Chief Executive Officer

Elliott Gray; Canberra; On-site; AUD 180,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

Karralika Programs in Canberra is seeking a values-driven Chief Executive Officer to lead this long-established, community-focused organisation. You will set strategic direction, shape service delivery and ensure financial sustainability, safety and high-quality client-centred care.

Reporting to the Board, you will lead an experienced team, build partnerships with government and funders, drive growth and advocate for vulnerable people in the alcohol and other drug sectors.

Qualifications

• Significant executive leadership experience within health, community services or not-for-profit sectors.
• Successful track record leading organisational transformation and change.
• Strong commercial, financial and strategic capability.
• Experience working closely with Boards and governance frameworks.
• Exceptional stakeholder engagement and relationship management skills.
• Ability to balance strategic thinking with operational execution.
• A collaborative, consultative and people-focused leadership style.
• A genuine commitment to improving outcomes for vulnerable individuals, families and communities.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and organisational direction.
• Lead a high-performing executive team and workforce.
• Oversee financial performance, governance and risk management.
• Drive organisational growth and business development opportunities.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with government, funders and sector stakeholders.
• Represent Karralika as an influential voice within the community services and alcohol and other drugs sectors.
• Support the Board through sound advice, reporting and strategic collaboration.

Skills

Executive leadership

Strategic planning

Governance

Financial acumen

Stakeholder management

Change management

Collaborative leadership

Social purpose alignment

Job description

For almost 50 years, Karralika Programs has supported people affected by alcohol and other drug dependence to build safer, healthier and more connected lives. With a reputation for delivering high-quality, person-centred treatment and recovery services, Karralika has become one of the ACT's most respected community organisations.

Following the departure of their long-serving CEO after 15 years of exceptional leadership, we are seeking an experienced and values-driven executive to lead this client centred organisation into its next chapter.

This is a rare opportunity to inherit a strong and stable organisation with a capable Board and executive leadership team, a dedicated workforce and a clear strategic direction. It is also a significant leadership challenge.

Over the next 12 months, Karralika will navigate major funding recommissioning processes, enterprise agreement negotiations, technology and systems improvements, organisational relocation, continued service development and a broader transition in Board leadership. At the same time, the organisation is exploring opportunities for growth and a stronger advocacy voice across the alcohol and other drug sector.

This is not a role for someone seeking to simply maintain the status quo.

It is an opportunity for an energetic and capable executive who is excited by the prospect of leading through change while remaining anchored to a clear social purpose.

About the Role

Reporting directly to the Board, the Chief Executive Officer is responsible for the overall strategic, operational and financial leadership of the organisation. You will provide direction and guidance across all aspects of the business, ensuring the delivery of safe, effective and client-centred services while positioning Karralika for long-term sustainability and growth.

You will:

• Provide strategic leadership and organisational direction.
• Lead a high-performing executive team and workforce.
• Oversee financial performance, governance and risk management.
• Drive organisational growth and business development opportunities.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with government, funders and sector stakeholders.
• Represent Karralika as an influential voice within the community services and alcohol and other drugs sectors.
• Support the Board through sound advice, reporting and strategic collaboration.

Who We're Looking For

You may already be a CEO or an experienced executive ready to step into your first Chief Executive position.

What matters most is your ability to lead complex organisations through periods of change while maintaining strong culture, operational performance and stakeholder confidence.

We are looking for a leader who can demonstrate:

• Significant executive leadership experience within health, community services, human services or the not-for-profit sector.
• A successful track record leading organisational transformation and change.
• Strong commercial, financial and strategic capability.
• Experience working closely with Boards and governance frameworks.
• Exceptional stakeholder engagement and relationship management skills.
• The ability to balance strategic thinking with operational execution.
• A collaborative, consultative and people-focused leadership style.
• A genuine commitment to improving outcomes for vulnerable individuals, families and communities.

Experience within the alcohol and other drug sector will be highly regarded, although candidates from aligned human services environments are encouraged to apply.

Why Karralika?

People join Karralika because they care about impact.

The organisation combines the scale and capability to make a difference with the agility to respond to community need. With an engaged Board, a committed workforce and a respected reputation across the ACT, Karralika is well positioned for its next phase of growth and influence.

For the right leader, this is an opportunity to shape an organisation's future, influence positive change across the sector and leave a lasting legacy in a role that matters.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are strongly encouraged to apply. Karralika is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and supported.