Chief Executive Officer, Ballarat Foundation

SHK; Ballarat; On-site; AUD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Ballarat Foundation is a 40-year regional philanthropic institution seeking a Chief Executive Officer to lead strategy, governance, operations and finances while building strong relationships across community, government, business and philanthropy. Reporting to the Board, you will champion a values-driven team and guide grantmaking, research initiatives and partnerships in Ballarat and the broader region.

You will drive growth of the Foundation's endowment through sub-funds, planned giving and

Qualifications

• Experience in organizational leadership, governance, financial management and stakeholder engagement.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategy, people, operations and finances, reporting to the Board and guiding a capable team.
• Grow the Foundation's endowment through sub-funds, planned giving and new funding partnerships.

Job description

• Lead a contemporary community foundation
• 40-year regional philanthropic institution
• Enable community-led change, in the region and beyond

About the organisation

For more than 40 years, Ballarat Foundation has connected community generosity with opportunities to strengthen Ballarat and the surrounding region. As a trusted community foundation, it brings together philanthropy, local knowledge, strategic partnerships and community insights to address local challenges and opportunities. Through grant-making, research, philanthropic development, and collaborative initiatives, the Foundation is now entering an exciting new chapter. Building on decades of success, it is evolving its role as a contemporary community foundation strengthening the relationships, capability and knowledge that enable communities to thrive.

About the role

Reporting to the Board, the Chief Executive Officer plays a central role in advancing the Foundation's vision, bringing together people, partnerships and resources to create lasting community impact. Leading strategy, people, operations and finances, the CEO will build strong relationships across the community, philanthropic, business and government sectors while supporting a capable, values-driven team. A key focus will be growing the Foundation's endowment through sub-funds, planned giving and new funding partnerships, ensuring resources are available to support community aspirations for generations to come. The role also oversees grantmaking, community intelligence and research initiatives, including the Vital Signs program, and provides strategic advice to the Board on governance, performance and risk. Success will require a collaborative and influential leader who can connect people around a shared purpose, champion community-led solutions, and turn ideas into meaningful and measurable outcomes.

About you

Passionate about creating meaningful impact in regional communities, you are an accomplished and approachable leader with experience in organisational leadership, governance, financial management and stakeholder engagement. You build trusted relationships across community, government, business and philanthropic sectors, translating opportunities into sustainable outcomes. Collaborative and influential, you communicate with clarity, navigate complexity with confidence, and inspire others around a shared purpose. You will be adept at leading a highly capable, values-driven team and fostering a culture that delivers lasting community impact. Experience in philanthropy, grantmaking, community foundations or related sectors will be highly regarded. Energised by purpose and inspired by community-led change, you are ready to make a lasting contribution as CEO of the Foundation.