The Federation of Community Legal Centres (the Federation) is a fast-paced and dynamic organisation that seeks to create a fairer Victoria for all members of the community. The Federation is a member-led peak body for Victoria’s Community Legal Centres (CLCs), who are at the forefront of helping those facing economic, cultural or social disadvantage and whose life circumstances are severely affected by legal challenges.

For more than 40 years, CLCs have been part of a powerful movement for social change, reshaping how people access justice, creating stronger, more equitable laws, and more accountable government and democracy.

The Federation works with CLCs by enabling a strong collective voice for justice and equality; mobilising and leading strategic, well-coordinated advocacy campaigns; leading and supporting ongoing learning and evaluation across the sector; and driving creativity and excellence in delivering legal services to communities.

The Federation plays a critical role in strengthening the position of the sector by raising the profile of community legal centres as essential services. The Federation’s success as a peak body stems from their expertise in navigating the unique and complex member and political landscape, and strategically considering the diverse perspectives to influence social change.

The Federation has recently experienced a period of growth and change, and are well placed to continue to position and strengthen the community legal sector, and continue as a strong, capable and trusted organisation.

Reporting to the Board, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) provides strategic leadership and direction to the Federation, and its members. Driving critical partnerships with government, funding bodies, other agencies and stakeholders, the CEO will ensure there is a strong collective voice for justice and equality.

Strategically advocating for systemic and sustainable law reform, through evidence-based policy agendas, you will provide expert and authoritative leadership.

Working collaboratively with the senior management team, you will build upon the positive culture of teamwork and learning, creativity and excellence to deliver on organisational goals and financial sustainability.

The Board is seeking an exceptional leader. An individual committed to social justice and human rights that can use their significant leadership experience within a complex and fast-paced environment, to affect meaningful change.

An individual that can lead with openness, humility, collaboration and resilience and enable a culture of excellence where Federation staff can thrive.

An individual with excellent political judgement and high capacity for considered and strategic decision-making. Someone that can build effective partnerships, demonstrate expert stakeholder engagement, and be alive to opportunities to drive social change and influence the position of the sector.

With demonstrated capacity and a willingness to lead a member based peak body, the Federation's CEO will work collaboratively to ensure outcomes will be valued by members and the communities they serve.

For further information and to receive a copy of the position description, please contact Julia Soutter, Partner at Fish & Nankivell, on 03 9654 7622 or by email at [email protected], using the subject line: Chief Executive Officer enquiry via EthicalJobs. It is recommended that you read the full position description before submitting an application and a conversation with Julia is actively encouraged.