Board Director – The PA Research Foundation

The PA Research Foundation (PARF) is a statutory body established in 1984 under the Hospitals Foundations Act 1982. It raises funds to support innovative, life-saving medical research at the Princess Alexandra Hospital (PAH) and across the Metro South Health Service. PARF’s mission is to build sustainable giving to continuously fund clinically led research that improves diagnoses, treatments, and prevention of major health conditions such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, and organ failure.

The foundation is an integral part of a patients’ health journey. Providing an opportunity for patients and their families to be part of a community that appreciates, gives back and invests in better health outcomes for all.

The PA Research Foundation provides a conduit for supporters to help save lives and progress patient care through funding patient support initiatives such as advanced medical research, state of the art medical equipment and providing the latest education and training to healthcare staff.

Thanks to their many donors and supporters the Foundation supports millions of dollars’ worth of research every year. The Foundation is committed to funding research across the spectrum of diseases and debilitating conditions including liver and kidney disease, lymphoedema, schizophrenia, bladder cancer, bowel cancer and emergency medicine with a key focus on breast cancer, prostate cancer, skin cancer and head and neck cancer.

The Vision of PARF is to improve the health and well-being of Queenslanders as the healthcare charity of choice, supporting world-leading health research, equipment, and education, with their mission to nurture relationships that enrich lives through giving, in an impactful, responsible, and ethical way to deliver research, equipment, and education for better healthcare outcomes.

Client Website

ACNC Profile

Privacy Policy

Hospital Foundation Act 2018

The PA Research Foundation (PARF) is a registered charity with the ACNC and endorsed as a Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR), enabling it to receive tax-deductible donations. It complies with all regulatory obligations and maintains a strong reputation for transparency and accountability. In 2023–2024, PARF reported over $7.4 million in gross income, including $3.6 million from donations and bequests—a $2 million increase from the previous year. It invested more than $2.9 million in research, patient support, and tied projects, while maintaining a strong operating surplus of $1.59 million.

Operationally, PARF expanded its impact by funding Queensland’s first First Nations Cancer Nurse Consultant, supporting 34 events with nearly 4,000 participants, and acquiring innovative medical equipment. Internally, it strengthened systems, prioritised staff development, and enhanced collaboration. The board comprises experienced professionals across healthcare, finance, governance, and strategy, supporting the Foundation’s mission to fund impactful research and community health initiatives across Metro South Health.

Organisational Chart

The PA Research Foundation’s 2024–2028 Strategic Plan marks a significant milestone as the organisation celebrates its 40th anniversary. This plan reflects a renewed commitment to its mission of improving the health and well-being of Queenslanders through impactful philanthropy. The Foundation aims to strengthen its identity through rebranding, deepen its connection with Metro South Health (MSH) patients, and expand its reach into growing communities. It also seeks to enhance fundraising capabilities, foster innovative partnerships, and ensure that giving is patient-centric and meaningful.

Now and over the next five years, the Foundation will focus on realising its potential—an exciting time that calls for strategic thinking, commitment and experience, and the opportunity to be part of something transformative.

Central to the strategy is a focus on delivering measurable outcomes through investments in clinically led research, advanced medical equipment, and educational initiatives. The Foundation is committed to supporting early-career and First Peoples researchers, ensuring that its funding decisions lead to tangible improvements in healthcare. It also emphasises transparent reporting and communication of impact to donors and stakeholders, reinforcing trust and encouraging long-term support.

Future plans outline a clear pathway for donor and partner engagement, aiming to increase patient and staff participation, grow the number and longevity of donor relationships, and lead the health sector in workplace giving. By aligning closely with MSH’s strategic goals, the Foundation intends to become a trusted and visible presence across all affiliated hospitals, recognised for its ethical stewardship and community impact.

Critical to their focus is people and culture, aiming to foster a collaborative, inclusive, and sustainable work environment. The Foundation actively invests in its team, embracing diversity, and integrating sustainability into all operations. Through these efforts, it aspires to be recognised as a leading healthcare charity, trusted by patients, staff, and the broader community for delivering real and lasting health outcomes.

PARF is thriving in a dynamic philanthropic landscape where donor expectations are evolving in exciting ways. With a growing emphasis on transparency and impact-driven giving, the Foundation is well-positioned to strengthen its alignment between donor intent and the transformative research it supports. Internally, PARF embraces the opportunity to balance bold, innovative research with proven, reliable initiatives—ensuring a diverse and resilient funding portfolio that meets both immediate and long-term health needs.

As the Foundation celebrates its 40th anniversary with a refreshed brand and expanded presence across multiple hospital sites, it has a unique opportunity to unify its identity and amplify its message. This milestone moment allows PARF to clarify its mission, engage new audiences, and build stronger connections with patients, staff, and donors across the Metro South region.

The Foundation’s deepening partnership with Metro South Hospital and Health Service (MSH) opens new avenues for collaboration and shared impact. While changes in leadership and strategy are natural in any evolving organisation, PARF is committed to maintaining strong alignment and momentum through open communication, shared goals, and a steadfast focus on community health outcomes.

As PARF scales its operations to meet growing demand, it is investing in people, systems, and innovation to ensure sustainable growth. By embracing regulatory changes and expanding its team, the Foundation is building the capacity to deliver even greater impact. With disciplined governance, clear communication, and a strong sense of purpose, PARF is poised to continue leading the way in ethical, effective, and community-focused philanthropy.

With a strong growth mindset, this board is looking to strengthen the experience gathered around the boardroom table with a strategic focus on succession planning.

This board director will join an experienced board with a clear focus on the mission of the organisation, to nurture relationships that enrich lives through giving, in an impactful, responsible, and ethical way to deliver research, equipment, and education for better healthcare outcomes.

Contributing to a positive environment with a strong growth mindset, this is a functional board with a broad skillset covering experience in healthcare administration, clinical leadership, financial management, corporate governance, communications, and stakeholder engagement.

Dynamic and strategic, this board works in a timely manner. Exploring opportunities when they arise, in line with the strategic plan, there is a strong level of trust amongst directors. Decisions are made in a strong evidence-based setting.

A supportive environment encouraging robust discussion, once a decision is made there is a collegial effort to see decisions through to conclusion. There is no place for egos in this environment, passion, drive and determination are necessary attributes to align with the functionality of this board, and functionality, is critical for the growth they are looking to achieve in the fundraising capacity of the organisation.

Actively contributing to the drive and development of this organisation, you’re not afraid to roll your sleeves up and get involved. A collaborative and cohesive board this director will bring a can-do attitude.

Passionate about medical research and capable of driving sustainable fundraising growth, this director will bring strategic insight, a strong network, and a commitment to innovation. They should be able to support the Foundation’s mission through advocacy, networking and operational expertise, particularly in areas such as donor engagement, corporate partnerships, and governance. A strong focus on fundraising, this board director needs to bring a solid understanding of the fundraising environment.

With strong business credentials and a contemporary understanding of philanthropy, it is highly desirable that you also possess significant experience within one or more of the following domains.

Technology

Digital transformation is critical for modern fundraising, donor engagement, data security and operational efficiency and this director will have experience utilising technology across business.

Legal

As a statutory body, the Foundation must navigate complex regulatory frameworks and ensure governance practises meet legal standards. Legal oversight is essential for compliance with charity laws, contracts, intellectual property and risk management, a candidate with legal credentials and fundraising understanding would be highly regarded.

Important Areas of Focus

• Proven success in philanthropy and fundraising
• Prior experience as a successful Director or board member
• Strategic planning and implementation expertise
• Demonstrated commercial acumen and business transformation capability
• Strong advocacy for research and community health
• Established and influential networks
• Entrepreneurial mindset with a focus on organisational advancement

Highly Desirable Attributes

• Executive-level experience in a relevant field
• Experience in fundraising, philanthropy, or health research
• Strong governance and financial oversight capabilities
• Strategic thinking and innovation in donor engagement
• Ability to build and maintain high-value partnerships
• Familiarity with Queensland’s public health and hospital systems
• Evidence-based decision-making and leadership

Personal Attributes

• Integrity, transparency, and commitment to public good
• Collaborative and inclusive leadership style
• Passion for health research and community impact
• Adaptability in a dynamic and evolving environment
• Highly relational with strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to represent and advance the organisation externally

When submitting your application, ensure your application includes:

• An up-to-date resume (in Word format)
• A covering letter (in Word format) outlining your interest and expertise relevant to the role

Submit your application quoting reference number MCEBDH to apply@windsor-group.com.au. For more information please contact Mike Conroy on 07 3211 0001. Your application will be acknowledged by email within one business day.

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