General Counsel & Company Secretary

Opportunity for strategic, commercially astute senior lawyer to join leading organisation in the mental health sector

• Make a meaningful contribution to a leading organisation in the mental health sector
• Strategic, outcomes-focused, commercially astute senior lawyer
• Demonstrated leadership and people management skills required

Our client, the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists’ (“the College”) purpose is to lead, connect and be accountable for strengthening psychiatry in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand. To this end, it is responsible for training, educating and representing psychiatrists across these jurisdictions. Accredited by the Australian Medical Council and the Medical Council of New Zealand, the College’s vision is to lead the transformation of how mental illness is understood, experienced and treated.

The College now offers a rare and exciting opportunity to join this reputable and impactful not-for-profit organisation as General Counsel & Company Secretary.

Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, you will lead the organisation’s legal and company secretariat functions, providing strategic, commercially astute legal advice to the President, Board, CEO and Executive Leadership Team.

You will oversee a portfolio of legal matters, including corporate and commercial law, contracting, legal risk management, regulatory compliance, privacy, employment law and disputes. As Company Secretary, you will serve as a trusted adviser to the Board and its committees, ensuring robust governance frameworks, policies and practices are maintained and aligned with statutory and regulatory requirements.

The role is accountable for supporting Board and committee operations, maintaining corporate records and statutory filings, overseeing governance obligations, advising on constitutional and corporate matters, and ensuring compliance with applicable legal and regulatory requirements to uphold the integrity and effectiveness of the organisation.

You will combine strong technical expertise with a pragmatic, solutions-focused approach and sound commercial judgement. An accomplished leader, you will be comfortable leading and developing a team while delivering practical outcomes in a complex and evolving environment. You will have a demonstrated ability to build credibility and influence at senior levels, confidently engaging with Boards, executives and a broad range of internal and external stakeholders. Above all, you will be recognised for your integrity, professionalism, sound judgement and ability to communicate with clarity and confidence.

The College draws strength and pride from its diversity and is committed to providing a safe and accessible workplace for its team, members and the broader community. The College’s commitment to diversity and inclusion is supported by its Reconciliation Action Plan, Gender Equity Action Plan and Lived Experience Strategy.

Location: Melbourne

Closing date: Monday, 9 November 2026

For a confidential discussion regarding this interesting and rewarding position please contact our exclusively retained consultant, Nalini Moore:

P: 9629 2111

E: nalini.moore@mahlab.com.au

Ref: MCNM21930