CEO

Djerriwarrh Community House User Group; Melton; Hybrid; AUD 180,000 - 280,000; Full time

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Job summary

Djerriwarrh Community & Education Services in Melton is seeking an Executive CEO to lead through a major leadership transition and deliver the 2026–2030 Strategic Plan. You will work with the Board and leadership team to translate priorities into sustainable outcomes and build partnerships for growth.

The role requires visible, collaborative leadership across governance, risk and performance, with a focus on financial sustainability and community impact across Melton, Sunshine, Ballarat and

Qualifications

• Executive leadership experience in complex, government-funded service delivery environments.

Responsibilities

• Embed the Strategic Plan and translate priorities into organisational outcomes.
• Strengthen financial sustainability through diversified income, funding and partnerships.
• Build trusted relationships with government, industry, funders and community.
• Identify opportunities for innovation, service growth and expanded community impact.
• Provide strong leadership across culture, governance, risk and organisational performance.

Job description

• Executive leadership role reporting directly to the Board
• Shape future learning, employment and community outcomes across Melbourne’s west
• Melton location – NFP salary packaging – 2-year initial contract

Djerriwarrh Community & Education Services exists to support people and communities to learn, connect and grow.

Established in 1989, Djerriwarrh delivers education, training, youth, employment and community services across Melbourne’s west, including Djerriwarrh Community College. With around 180 staff supporting more than 3,500 people each year, they are guided by the values of Caring, Respectful, Inclusive, Adaptable and Accountable.

The Role

Reporting directly to the Board, the CEO will lead Djerriwarrh through an important leadership transition and the delivery of its 2026–2030 Strategic Plan. The opportunity is to build on strong foundations while bringing fresh thinking and positioning the organisation for sustainable growth.

Working closely with the Board and experienced leadership team, the CEO will:

• Embed the Strategic Plan and translate priorities into organisational outcomes.
• Strengthen financial sustainability through diversified income, funding and partnerships.
• Build trusted relationships with government, industry, funders and community.
• Identify opportunities for innovation, service growth and expanded community impact.
• Provide strong leadership across culture, governance, risk and organisational performance.

Leading a diverse portfolio across Melton, Sunshine, Ballarat and outreach locations, you will bring a visible, collaborative and pragmatic leadership style, building trust with Djerriwarrh’s people and partners while shaping its next chapter.

The Candidate Profile

Djerriwarrh is seeking a values-driven, relationship-focused leader who combines strategic vision with a grounded, practical approach. The ideal candidate is visible, approachable and collaborative, builds trust before making change, and draws on the deep knowledge already within the organisation.

The ideal candidate will bring executive leadership experience within complex, government-funded service delivery environments, with a strong understanding of funding, contracting and policy systems. Proven capability across strategic planning, financial management, governance, risk and compliance is essential, together with a track record of securing funding, writing tenders and building partnerships with government agencies, industry and community stakeholders.

Experience in community education, vocational training, employment services or community services will be highly regarded; however, leaders from adjacent sectors who can demonstrate a strong understanding of government systems and funding environments are encouraged to apply. Most importantly, the successful candidate will share Djerriwarrh’s values and bring a genuine commitment to the communities it serves.

Donations can be made via PayPal using your credit card or bank account, without exposing your account numbers. All donations go to supporting our participants and programs.

Acknowledgement of Country

Djerriwarrh Community & Education Services acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the land and waters on which we live, work and travel. We pay our respects to elders past, present and emerging.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Djerriwarrh is committed to providing equitable and accessible services in a safe environment. We welcome and encourage participation of members of our local communities regardless of ethnicity, culture, religion, language, gender, sexuality, age or ability.