Current opportunities

The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Ahpra) is the national agency responsible for administering the National Registration and Accreditation Scheme (National Scheme) in partnership with 15 National Boards for the regulated health professions. Ahpra’s overall purpose is to protect the public by regulating health practitioners efficiently and effectively in the public interest to facilitate access to safer healthcare for all the community.

Reporting to the Executive Director, Corporate Affairs and Regulatory Governance, the National Director provides strategic leadership across communications and media, shaping how we engage with diverse stakeholders and strengthening Ahpra’s public reputation. This newly created position will play a pivotal role in supporting the CEO and driving organisational success within a stakeholder‑rich and complex operating environment. As part of the senior leadership team, the role ensures our communications approach is proactive, responsive and aligned with the National Scheme Strategy, Corporate Plan and organisational priorities.

Ahpra is a National organisation with its head office in Melbourne. While the location of the role is flexible, regular travel to Melbourne would be required if based interstate. Ahpra requires all employees to comply with Ahpra policies, including our Flexible working policy.

About you

You are a strategic, collaborative leader with experience leading enterprise-wide communications and a reputation for providing clear advice to senior executives in complex environments. You quickly synthesise complex information, anticipate emerging issues and enable effective decision‑making through strong cross‑functional teamwork. Calm under pressure and solutions‑focused, you build trusted relationships and navigate diverse stakeholders with confidence. Your background includes leading large‑scale communication strategies, managing high‑profile or sensitive matters, and inspiring teams through purposeful, values‑driven leadership that reflects respect, integrity, achievement and collaboration.

Your experience includes:

• Extensive experience operating in complex and diverse organisations, with exposure to regulatory, government or similarly high‑accountability environments and leading enterprise-wide communications.
• Exceptional stakeholder engagement capability, including working effectively with Boards, executive teams and key external partners.
• A strong record of building high‑trust relationships and providing timely, succinct advice on strategic issues, organisational priorities and emerging risks.
• Demonstrated success leading major communication strategies and ensuring delivery against performance expectations.
• Proven experience acting as a trusted advisor to CEOs and senior executive leaders.

Position description:   National Director - Strategic Communications.pdf

Your leadership will shape national communications for a regulator dedicated to protecting the public and supporting the health workforce. This role offers the opportunity to influence public understanding, strengthen trust and help guide the organisation through reform.

If you are driven by purpose and ready to lead this opportunity at a national level, we’d welcome your interest.

What we offer: 

• An opportunity to work for a high profile, national, for-purpose organisation, focused on public safety in healthcare.
• An opportunity to establish a new position in a dynamic and exciting period of transformation and change
• A values led organisation that promotes flexibility and employee wellbeing.
• A highly competitive salary package commensurate to the required skills and experience of the role.

To apply

• Click ‘Apply for this job’ to submit your application.
• Please submit your application from a confidential email address where you are prepared to receive all emails regarding the position.
• Your application must include a resume and cover letter
• Applicants must be an Australian Citizen, Permanent Resident or hold a valid work permit or visa. Work eligibility will be checked as part of the recruitment process. 
• Applications must be submitted by 11.50pm AEDT Sunday 15 March 2026
• For further information or enquiries please contact recruitment@ahpra.gov.au

Offer of employment is subject to successful background (pre-employment screening) and Criminal History checks. 

Ahpra acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and their continued connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and Elders past, present and emerging. 

With respect, no agencies please