Express an Interest

Targeting:

Head and Neck Cancer Australia (HANCA) is the only national charity in Australia dedicated to providing education and support to people living with Head and Neck Cancer, their families and carers. We represent the 5,300 people who are newly diagnosed each year and more than 17,000 people who are living with Head and Neck Cancer and the family, friends and carers who support them.

Founded in 2014 by a team of leading clinicians who witnessed first-hand the profound impact of Head and Neck Cancer, HANCA was built on a shared commitment to drive change and improve support for people affected by this complex cancer. Their vision created a unique collaboration of patients, family members, carers and clinicians working together to provide information, education and access to support. HANCA has grown from one employee when it was launched in 2016 to a team of 14 employees in 2026. Today, the Board comprises Directors with diverse professional backgrounds, including both clinical expertise and lived experience.

To save lives and ensure no Australian faces Head and Neck Cancer alone.

HANCA leads the national effort to raise awareness of Head and Neck Cancer among Australians and healthcare professionals to increase early diagnosis and encourage prevention.We provide free, comprehensive and easy-to-understand information to help people navigate their cancer journey and achieve the best quality of life possible before, during and after treatment. In March 2025 HANCA launched Australia’s first specialist Head and Neck Cancer Helpline as part of the Federal Government’s Australian Cancer Nurse and Navigation Program.HANCA also advocates for national investment to better support people who are cured of Head and Neck Cancer but live with the long-term side effects of treatment.

The HANCA Board seeks to appoint a Clinical Board Director who shares our vision and will champion this unique not-for-profit organisation.Professional, collaborative and deeply committed to improving outcomes for people affected by Head and Neck Cancer, the Board is seeking an individual with recognised multidisciplinary clinical expertise in Head and Neck Cancer care and a genuine commitment to contributing to HANCA’s continued growth.

We are looking for applicants who bring:

• Specialist clinical expertise in Head and Neck Cancer or a closely related discipline, with the ability to contribute meaningfully to multidisciplinary discussions.

• Demonstrated clinical leadership, including effective engagement and collaboration within the Head and Neck Cancer clinical community.

• Insight into system gaps, inequities and the lived experience of people affected by HNC.

• Understanding of clinical governance frameworks, accountability requirements and the realities of hospital, community and specialist care settings.

• Strong collaboration skills with the ability to build and maintain relationships with key HANCA stakeholders, including hospitals, community partners, the HNC patient community, other NFPs, government, regulators and policy makers.

• Awareness of disparities in access, outcomes and culturally safe care, and a commitment to improving equity nationally.

• Advocacy capability, including the ability to balance clinical expertise with consumer perspectives and translate clinical insight into strategic and policy-relevant advice.

• A strong ethical compass, including transparent declaration and management of professional conflicts of interest.

• Time, passion and a genuine commitment to contribute actively to HANCA’s mission and Board responsibilities.

• A general understanding of not-for-profit governance expectations, and a willingness to deepen this knowledge (formal governance experience is desirable but not essential).

Interested candidates are invited to submit a cover letter and CV outlining their experience and capacity to contribute to HANCA’s mission.

Applicants are encouraged to demonstrate:

• Alignment with HANCA’s vision and purpose, and a commitment to improving outcomes for people affected by Head and Neck Cancer.

• Specialist clinical expertise in Head and Neck Cancer care, or a closely related discipline, and the ability to bring a multidisciplinary perspective to Board discussions.

• Experience in clinical leadership, collaboration and engagement across hospital, community and specialist care settings.

• Awareness of clinical governance frameworks, system gaps, disparities in access and culturally safe care.

• Advocacy capability, including the ability to balance clinical and consumer perspectives and translate clinical insight into strategic and policy-relevant advice.

• A general understanding of not-for-profit governance expectations, and a willingness to deepen this knowledge (formal governance experience is desirable but not essential).

• Previous leadership, advisory or committee experience within clinical, research or health service settings.

• Capacity to contribute time, insight and thoughtful engagement to the work of the Board and its subcommittees.Please submit your Expression of Interest to board@headandneckcancer.org.au Friday 17 April 2026.

Duty Statement: NSW