensuring program design and delivery align with the Australian Cancer Plan and principles of equity, inclusivity and cultural safety.
• Work closely with the Director of Engagement to integrate stakeholder insights into program decision-making.

About you

You’re a seasoned leader with a proven record managing large, multi-jurisdictional programs, preferably in health or cancer control. You have demonstrated success in program delivery, risk management and stakeholder engagement in complex environments. You bring:

• Proven experience leading successful integrated program delivery using various methodologies (Hybrid/Agile/Waterfall)
• Demonstrated success in program management and delivery, and stakeholder engagement in complex partnership environments.
• You’re a leader passionate about promoting, supporting and guiding teams to drive quality delivery whilst shifting mindsets to focus on continuous improvement and transformation.
• Strong understanding of cancer service delivery and the lived experience of people affected by cancer.
• Expertise in integrated program planning, budget management, and risk management.
• Exceptional interpersonal, negotiation, and influencing skills at senior government and sector levels.
• Have exposure to federated or multi-agency delivery environments
• Commitment to equity, inclusivity, and cultural safety in program delivery.

Our Culture

We embrace diversity, celebrate differences and inspire each person to be their authentic self at work. We welcome and actively encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, culturally and linguistically diverse people, people with a disability, the LGBTQI+ community, mature age workers, as well as parents and carers returning to the workforce.

Why work with us?

At Cancer Council Australia, you don’t just join a team, you join a movement. As a non-profit organisation, our mission is to prevent cancer, empower patients, and save lives. You’ll benefit from:

• Salary sacrificing options, maximising your take home pay through generous salary packaging benefits.
• Flexible work arrangements and being part of a collaborative and inclusive team.
• Personal and professional development, with great opportunities to grow your skills

Apply now

Apply now and be part of a team that’s changing lives across Australia.