Our Client:
At Cancer Society Southern, our job is urgent and unifying: to reduce the burden of cancer wherever and however it shows up. Covering communities from Kaikōura in the north, across to the West Coast, and down to Bluff, we stand beside people during every step of their cancer journey by providing transport to treatment, a place to stay, reliable information, or simply someone who understands and will listen. In the past year alone, we’ve provided free accommodation in Dunedin and Christchurch to more than 1500 people across the South Island, facilitated over 5500 transports to treatment appointments, and delivered countless home visits, clinics, support groups, and education sessions. Strengthened by 2700 extraordinary volunteers donating over 20,000 hours, we are a movement of compassion, action, and hope. We believe the stakes have never been higher and the opportunity has never been greater. Join us as we work together towards a future free from cancer.
For more information, please visit: https://www.cancer.org.nz
The Role:
We are seeking an inspiring and compassionate Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to lead Cancer Society Southern through its next phase of growth, impact and sustainability. As CEO, you will be responsible for continuing to embed and maximise the benefits of the organisation’s recent amalgamation, strengthening a sustainable funding model, and ensuring Cancer Society Southern continues to be recognised as a trusted leader in cancer support and advocacy across the region. A key focus will be building and leveraging relationships across the health sector, philanthropic networks, iwi partners, and community organisations, to champion the cause of Cancer Society Southern with credibility and influence. You will empower and support teams across a geographically dispersed region to innovate and deliver services, while fostering a culture of collaboration, action and results driven performance. Visible and authentic leadership will be critical as you engage the Southern community and strengthen national connections, positioning Cancer Society Southern as a strong advocate for equity and for people impacted by cancer.
The Person:
We are searching for an accomplished and outcomes focused leader with proven senior executive experience who can demonstrate strong strategic and commercial capability, while also being prepared to be visible, hands-on and present across the organisation and its communities. You will be ambitious in delivering the mission of Cancer Society Southern, with an ability to balance strategic advocacy and operational delivery across a large and diverse region. A critical component of your success will be your ability to build enduring relationships with employees and volunteers through to health leaders, iwi, donors and federation partners to ensure Cancer Society Southern has both a strong local presence and national influence. Your leadership style will be impact oriented, decisive and empathetic, grounded in strong emotional intelligence and cultural competence. Commercial acumen and experience managing significant assets, diversifying income streams and achieving long term financial sustainability will be essential. While experience in the health or social services sector is advantageous, it is not necessarily essential, provided you can quickly build credibility and navigate the complexities of the federated model and health sector nuances.
Why Join Cancer Society Southern?
With 1 in 3 New Zealanders facing a cancer diagnosis, Cancer Society Southern’s work has never been more critical. Beyond their wraparound support services, they’re part of an organisation that invests in pioneering research, championing prevention, and advocating for earlier detection – knowing that up to half of cancers are preventable and early diagnosis saves lives. Their Cancer Society Tissue Bank supports researchers nationwide, and partnerships like Encompass Health deliver holistic, specialised care for their clients’ ongoing wellness. Cancer Society Southern is powered by the passion of people.
Please note, the CEO will need to reside in Cancer Society’s Southern region (South of Kaikoura) and will need to travel so being close to an airport will be advantageous.
To Apply:
Please submit your CV and a cover letter outlining the relevant skills, experience, and leadership qualities you would bring to this role. Initial confidential enquiries are welcome by contacting Sally Wynn-Williams on 027 478 5554 or Kase Craig on 021 657 328.
Applications for this role close on COB Monday 29 September 2025
