Mid North Coast Local Health District (MNCLHD) is entering an exciting new phase of leadership following the appointment of Jill Wong as Chief Executive. The District is undertaking an executive redesign shaped by the direction, vision and values of NSW Health, creating contemporary and agile leadership that is fit for the future. This is an opportunity to be part of a progressive Executive Leadership Team that is collaborative, innovative and aligned with the Future Health agenda.
The Opportunity
The District Director, Clinical Acute Services is a senior executive role reporting directly to the Chief Executive and carries responsibility for leading acute and specialist services across the District. The portfolio includes the District’s seven hospitals, Patient Flow and Whole of Health priorities, Pharmacy services, Medical Imaging services, Mid North Coast Cancer Institutes.
It is an outstanding opportunity to influence the performance and direction of acute care at scale, strengthening safety, sustainability, equity and access across a diverse regional population. You will embed innovative models of care, drive integration to improve patient flow, and ensure services deliver outcomes that matter to patients, their carers and families, staff and the communities across the Mid North Coast.
As a trusted advisor to the Chief Executive and member of the Executive Leadership Team, you will play a central role in shaping district-wide strategy, building high-performing teams and leading reform that leaves a lasting impact on hospital services, workforce capability and system innovation.
The Organisation
MNCLHD delivers hospital, community and preventative health services across a diverse region from Port Macquarie to Coffs Harbour. With a $949 million budget, a growing population of over 230,000 and significant Aboriginal and culturally diverse communities, the District plays a central role in ensuring equity and improving health outcomes for rural and regional populations.
The District has a strong reputation for innovation, with a track record of introducing new models of care and embracing progressive approaches to service delivery that support our patients, clients, consumers and the community. With a collaborative new leadership team and a commitment to the NSW Health values of Collaboration, Openness, Respect and Empowerment, MNCLHD is well-placed to continue its journey of transformation and deliver on its vision of a healthy, well and thriving Mid North Coast.
About You
You are an agile and contemporary leader who brings kindness, empathy and inclusiveness to your leadership style. You listen actively, show gratitude, and foster a culture where people feel recognised and empowered. You are committed to building trust – with staff, communities and partners – through engagement, accessibility and authenticity. As a trusted advisor to the Chief Executive, you will work as part of a progressive, co-leadership Executive Team that values collaboration and respect.
You combine deep expertise in acute and specialist services with the resilience, vision and integrity to lead transformation at scale. You are motivated by the opportunity to support and develop the District’s workforce, translate system priorities into local outcomes, and make a real difference to patients and communities.
You will bring:
- Significant executive experience in acute and/or specialist clinical service leadership across complex health systems
- A strong record of service performance, reform and innovation in hospital or system-wide contexts
- Proven ability to lead large-scale change with integrity and accountability
- Strong financial acumen and understanding of Activity Based Management to ensure sustainability
- High-level communication and engagement skills, with the ability to foster collaboration, build trust and influence across diverse stakeholders
- Relevant tertiary and/or postgraduate qualifications in health management, medicine, nursing, allied health, or a related field
How to apply
For a confidential discussion or role related questions, please contact Jess Gough or Jess Lewy of The Orchard Talent Group on MNCLHD@orchardtalent.com.au. To apply please submit your current CV, a 1–2-page cover letter and your responses to the below questions via email to MNCLHD@orchardtalent.com.au.
- Describe how you have led, enabled and delivered transformational change across complex clinical services, balancing operational performance, safety, and quality while maintaining strong engagement with clinicians, partners, and the community.
- What is your vision for the future of acute care in a regional health setting, and how would you ensure integration across the continuum of care to improve healthcare outcomes and health system sustainability?
Please note applicants must have a legal right to work in Australia.
Applications close Sunday 26 October 2025.
The Orchard Talent Group acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we work. We pay our respect to their Elders past, present and emerging, for they hold the memories, traditions, culture and hopes of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.