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HANCA Clinical Board Director - Expression of Interest 

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 witness 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 Cancer

HNC is one of the seven most common cancers affecting Australians, and with more than 10 different types, it is incredibly complex and diverse. In the past smoking and alcohol were the most common causes of HNC typically affecting areas like the mouth, throat and voice box. What many people don’t know, however, is that today in Australia there is a rising incidence of HNC caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV) – the same virus that causes cervical cancer - and which can affect young, otherwise healthy, non-smoking men and women. Alarmingly, there has also been an increase in otherwise healthy young women under 45 being diagnosed with tongue cancer. The cause is unknown.

There is no screening for HNC. Early detection is key. While some HNC have an excellent prognosis unfortunately two-thirds of all HNC patients present with advanced disease and their prognosis is often very challenging.

The treatments for HNC are widely acknowledged in the cancer community to be among the toughest on patients. While 71% of people will survive HNC their short- and long-term needs are complex and their ongoing quality of life is often distressingly poor. HNC can be brutal. Treatment can leave a person unable to smile or laugh and take away basic abilities that we all take for granted like speaking, eating and drinking, breathing, swallowing, hearing and eye sight. For some it can result in devastating facial disfigurements that cannot be hidden by clothing and is displayed for all the world to see.

With an ageing population and advances in diagnosis and treatment, the number of people living with HNC continues to rise.

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 Nurse 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.

Our Search

The HANCA Board seeks to appoint a 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 have multi-disciplinary specialist expertise in the treatment of cancers of the head and neck, with a preference for a Radiation Oncologist.

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

• A command of best practice governance.
• Strong financial acumen.
• Sound judgement and commitment to integrity and high ethical standards.
• Effective communication and relationship building skills, particularly with communities of interest.
• Extensive well-nurtured network in corporate, philanthropic and/or government spheres.
• Ability to develop innovative, strategic approaches to the organisation’s growth.
• 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 Head and Neck Cancer Australia 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.

Interested in applying?

Interested applicants are invited to express their interest by submitting a cover letter and accompanying CV demonstrating their experience and ability: 

• to meet HANCA's vision and purpose and its responsibilities to its funding bodies;
• understanding of both corporate governance and not-for-profit compliance obligations;
• previous not-for-profit and/or commercial board roles;
• previous senior executive experience.

Please address applications to nadia@headandneckcancer.org.au. Applications close 5pm, Monday 31 March.

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

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.

Duty Statement: Australia