Breast Cancer Foundation NZ (BCFNZ) is New Zealand’s leading breast cancer charity, working to reduce the impact of breast cancer and ultimately achieve its vision of zero deaths.
Funded entirely by the community, BCFNZ plays a critical role across awareness and education, research funding, patient support and advocacy. A cornerstone of its work is the Breast Cancer Foundation National Register – one of the most comprehensive datasets of its kind globally – underpinning an evidence-based approach to improving outcomes and driving system change.
The organisation operates within a clear strategic framework focused on three critical pathways: earlier diagnosis, faster and more effective treatment, and reducing recurrence of breast cancer, combined these deliver on the vision of zero deaths. Through this lens, BCFNZ develops programmes, invests in research and innovation and focuses advocacy on addressing systemic barriers within New Zealand’s health system.
BCFNZ is now seeking an outstanding Chief Executive Officer to lead the organisation through its next phase of impact, influence and sustainability. This is a high-profile, externally facing role. As the public voice of the Foundation, the CEO will engage across government, the clinical community, donors and the public to drive meaningful change for those affected by breast cancer.
Working closely with the Board, the CEO will shape and deliver strategic priorities while ensuring strong organisational performance. They will also lead efforts to future-proof the Foundation’s revenue model, bringing innovation and commercial thinking to income generation and community engagement, while continuing to build on the organisation’s strong funding base.
Internally, the CEO will lead a team of ~50 staff, ensuring alignment, capability and performance across fundraising, research, advocacy, marketing and patient support.
The CEO will continue to build BCFNZ’s influence within the national health system and with central government. This includes leading evidence-based advocacy to ensure proven, life-saving interventions – including access to effective medicines and therapies – are appropriately recognised, prioritised and funded. The CEO will play a key role in ensuring that the Foundation’s data, insights and clinical credibility translate into meaningful policy and funding decisions, positioning BCFNZ as a trusted and influential voice.
We are seeking a proven senior leader, likely operating at CEO or senior enterprise level, with the ability to lead a purpose-driven organisation of national significance. They will bring strong influencing capability, with the credibility to engage stakeholders at all levels, alongside a commercial and strategic mindset.
An exceptional communicator, you will be comfortable as the public face of the organisation, with strength in stakeholder engagement, media and public speaking. You will combine this with high levels of empathy, authenticity and resilience, and a genuine passion for driving impact and improving outcomes.
This Auckland-based role requires a highly visible leader, comfortable operating across media, events and stakeholder forums, with regular travel and out-of-hours commitments.
This is a rare opportunity to lead an organisation of national importance and help drive meaningful change in the lives of New Zealanders.
For more information or to apply, please contact Alex Nevil at nevil@hobsonleavy.com
Applications close on the 21st of July, 2026.
