Director of Nursing

The Director of Nursing - Macquarie University Hospital and Clinics is responsible for leading and overseeing all strategic aspects of the nursing services across MU Health and the new Macquarie Nursing School. The Director of Nursing plays an active role in leading and contributing towards the achievement of MU Health strategic and operational goals and objectives with the nursing workforce while ensuring appropriate clinical governance structures are in place with other disciplines. The Director of Nursing has leadership responsibilities for the nursing functions across the hospital and clinics and strategic clinical responsibilities in partnership with the Macquarie University Nursing School.

• Attractive executive level package negotiable
• Full time continuing position
• Macquarie University Hospital, Wallumattagal Campus North Ryde

Executive nursing leadership with real impact across hospital, clinics and the new Nursing School.

As Director of Nursing, you will provide strategic and operational leadership for nursing services across Macquarie University Hospital and Clinics, while partnering with the new Macquarie Nursing School to strengthen education, clinical learning, innovation and research. Reporting to the CEO, MQ Health, you will be a key member of the Clinical Services Executive Team, shaping hospital-wide priorities and ensuring robust clinical governance and patient safety systems across nursing functions.

This role will suit an accomplished nursing executive who can bring stability, direction and transformation and who is ready to influence across a complex, high-performing healthcare environment.

Find out more about the Director of Nursing position by visiting our Digital Candidate Brochure.

About the Role

The Director of Nursing will lead across five core areas:

• Strategic leadership and governance: develop and execute nursing strategy aligned to MU Health and University objectives; ensure strong clinical governance, NSQHS compliance and accreditation readiness; champion a positive safety culture and quality improvement.
• Workforce and financial management: lead workforce planning, rosters and succession planning; manage nursing budgets and measurable KPIs; lead negotiation and implementation of nursing Enterprise Agreements; drive performance, development and wellbeing across the workforce.
• Academic and research partnership: work with the Dean of Nursing to operationalise plans for the Macquarie Nursing School; support growth in undergraduate/postgraduate education and expand research partnerships locally and internationally.
• Operational excellence and clinical practice: continuously improve nursing standards, policies and protocols; provide leadership for patient access, flow and care delivery; leverage data, technology and evidence-based practice in executive decision-making.
• Stakeholder engagement: build trusted relationships across the MU Health executive, Board, Faculty and clinical leaders; promote the Nursing School's reputation through strategic engagement and communications.

About Us

At Macquarie University Health, we unite outstanding clinicians, researchers and educators to advance health care, education and discovery. As Australia's first university-led academic health sciences centre, Macquarie University Health integrates clinical care, teaching and research within a single organisation. We are committed to delivering exceptional patient outcomes while supporting the development of future healthcare leaders.

About You (Selection Criteria)

You are an experienced nursing executive with demonstrated success in a Director of Nursing (or equivalent) role, with strong capability in:

• Proven executive nursing leadership: Demonstrated success in a Director of Nursing or equivalent senior executive nursing role, with a track record of providing stability, direction, and transformation across a complex healthcare organisation.

• Strategic vision and planning capability: Demonstrated ability to develop, implement, and evaluate nursing and organisational strategies in alignment with broader health system priorities, research, and education objectives.

• Clinical governance and quality leadership: Deep understanding of clinical governance frameworks, NSQHS Standards, accreditation requirements, and a demonstrated commitment to building a culture of patient safety, quality improvement, and accountability.

• Financial and resource management: Proven experience in developing and managing nursing budgets, KPIs, and workforce allocation within a private or academic healthcare environment.

• Academic and research acumen: Demonstrated ability to partner effectively with academic and research institutions to advance nursing education, clinical learning, and evidence-based practice or a clear aptitude and appetite for doing so.

• Workforce leadership and people development: Exceptional ability to lead, inspire, and develop a large and diverse nursing workforce, including succession planning, performance management, and fostering a culture of empowerment and continuous growth.

• Stakeholder influence and engagement: Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with a demonstrated capacity to build productive relationships and influence across a broad range of internal and external stakeholders, including executive teams, clinical leaders, academics, consumers, and regulatory bodies.

• Executive communication and decision-making: Demonstrated ability to provide clear, timely, and evidence-informed advice, including board and executive-level briefings, and to make sound decisions in complex, fast-moving environments.

• Alignment with MU Health values: Caring, Integrity, Teamwork, Ambition, Innovation and Empowerment

Role-Specific Conditions

• Hold active AHPRA Registration (or be eligible for activation prior to commencement) and provide evidence of AHPRA registration during the application process.
• Hold or obtain a valid NSW Working With Children Check.
• Satisfy National Criminal Record Check requirements.
• Meet Macquarie University Health immunisation and vaccination requirements.

Find out more about the Director of Nursing position by visiting our Digital Candidate Brochure.

Pre-Employment Checks

Macquarie University Health cultivates a workplace defined by safety, ethical conduct, and strong integrity. Prior to completion of an offer of employment, preferred candidates will be required to participate in a combination of pre-employment checks relevant to the role they have applied for.

Your employment is conditional upon the completion and maintenance of all role-required pre-employment or background checks in terms satisfactory to Macquarie University Health.

How to Apply

To be considered, please apply online with your CV and a cover letter (1-2 pages) outlining how your experience aligns with the selection criteria (above).

Applications Close: Thursday 10th September 2026, 11:59pm AEST

**We reserve the right to progress or not proceed with applications prior to the closing date, and to close the advertisement early if required**

**Please note this position is only open to Australian citizens, permanent residents and those currently residing in Australia with full working rights**

General Enquiries

Walter Kmet, CEO MQ Health - ***********@mq.edu.au
Sarah Bate, Head of Talent Acquisition - **********@mq.edu.au
Rebecca Wood, Talent Acquisition Consultant (Health) - ******@mq.edu.au

Why Join Us?

You'll play a key role in shaping the future of integrated healthcare in Australia. You'll lead a supportive, collaborative team that is committed to delivering innovative, patient-centred care backed by world-class research and teaching.

Macquarie University Hospital is Australia's first university-owned teaching hospital within Australia's first fully integrated academic health sciences centre, combining clinical excellence with world-class research and education in a unique, end-to-end model of care. Our 181-bed hospital integrates clinical practice, teaching and research, supported by state-of-the-art technologies and a commitment to compassionate, high-quality care. We offer fantastic range of Employee Benefits including:

• Salary sacrifices options and excellent salary packaging benefits
• Post graduate study and ongoing education support through scholarship programs
• Macquarie University Childcare at a reduced staff rate
• Extensive Macquarie University facilities including sporting facilities, gym and pool

More information about our employee benefits can be found here.

If you're already part of the Macquarie Group (MQ University, U@MQ, MU Health, MGSM), you'll need to apply through your employee Workday account. To apply for this job: Login to Workday and go to the Careers App > Find Jobs.

A Place Where You Belong

At Macquarie, we believe diversity makes us stronger, inclusion drives our success, and belonging inspires us to do our best work. We are proud to foster a community where different backgrounds, identities, and experiences are valued, and where our people are empowered to thrive through supportive leadership, shared responsibility, and a deep commitment to genuine care and respect for our community. Find out more about our vision for a truly inclusive workplace in our Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging Framework.

Learn More
Discover the unique career opportunities we can offer by visiting our Careers Page.