About the Organisation

Medicinal Cannabis Council Australia (MCCA) is the peak body for Australia’s medicinal cannabis sector. As a charitable organisation, its focus is on promoting health and improving access to high-quality healthcare by bringing together patients, healthcare practitioners and businesses involved in the cultivation, production, manufacture and supply of safe and effective medicinal cannabis products. MCCA strives to provide balanced representation of patients, healthcare practitioners and sector participants in all interactions with government, regulatory bodies and other decision makers.

MCCA works to strengthen the Australian medicinal cannabis ecosystem by:

• advocating for patient access and safety;
• promoting evidence-based education and public awareness;
• fostering high-quality research;
• supporting industry best practice and regulatory excellence;
• facilitating sustainable sector growth, including domestic and export pathways; and
• providing a unified voice for industry participants.

Through collaboration with government, clinicians, researchers and industry leaders, MCCA aims to ensure medicinal cannabis is responsibly integrated into the Australian health system and that patients receive the highest standard of care.

Position Description  
Role Overview

The CEO will lead the strategic, operational and advocacy functions of MCCA, ensuring it fulfils its charitable purpose and advances the development of a safe, sustainable and patient-centred medicinal cannabis sector in Australia.

Reporting to the Board of Directors, the CEO will be responsible for shaping the organisation’s strategic direction, strengthening its influence with government and regulators, driving member value and positioning the Company as the authoritative voice for medicinal cannabis policy, standards and education.

This role requires a leader with exceptional stakeholder engagement capability, deep experience in public policy or industry advocacy, and a strong commitment to improving patient outcomes and advancing evidence-based practice.

Key Responsibilities

1. Strategic Leadership

• Develop and execute a long-term strategy aligned with the Company’s charitable objects and the evolving needs of patients, industry and the health system.
• Position the organisation as a trusted, evidence-based authority on medicinal cannabis policy, standards and patient access.
• Build a high-performing team and culture that reflects the organisation’s values, mission and commitment to public benefit.
• Provide strategic advice to the Board and ensure strong governance, transparency and compliance with all regulatory obligations.

2. Public Affairs, Policy and Advocacy

• Lead MCCA’s advocacy agenda, representing members and patients to government, regulators and key decision-makers.
• Develop policy positions, submissions, white papers and thought leadership materials that advance patient access, regulatory clarity and industry best practice.
• Monitor domestic and international regulatory developments, emerging research and sector trends to ensure proactive, evidence-based advocacy.
• Strengthen the organisation’s role in shaping national standards for cultivation, production, manufacturing and supply of medicinal cannabis products.
• Oversee the delivery of conferences, roundtables and policy forums that elevate the organisation’s influence and support sector development.

3. Stakeholder Engagement and Sector Collaboration

• Build strong relationships with policymakers, clinicians, researchers, patient groups, industry leaders and international counterparts.
• Serve as the primary spokesperson for the organisation, representing the sector in media, public forums and high-level government engagements.
• Foster collaboration across the medicinal cannabis ecosystem, including research partnerships, clinical engagement and cross-industry initiatives.
• Promote public awareness and understanding of medicinal cannabis through evidence-based education and communication.

4. Membership Engagement and Growth

• Deliver high-value programs, services and professional development opportunities that support members’ regulatory, operational and commercial needs.
• Strengthen member engagement through regular communication, consultation and opportunities for collaboration.
• Drive membership growth by engaging emerging businesses, innovators and key industry stakeholders.
• Ensure the organisation remains responsive to member needs while upholding its charitable purpose and public interest mandate.

5. Operational and Financial Leadership

• Oversee day-to-day operations, ensuring efficient management of resources, staff and member services.
• Lead financial planning, budgeting, reporting and revenue generation through membership, partnerships, grants and events.
• Implement systems and processes that support organisational excellence, risk management and continuous improvement.
• Ensure compliance with all legal, regulatory and governance requirements, including those specific to charitable institutions.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Public Administration, Health, Law, Public Policy or a related field; postgraduate qualifications preferred.
• Proven experience as a CEO, Executive Director or senior leader within a peak body, not-for-profit, regulatory or advocacy organisation.
• Demonstrated expertise in public policy, government relations or regulatory affairs, ideally within a health, life sciences or highly regulated industry.
• Strong understanding of Australia’s health system, regulatory frameworks and evidence-based policy development.
• Exceptional communication and media skills, with experience acting as a spokesperson in high-profile or politically sensitive environments.
• Demonstrated ability to lead strategic planning, manage complex stakeholder environments and drive organisational growth.
• Strong financial acumen, including experience with budgeting, reporting and diversified revenue models.
• A genuine commitment to improving patient access, supporting evidence-based practice and advancing the medicinal cannabis sector in the public interest.