Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

Save Our Sons Duchenne Foundation; Sydney; On-site; AUD 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

Save Our Sons Duchenne Foundation in Sydney seeks a dynamic Chief Executive Officer to lead the organisation into its next phase of growth. You will drive revenue diversification through fundraising, grants, philanthropy, corporate partnerships and social enterprise while ensuring strong governance and financial sustainability.

Reporting to the Board, you will translate strategic direction into operational plans, build strategic alliances across government and health sectors, and inspire staff

Qualifications

• Senior executive leadership at CEO/GM/Executive Director level.
• Proven ability to diversify income streams and lead fundraising.
• Strong governance, regulatory, and financial management experience.
• Experience with not-for-profit or health sectors preferred.
• Alignment with SOSDF values and mission and strong stakeholder skills.

Responsibilities

• Governance and Board relations: support governance, prepare reports, ensure compliance.
• Strategic leadership: develop and implement organisational strategy, monitor outcomes, drive income diversification.
• External relations: act as ambassador, build alliances with government, research, health and community sectors.
• People & culture: lead staff and volunteers, foster values-driven culture, oversee recruitment and performance.
• Financial and risk management: budgets/forecasts, controls, risk framework, ensure financial sustainability.

Skills

Senior executive leadership

Fundraising

Stakeholder engagement

Governance experience

Strategic finance

Commercial acumen

Job description

$150k - $200,000 per year + subject to experience

Save Our Sons is seeking a dynamic and commercially minded Chief Executive Officer to lead the organisation into its next phase of growth and impact. This role is ideal for a purpose-driven leader with a proven ability to generate new income streams, build strategic partnerships, and strengthen financial sustainability while championing our mission.

The CEO will drive revenue diversification through fundraising, grants, philanthropy, corporate partnerships, social enterprise, and innovative funding models. Working closely with the Board, the successful candidate will balance strong commercial acumen with authentic values-based leadership, ensuring long-term viability and expanded community impact.

This is a rare opportunity to shape the future of a respected not-for-profit by turning vision into sustainable funding and measurable outcomes.

POSITION PURPOSE

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) provides strategic, operational and leadership responsibility for Save Our Sons Duchenne Foundation (SOSDF). Working in close partnership with the Board, the CEO advances the organisation's mission, ensures financial sustainability, strong governance, regulatory compliance, and maximised impact for the communities SOSDF serves.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Governance and Board Relations:

Partner with the Board to support effective governance and strategic oversight.

Prepare accurate, timely Board and Committee reports.

Ensure compliance with ACNC, fundraising, taxation, insurance and governance obligations.

Strategic Leadership

Lead development and implementation of the organisational strategy.

Translate Board direction into operational plans and measurable outcomes.

Monitor performance and recommend strategic adjustments.

Lead income diversification including corporate partnerships, sponsorships, grants, philanthropy and events.

Oversee fundraising activities ensuring legislative compliance.

Build strong relationships with donors, funders and partners.

External Relations & Advocacy

Act as principal ambassador and spokesperson.

Develop strategic alliances across government, research, health and community sectors.

Represent SOSDF at forums, media events and conferences.

POSITION DESCRIPTION

Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

People & Culture

Lead, mentor and manage staff and volunteers.

Foster a positive, inclusive, values-driven culture.

Oversee recruitment, performance management and succession planning.

Financial and Risk Management

Develop and manage budgets and financial forecasts.

Maintain strong financial controls and accountability.

Oversee organisational risk management framework.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Senior executive leadership experience (CEO / GM / Executive Director).

Minimum 4-5 years of senior executive leadership experience at CEO, GM or Executive Director level.

Proven strategic and financial management capability.

Intermediate level strategic and financial management capability with demonstrated results.

Strong stakeholder engagement and governance experience.

Alignment with SOSDF values and mission.

Not-for-profit or health sector experience.

Fundraising and income-generation expertise.

EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS

All employees and contractors are required to familiarise themselves with the organisation's policies and procedures and to abide by them at all times.

It is expected that at all times employees and contractors will:

Be respectful towards the organisation, colleagues, clients and the general public.

Support Save Our Sons' vision and objectives and demonstrate the values of organisation.

Take reasonable care for their own health and safety, and that of others in the workplace.

The position holder must also provide:

National Police Check

Working With Children Check

Maintain a current driver's licence, and have access to their own vehicle

Maintain eligibility to work in Australia

Undergo and successfully complete a 6-month probationary period