- Lead the College’s policy and advocacy strategy
- Influence government and sector decision-making at senior levels
- Provide strategic advice to the CEO, Board and Executive Leadership Team
The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) is the professional body responsible for training, educating, and representing psychiatrists in Australia and New Zealand. Committed to excellence and equity in mental healthcare, the RANZCP supports its members and advocates for improved mental health outcomes across its communities. The College’s work focuses on enhancing psychiatric education, promoting access and equity through advocacy and collaboration, and fostering a connected, contemporary organisation that benefits both its members and the public. Governed by a Board of Directors, RANZCP operates with a dedicated team and numerous committees, maintaining strong relationships with governments and key stakeholders across both countries.
The College is seeking an exceptional senior leader to join its Executive Leadership Team as Executive Director, Policy & Advocacy. This is a rare opportunity to shape the bi-national mental health policy agenda and position the College as a trusted, influential voice across Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand.
Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, the Executive Director, Policy & Advocacy provides strategic leadership across policy development, research, advocacy and stakeholder engagement. You will lead the College’s bi-national policy and advocacy agenda, translating member expertise and lived experience into high-impact policy positions, influencing government decision-making, and advancing outcomes for psychiatrists and the broader community.
As a key member of the Executive Leadership Team, you will provide authoritative advice to the CEO, Board and senior committees, while leading and developing a high-performing, values-aligned Policy & Advocacy team. You are a highly credible and politically astute leader with a strong track record in policy, advocacy and stakeholder engagement at a senior level. You bring strategic thinking, influence and collaboration to complex environments, and are motivated by impact and public purpose and bring:
- Postgraduate qualifications in public policy, law, political science, economics, public administration or a related discipline or relevant experience
- Significant senior leadership experience in policy and advocacy within government, membership-based, not-for-profit or complex stakeholder environments
- Deep understanding of Australian and/or Aotearoa New Zealand health systems and the broader socio-political context
- Demonstrated ability to influence at the highest levels and navigate complex stakeholder landscapes
- Strong people leadership skills, with a commitment to inclusion, psychological safety and high performance
Experience in mental health, education, professional colleges or bi-national organisations will be highly regarded.
To view the Success Profile for this opportunity, please copy and paste the following link into your browser: http://davidsonwp.com/2025-ranzcp
For further information or a confidential discussion, please contact Paul Lefebvre on Paul.Lefebvre@davidsonwp.com or Steph Davidson on Steph.Davidson@davidsonwp.com at Davidson Search & Advisory.
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Applications close Sunday 18th January 2026.
Please note the Davidson offices will be closed from 5pm Friday 19 December 2025 to 9am Monday 5 January 2026.
