Chief Executive Officer

Pipeline Talent; Wellington, Dubbo; On-site; AUD 240,000 - 260,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Brand-new vehicle with private use

Salary packaging options

Cultural leave

Executive coaching

Governance training

Job summary

Wellington Aboriginal Corporation Health Service (WACHS) is seeking an experienced Chief Executive Officer to provide strategic leadership and governance across our Aboriginal community‑controlled health service. You will drive financial sustainability and the delivery of high‑quality, culturally appropriate healthcare across multiple sites.

You will report to the Board, oversee governance, financial management, risk, compliance and operational performance while strengthening organisational

Qualifications

• Senior executive experience with strategic leadership and governance oversight.
• Understanding of Aboriginal Community Controlled health service priorities.
• Experience building partnerships with government agencies and communities.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and governance across the organisation.
• Oversee financial management, risk, compliance and performance.
• Strengthen relationships with Aboriginal communities, Elders and stakeholders.
• Lead a dispersed workforce of about 70 employees and Indigenous workforce development.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Governance oversight

Financial management

Stakeholder engagement

Indigenous workforce development

Job description

Full-Time | 3-Year Contract with potential option to extend | Wellington, NSW
$240,000 - $260,000 plus super plus salary packaging

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

About the organisation

Wellington Aboriginal Corporation Health Service (WACHS) is an Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Service committed to empowering Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander individuals, families and communities to take control of their health and wellbeing through culturally appropriate, community-led healthcare.

With more than 30 years of service to the community, WACHS operates across three sites in Wellington and Dubbo on Wiradjuri Country, delivering a broad range of primary healthcare, integrated care and specialist programs.

WACHS’ services span across primary healthcare, social and emotional wellbeing, child and family support, drug and alcohol programs, Aboriginal family health, maternal and child health, chronic disease management and other targeted community health initiatives.

Guided by the principles of Aboriginal community control, WACHS is dedicated to strengthening health outcomes, supporting community wellbeing and delivering accessible, responsive and culturally appropriate services.

About the role

The Chief Executive Officer will provide strategic leadership and oversight of Wellington Aboriginal Corporation Health Service (WACHS), driving organisational performance, financial sustainability and the delivery of high-quality, culturally appropriate healthcare services.

Reporting to the Board of Directors through the Chairperson, you will oversee governance, financial management, risk, compliance and operational performance, while strengthening organisational stability and supporting sustainable growth.

You will build strong relationships with Aboriginal communities, Elders, government agencies and key stakeholders, while leading a geographically dispersed workforce of approximately 70 employees, fostering a positive organisational culture and supporting Indigenous workforce development.

This is an opportunity to lead an Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Service and make a meaningful contribution to improving the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

About you

You are an experienced and values-driven senior executive with demonstrated capability in strategic leadership, organisational governance, financial management and delivering sustainable operational outcomes.

You bring extensive senior management experience, ideally within an Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation or health service, alongside a strong understanding of the health challenges and priorities impacting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

A collaborative and engaging leader, you have demonstrated experience developing high-performing teams, strengthening organisational capability and fostering a positive, accountable and culturally responsive workplace.

You are a calm, resilient and emotionally intelligent leader who can navigate complex community relationships, manage conflict respectfully and build trust between the Board, staff and community.

You are confident building trusted relationships with Aboriginal communities, government representatives, funding bodies and key stakeholders, with the ability to influence outcomes, manage competing priorities and translate strategy into meaningful results.

Selection Criteria

• Extensive senior executive or management experience, preferably within an Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation, with demonstrated strategic leadership and organisational oversight.
• Strong understanding of the health challenges and priorities impacting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, including culturally appropriate and community-controlled service delivery.
• Demonstrated experience in strategic planning, financial management, governance, risk management and implementing effective organisational systems, policies and procedures.
• Proven ability to lead and develop senior teams, strengthen workforce capability and drive organisational performance, including Indigenous workforce development and succession planning.
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain effective partnerships with Aboriginal communities, government agencies, funding bodies and other stakeholders to achieve organisational objectives.

What we can offer you

• The opportunity to provide executive leadership within an Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Service dedicated to improving health and wellbeing outcomes.
• The opportunity to influence organisational strategy, strengthen governance and contribute to long-term service sustainability.
• Working closely with the local Aboriginal communities.
• A base salary of $240,000–$260,000 plus superannuation and salary packaging options.
• A brand-new, fully maintained vehicle with full private use.
• Cultural leave and professional development opportunities, including executive coaching and governance training.

Applications close 11:59pm Monday 23 November 2026.

Tiana Callaughan