HANCA seeks to appoint a Non-Clinical Board Director who shares our vision and will successfully champion this unique not-for-profit organisation.

Professional and highly collaborative, the HANCA Board is currently seeking individuals who are business leaders with appropriate skills and experience in risk management and governance, preferably in the charity sector.

We are seeking applicants with the following range of skills and demonstrated expertise to drive and support our mission:

• Demonstrated experience in risk management and corporate governance. AICD director’s qualification preferred.
• Sound judgement and commitment to integrity and high ethical standards.
• Effective communication and relationship building skills, particularly with communities of interest.
• A strong network in corporate, philanthropic and/or government spheres.
• An empathetic and collaborative approach to serving the organisation’s mission.
• A strong and inclusive leadership style.
• Genuine capacity to devote time and energy to the role of Board Director.
• The willingness to champion HANCA at every opportunity.
• A sincere desire to support the well-being of those affected by HNC.

Our Invitation

The Board will be delighted to receive Expressions of Interest from individuals with whom our mission resonates and who have the requisite skills and experience. We welcome applications from people whose lives may have been affected by HNC and we encourage people from diverse backgrounds to apply.

As part of our strategy to strengthen our national footprint and diversity, Head and Neck Cancer Australia is particularly looking for new Board Directors from outside of NSW.

Our Board

The role of the HANCA Board is to provide governance and strategic leadership to Head and Neck Cancer Australia. Board Director positions are voluntary and there is no remuneration. Terms are for three years with the option to renew for three years. The Board of Directors meets quarterly as well as an in-person annual planning day. Directors are expected to serve on at least one subcommittee, which meet as required but no more than quarterly. Meetings may be attended via video conference.

Our Story

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 (HNC), their families and carers. We represent the 5,100 people who are newly diagnosed each year and more than 17,000 people who are living with HNC and their family, friends and carers who care for them.

The charity was founded in 2014 by a team of leading clinicians who witnessed first-hand the profound impact of HNC on the lives of those affected and were passionate about driving change and improving the support for people touched by HNC. Their personal commitment to Head and Neck Cancer Australia’s vision has resulted in a unique collaboration of patients, family members, carers and clinicians to provide information, education and access to support. The Board now comprises a mix of people of differing professional backgrounds with both HNC clinical expertise and lived experience.

Our Vision

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

Our Purpose

HANCA leads the national effort to raise awareness about HNC among all 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 have the best quality of life possible before, during and after treatment. In March 2025 HANCA will launch Australia’s first Head and Neck Cancer Helpline as part of the Federal Government’s Australian Cancer Nursing and Navigation Program.

We also advocate for funding to be prioritised on the national agenda to support people who are cured but living with the long-term consequences of Head and Neck Cancer treatment.

Further information about HANCA is available from our website and from the Australian Charities and Not for Profit Commission.

Inquiries can be addressed to [email protected] using the subject line: Non-Clinical Board Director (Voluntary) enquiry via EthicalJobs.

A position description is attached.