CEO, Social Policy & Advocacy Leadership

Derwent Group; Canberra; On-site; AUD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

ACTCOSS in Canberra is seeking a visionary Chief Executive Officer to lead the organisation through its next phase. You will drive the Strategic Plan 2025–2029, shape policy priorities, and build strong government and sector partnerships while ensuring fiscal sustainability and responsible governance.

The role requires senior leadership experience in social policy or community services, with exemplary advocacy, media, and government relations skills and a demonstrated commitment to Indigenous

Qualifications

• Experience leading a mission-driven membership, peak or service delivery organisation.
• Ability to translate strategic advocacy into measurable policy and funding outcomes.
• Strong governance, risk and compliance oversight appropriate to a small organisation.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic and organisational leadership to deliver the Strategic Plan 2025–2029, focusing on advocacy impact and financial sustainability.
• Lead the sector’s advocacy and policy agenda, translating advocacy into measurable outcomes ahead of the ACT election.
• Strengthen collective advocacy across the sector and manage government and political stakeholder engagement.
• Act as the ambassador and official spokesperson for ACTCOSS across government, community sector and media.
• Engage and build collaborative relationships with members, Peaks Forum, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander partners, and national COSS network.
• Maintain financial sustainability and develop revenue streams to enable growth.
• Support the Board with governance, risk and compliance practices.
• Foster a workforce culture of courage, collaboration, integrity and cultural humility.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Advocacy

Media relations

Government relations

Financial acumen

Stakeholder engagement

Cultural humility

Partnership building

Education

Social policy

Public administration

Law

Postgraduate qualification / AICD

Job description

ACTCOSS in Canberra is seeking a visionary Chief Executive Officer to lead the organisation through its next phase. You will drive the Strategic Plan 2025–2029, shape policy priorities, and build strong government and sector partnerships while ensuring fiscal sustainability and responsible governance.

The role requires senior leadership experience in social policy or community services, with exemplary advocacy, media, and government relations skills and a demonstrated commitment to Indigenous