Chief Operating Officer (COO)

Theibr; Perth; On-site; AUD 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary packaging

Job summary

Langford Aboriginal Association is seeking a Chief Operating Officer to drive growth, build capability and scalable systems. You will work closely with the CEO, Board and leadership team to strengthen governance, operations, people and culture while remaining deeply connected to community.

The role covers strategic leadership, program management, financial stewardship and workforce development, with a focus on culturally safe practices and ACCCO alignment.

Qualifications

• Tertiary qualification in Business, Management, Public Administration, Community Services, Social Work, Psychology, Human Services or related discipline.
• Postgraduate qualifications (e.g. MBA or equivalent) are highly regarded.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership across governance, strategy implementation and organisational performance.
• Oversee program/service delivery, risk management and opportunities for expansion.
• Manage financial reporting, budgeting, procurement and resource management.
• Lead HR, workforce development, recruitment and staff development.
• Ensure governance, compliance, risk and quality assurance across systems.
• Build strong relationships with Aboriginal communities, Elders, partners and government.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Governance

Financial literacy

Communication

Stakeholder engagement

Analytical thinking

Planning & project management

Education

MBA or equivalent executive qualification

Business / Public Administration or related degree

Tools

MYOB

Xero

Job description

Langford Aboriginal Association is entering one of the most exciting periods in its history. With significant new investment, growing community partnerships and an ambitious strategic vision, LAA is building an organisation that will substantially expand its reach and impact over the next two years.

This is a unique opportunity for an experienced Chief Operating Officer who is energised by growth, enjoys building capability and systems, and wants to leave a lasting legacy. Working alongside the CEO, Board and leadership team, you'll help shape an organisation that is scaling with purpose—strengthening governance, operations, people and culture while ensuring we remain deeply connected to community.

Key features of the role include but are not limited to:

• Strategic Leadership & Governance, across strategy implementation, staff and organisational performance.
• Program & Service Delivery Management including advising on program risks, performance and opportunities for program additions or expansion through funders and partners.
• Financial & Resource Management ensuring financial reporting, budgets, governance, accountability and sustainability.
• Human Resource & Workforce Development overseeing recruitment, training and retention of staff, ensuring a culturally competent workforce.
• Governance, Compliance, Risk & Quality Assurance across the organisation’s governance frameworks, policies, procedures and operational systems.
• Community Engagement & Advocacy through building strong, respectful and accountable relationships with Aboriginal communities, Elders, partners, government and other stakeholders.

About The Business

Langford Aboriginal Association (LAA) has a long history in Boorloo (Perth) and since its inception has provided a range of well regarded community services to the local region. LAA is currently embarking upon a significant growth and organisational development strategy that will see the business transform over the coming 12-24 months. Since the commencement of the new CEO at the beginning of the year much has already been achieved including expanding programs across Aboriginal family wellbeing, healing and early intervention and launching significant new initiatives including Koyingkeriny Boodja-k (Healing on Country) and a dedicated Maar-kool wer Yarning Centre (Boorloo Aboriginal Art Centre). The workforce is growing, governance and systems are being strengthened and a significant deepening of partnerships with Aboriginal communities, Elders, government and universities has already taken place. LAA is impacting well above it’s weight and will continue to do so.

About You

We're looking for someone who sees opportunity where others see complexity. Someone who is committed to the journey, thrives in a dynamic environment and is motivated by creating something meaningful that will benefit Aboriginal children, families and communities for many years to come.

Suitable candidates will possess the following:

Qualifications & Experience

• Tertiary qualification in Business, Management, Public Administration, Community Services, Social Work, Psychology, Human Services or a related discipline.
• Postgraduate qualifications (e.g. MBA or equivalent executive qualification) are highly regarded.

Job Specific Knowledge

• Strong understanding of organisational governance, strategic planning, operational management and organisational performance.
• High-level knowledge of financial management, budgeting, financial reporting, procurement and resource management.
• Sound knowledge of enterprise risk management, organisational compliance, policy development and quality assurance.
• Strong understanding of government funding agreements, contract management and reporting.
• Demonstrated understanding of Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs), Aboriginal cultures, self-determination and culturally safe practice.

Skills & Capability

• Strategic and operational leadership with the ability to translate organisational strategy into effective operational outcomes.
• High-level financial literacy, including the ability to interpret financial reports and confidently use financial management systems such as MYOB, Xero or equivalent.
• Excellent leadership, coaching and people management skills, with the ability to build high-performing teams and develop future leaders.
• Exceptional communication, negotiation and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to build collaborative relationships across all levels.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving and decision-making skills, with a focus on continuous improvement and organisational excellence.
• Highly organised with excellent planning, project management and prioritisation skills, able to manage multiple competing priorities.

Personal Attributes

• Values-driven leader who demonstrates integrity, professionalism, accountability and sound judgement.
• Collaborative, emotionally intelligent and resilient, with a growth mindset and the ability to lead through change.
• Ability to manage multiple competing priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Proactive, adaptable and solution-focused, with the initiative to identify opportunities, take ownership and deliver outcomes.
• Highly organised and responsive, with the ability to manage multiple competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Builds positive relationships and works effectively both independently and collaboratively across diverse teams and stakeholders.
• Committed to culturally safe, respectful, trauma-informed and community-led practice, with a genuine passion for improving outcomes for Aboriginal children, families and communities.
• Experience working within an Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation (ACCO) leadership role
• Knowledge of Noongar culture or willingness to learn.
• Demonstrated understanding of working with Aboriginal communities
• Experience working with Boards or contributing to Board reporting.

Additional requirements:

• Working With Children Check
• National Police Clearance (or willingness to obtain)
• Hold a current and valid Western Australian C class motor driver’s licence or equivalent
• Australian Citizenship or permanent resident of Australia

This is an Aboriginal identified position. In accordance with Section 50(d) of the Equal Opportunity Act 1984 (WA), applicants must be of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent.

Your Reward

The LAA business is developing rapidly and is starting an exciting chapter with an outstanding new CEO. Working closely with the CEO, you have the opportunity to help shape the organisation’s increasingly impactful future.

Salary is very competitive with the benefit of not-for-profit salary packaging (effectively a portion of your income tax free).

All enquiries are welcomed

The National Indigenous Times acknowledges and pays respect to past and present Traditional Custodians and Elders of this nation. We recognise Aboriginal Community's continuing connection to their lands, waters and stories and acknowledge that sovereignty has never been ceded.

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