Chair, National Mental Health Consumer Alliance

About the role

The National Mental Health Consumer Alliance (the Alliance), Australia's national peak body for mental health consumers, is looking for a Chair elected by the Board as an independent Director. The Chair leads the Board into its next chapter, keeps the federation united around a shared purpose and true to lived experience values, and works closely with the CEO.

Key responsibilities

• Help shape how the Board and CEO build a trusted partnership, and how strategy and performance frameworks stay focused.
• Carry consumer and survivor voices with unity into national reform.
• Lead constructive Board meetings and oversee financial sustainability and risk.
• Guide Board performance, CEO review and succession planning.
• Act as the Board's representative, building trust across state and territory peaks and with Government, alongside the CEO.

Required profile

• A collaborative Chair who connects people around a shared purpose, builds trust and maintains the distinction between governance and operational leadership.
• Board experience and sound governance knowledge; Chair experience is highly regarded but not essential.
• Experience in a federated, membership-based peak body or similar complex environment, financial literacy and skilled facilitation are valued.
• Lived or living experience of mental distress as a consumer (not as a carer or supporter) is essential.
• Knowledge of the consumer and survivor movement is highly regarded; formal governance qualifications are not required.

The position is remunerated and the candidate can be based anywhere in Australia. Applications close on 29 November at 11:59 PM and are reviewed as they arrive; interested applicants should apply early. Applications are submitted through the recruitment agency, with a CV and a one-page cover letter.