Chief Executive Officer – Queensland Alliance for Mental Health

Windsor Group has been appointed by Queensland Alliance for Mental Health (QAMH) to manage this executive search. As a profit‑for‑purpose organisation, we support our clients through ethical, values‑aligned recruitment across the nonprofit, government and commercial sectors.

The Queensland Alliance for Mental Health (QAMH) is the peak body representing the community mental health sector across Queensland.

QAMH advocates for, supports, and strengthens its member organisations, providers delivering frontline services that support people living with mental health well being. The organisation plays a critical role in shaping policy, influencing sector reform, and fostering collaboration between government, providers, stakeholders and and those with lived experience.

QAMH is known for:

• Strong sector advocacy and representation
• Deep engagement with community providers
• Influencing system-level reform in mental health
• A commitment to improving well being for individuals and communities

Links
Website
Strategic Plan
Annual Report
Constitution
Audited Financials

QAMH is emerging from a period of managed transition and is now entering a phase of renewal and forward momentum.

The organisation has:

• Stabilised governance following a Board leadership transition
• Successfully navigated a CEO transition, with interim leadership ensuring continuity
• Maintained strong operational performance through an experienced executive team
• Developed a new strategic plan, now in early implementation

The operating environment remains dynamic, characterised by:

• Ongoing reform across mental health and community services
• Increasing demand for community-based supports
• Evolving funding and policy settings
• The need for strong, unified sector advocacy

Strategic priorities include:

• Delivering and embedding the new strategic plan
• Strengthening sector influence and advocacy impact
• Deepening relationships with government and funders
• Supporting capability and sustainability of member organisations
• Enhancing QAMH’s visibility and leadership across the sector

This presents a significant opportunity for a new CEO to shape the organisation’s next phase of impact.

QAMH is seeking a values-driven and strategically capable Chief Executive Officer to lead the organisation into its next phase of impact and influence.

Reporting to the Board, the CEO is accountable for the overall leadership, management, and performance of QAMH, ensuring delivery against its strategic objectives and sustainability into the future. The role will lead the implementation of the organisation’s strategy, oversee all programs and operations, and position QAMH as a strong, credible and influential voice within the community mental health sector.

Strategic Focus and Leadership Expectations

The Board is seeking a CEO who can:

• Lead implementation of the newly developed strategic plan
• Strengthen the relationship between the CEO and the Board
• Continue building stability and momentum following organisational transitions
• Maintain strong relationships with:
  • Members
  • Funders
  • Sector stakeholders
  • Those with lived experience.

Leadership & People

• Demonstrated senior executive leadership experience, with the ability to lead, inspire and develop high-performing teams
• Strong people leadership capability, including organisational culture, performance management, and workforce development
• Experience managing organisational change and leading through transition
• Commitment to fostering a values-based, inclusive and safe workplace culture

Strategy & Planning

• Proven experience leading the development and implementation of organisational strategy
• Ability to identify emerging trends, risks and opportunities within a complex policy and service environment
• Strong track record in driving organisational performance and achieving strategic outcomes
• Experience contributing to research, policy development and sector advancement

Operational or Technical Expertise

• Strong financial management capability, including budgeting, forecasting and funding oversight
• Demonstrated success in securing and managing funding from government and other sources
• Experience overseeing organisational operations, programs, and service delivery
• Strong governance understanding, including compliance and risk management responsibilities

Stakeholder Engagement & Influence

• Exceptional stakeholder engagement skills, with experience building partnerships across government, community and sector organisations
• Demonstrated ability to influence policy and government decision-making at senior levels, including State and Federal Ministerial engagement
• Strong advocacy capability, with the ability to represent the organisation in public, media and sector forums
• Experience working within or alongside membership-based organisations (desirable)

Values, Integrity & Cultural Alignment

• Exceptional stakeholder engagement skills, with experience building partnerships across government, community and sector organisations
• Demonstrated ability to influence policy and government decision-making at senior levels, including Ministerial engagement
• Strong advocacy capability, with the ability to represent the organisation in public, media and sector forums
• Experience working within or alongside membership-based organisations (desirable)

Sector Expertise

• Strong understanding of the community mental health and wellbeing landscape
• Knowledge of key policy frameworks, including the NDIS and its implications for people with psychosocial disability
• Understanding of service delivery models and challenges within the community mental health sector

Download the Position Description here

The ideal candidate is a seasoned executive leader with a strong track record in strategy, advocacy and organisational leadership, ideally within the community, health or human services sectors. They bring a collaborative and authentic leadership style, with the ability to influence at senior levels of government and across complex stakeholder environments.

They are both strategic and operational, capable of translating vision into delivery while ensuring financial sustainability and organisational effectiveness. With strong interpersonal and communication skills, they build trust quickly and represent the organisation with credibility and impact.

A deep understanding of the mental health landscape and a genuine commitment to improving outcomes for individuals and communities will distinguish the successful candidate, along with their ability to lead through complexity, foster partnerships, and shape sector reform.

Windsor Group and QAMH are committed to equal opportunity employment practices. Applications will be assessed on merit, and shortlisted candidates will be invited to interview. An offer of appointment will be made to the applicant whose written application and interview performance best demonstrate their ability to meet the requirements of the role.

Windsor Group will review applications as they are received. We encourage early applications, as screening begins immediately.

Process steps:

• Initial screening by Windsor Group
• Consultant interview
• Client panel interview(s)
• Assessments (if required)
• Reference checks

Indicative timeline:

• Weeks 1–3: Screening
• Week 4-5: Windsor Group interviews

We will keep candidates updated throughout each stage.

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

To be considered, please submit a covering letter and resume outlining your motivation and relevant experience, quoting reference number KCCEMH, to apply@windsor-group.com.au, or contact Kym Cheatham on (07) 3211 0001 for a confidential discussion.

Your application will be acknowledged by email within one business day.

View the live job advertisement here