• Some leadership opportunities change organisations. This one changes lives.
• Lead one of Australia's most respected women's legal services and help shape the future of access to justice, safety, and support for women across Central Australia.

Why Join CAWLS?

Central Australian Women's Legal Service (CAWLS) is a multidisciplinary legal service delivering legal assistance, advocacy, education, and specialised support services to women across Central Australia and the Barkly region.

For decades, CAWLS has worked alongside women experiencing domestic and family violence, helping create safer futures while advocating for meaningful social change.

Today, we are seeking an exceptional leader to guide the organisation through its next chapter.

The Opportunity

Reporting directly to the Board, the Chief Executive Officer will provide strategic leadership across a respected and purpose-driven organisation delivering vital services to women and communities throughout the region.

Working alongside an experienced leadership team, you will:

• Lead organisational strategy and future growth
• Support strong governance and Board engagement
• Oversee financial sustainability and funding initiatives
• Build and strengthen community and stakeholder relationships
• Develop and support a multidisciplinary workforce
• Foster a positive, collaborative organisational culture
• Champion advocacy and community impact

This is a rare opportunity to build on the legacy of a long-serving CEO while bringing your own vision, leadership style, and ideas to a highly respected organisation.

About You

To be successful, you will bring:

• Legal qualifications relevant to the community legal sector
• A current Practising Certificate (or the ability to obtain one)
• Significant post-admission legal experience
• Demonstrated executive or senior leadership experience
• Strong governance, financial management, and stakeholder engagement capability
• A commitment to culturally safe, trauma-informed practice
• Experience within legal, community, government, or not-for-profit environments

Experience working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and/or remote communities will be highly regarded.

Most importantly, you will be an authentic, values-driven leader who understands that great leadership is built on trust, collaboration, and genuine community connection.

Why Central Australia?

Many people arrive in Central Australia expecting it to be a short chapter in their career.

Many leave describing it as one of the most rewarding.

This is a region where your leadership can create visible, lasting outcomes for women, families, and communities while allowing you to build meaningful relationships and contribute to genuine social change.

What We Offer

In recognition of your contribution, CAWLS offers:

• Competitive executive remuneration package
• 12% employer superannuation
• Remote area benefits
• 6 weeks leave annually
• 12 days personal leave
• Ongoing professional development opportunities
• A collaborative, values-driven workplace culture
• The opportunity to lead a highly respected organisation and create lasting impact

If you're looking for a career-defining leadership opportunity where your work will help shape safer futures for women and strengthen communities across Central Australia, we encourage you to apply today.

A position description is attached.