About the organisation

Jesuit Social Services is a social change organisation working to build a just society where all people can live to their full potential. We reflect on the critical factors shaping our contemporary world; the social, political and economic contexts, and we adapt our practice to work with those most in need.

Since 1977, Jesuit Social Services has provided services to some of the most disadvantaged in our community.

We place a high priority on advocacy and are a leader in policy development and research.

About the role

For nearly 50 years, Jesuit Social Services has stood in solidarity with people and communities where the need is greatest. This includes those impacted by social, economic and ecological injustices. We understand the interconnectedness of all life and that we are all held and sustained in a web of relationships – across people, place and planet.

In our work we see first hand the impacts of persistent and entrenched disadvantage; the isolation and exclusion of vulnerable people and groups; unacceptable levels of homelessness, mental illness, and disengagement from education and employment. All of this is compounded by the disproportionate impacts of environmental degradation and climate change on those most in need. This compels us to seek out new ways of thinking and operating – our business is to find solutions.

The Executive Director Programs, Participation and Pathways is a leader of this important work. This role will have responsibility for leading our direct service programs and teams of passionate and experienced professionals. It has both a local and national focus and will maintain and build key relationships with partners across community, philanthropy and government.

We are seeking a dynamic and innovative program and practice leader, who can maintain and build on our high quality programs while identifying and implementing new initiatives and programs, with a particular focus on early intervention.

As a member of Jesuit Social Services executive, you will model and uphold our organisational values of being welcoming, discerning and courageous. You will build relationships and connect people from across our organisation and the wider community, bringing to life our social change approach which involves both doing (our grounded work with people and communities) and influencing.

Attractive salary and salary packaging is offered together with ongoing professional and career development. This is a full time, 3 year contract position based in Melbourne, overseeing programs across both Melbourne and Sydney.

What Jesuit Social Services can offer you:

• An organisation that lives its values, through its day-to-day work
• A welcoming and supportive relational environment
• A comprehensive Induction and Orientation program
• Ongoing training and development related to your role
• Employee assistance program
• A competitive salary plus salary packaging benefits
• Generous leave

About the program

Programs, Participation and Pathways delivers a wide range of Jesuit Social Services’ direct service programs, including:

• Housing and intensive supports for young people with complex needs, including those who have been involved in the criminal justice and child protection systems, and those who are risk of homelessness.
• Disability, mental health and wellbeing, and suicide postvention support: assisting people to reduce harm to themselves and others, establish healthy social connections, and engage in their community.
• Education, training and employment pathways including Jesuit Community College (RTO and Learn Local), education and training pathways, employment services, and corporate diversity partnerships.

• Community development and settlement programs, including work with newly arrived migrant communities, community arts and culture, and bush adventure programs
• Our Work in Western Sydney, where we partner with local communities to build on their strengths and support them to break cycles of disadvantage.

What we are seeking

This role will suit a candidate with the following skills and experience:

• Tertiary qualification/s and/or experience in relevant fields – such as social work, health, community development, social services, training and education.
• Significant senior practice and program leadership experience within a social service or government organisation.
• Experience in leading and contributing to strategic thinking and the ability to work proactively and innovatively, including designing and implement new initiatives in collaboration with teams.
• Superior interpersonal and stakeholder engagement skills with experience in building relationships with a range of types of stakeholders internally and externally.
• Active leadership in guiding reflective processes to strengthen and deepen staff’s commitment to the organisation’s identity, ethos and values.

How to Apply

• Upload your resume and cover letter incorporating your responses to the Key Selection Criteria from the Position Description.
• For further information please contact Chief Operating Officer, [email protected] using the subject line: Executive Director - Programs Participation and Pathways enquiry via EthicalJobs or 0401 752 170

Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis and the closing date may be subject to change without notice.

Jesuit Social Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to providing a working environment that embraces and values diversity and inclusion. We celebrate and welcome all people regardless of ethnicity, cultural background, age, gender, sexuality, disability or religious affiliation.

We strongly encourage applications from all community members including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, members of the LGBTIQA+ community, people with a disability, people of culturally diverse backgrounds and working parents.

Jesuit Social Services is a Child Safe organisation and is committed to protecting children and young people from harm. We require all applicants to undergo an extensive screening process prior to appointment.