Chief Executive Officer

This is a pivotal leadership role at an important point in Welfare Rights Centre’s evolution. Reporting to the Board, the new CEO will lead the Centre through its next phase - sharpening strategy, strengthening its funding base, building trusted relationships with senior decision makers and stewarding a positive, high-performing culture through change.

The Board is looking for a dynamic and courageous leader who is comfortable with both mission and money. You will bring political nous, financial acumen and an entrepreneurial outlook, with a track record of turning relationships and opportunities into sustainable funding or revenue.

Your four priorities

1. Strategy - Set direction, make choices and lead implementation. Develop a sustainable operating and funding model that protects the Centre’s purpose and grows its impact.

2. Representation & fundraising - Be the Centre’s senior external representative. Build influence across government, philanthropy, partners and the community, and convert relationships into sustainable income and opportunities.

3. People leadership - Steward a healthy, inclusive and high-performing culture. Lead change well, strengthen leadership capability and create clarity, trust and accountability.

4. Operations - Ensure strong financial management, governance, risk, compliance and operational discipline, with systems and resources aligned to strategy.

What you will bring

• Executive leadership experience with a strong track record in strategy and organisational change.
• Demonstrated success securing and diversifying funding or revenue - such as government tenders and grants, philanthropy, partnerships, fee-for-service or other income streams.
• Strong financial acumen and the confidence to manage cash flow, budgets, trade-offs and organisational sustainability.
• Political judgement and credibility with senior government and external stakeholders.
• Exceptional people leadership, with evidence of building positive culture and navigating change.
• Outstanding communication, advocacy and relationship-building skills.

A deep commitment to social justice and a genuine interest in the role of social security in enabling dignity and participation

Why join Welfare Rights Centre?

• Lead an organisation with a distinctive specialist role and more than four decades of impact.
• Work with a committed Board and expert team at a moment when strong leadership can materially shape the future.
• Influence policy, funding and partnerships that affect people experiencing disadvantage across NSW.
• Bring commercial and entrepreneurial thinking to a deeply purpose-led organisation.

next steps

To submit your application, please click ‘Apply Now’ by the closing date.

For a confidential discussion or to request further information email recruitment@welfarerights.org.au using the subject line: Chief Executive Officer enquiry via EthicalJobs.

A Candidate Information Pack and Position Description are attached.