The Opportunity

After 36 years, Queensland Advocacy Incorporated (QAI) is embarking on a new phase in their development, building on their extraordinary track record as leaders in community-based systems advocacy for people with disability in Queensland. A significant growth in funding and staff numbers has been driven by new individual advocacy services both legal and non-legal but the core mission of systems advocacy to better the lives of people with disabilities remains unchanged at the heart of the organisation.

In response to this growth, a new Chief Executive Officer position has been established. We are looking for a person who can provide the leadership required to ensure sound governance and management of diverse services while also inspiring QAI’s continued public profile and relationships with its clients, volunteers, donors and community. Above all, we are seeking a person who demonstrates compassion, understanding and a willingness to walk in the shoes of QAI’s clients. You will be inspired by QAI’s mission to promote, protect and defend, through systems and individual advocacy, the fundamental needs and rights and lives of the most vulnerable people with disability in Queensland.

The Role

As Chief Executive Officer, you will work in partnership with QAI's Management Committee and have responsibilities for overall management and success of the organisation. Key responsibility areas include:

• Mission, policy and planning
• Management and Administration
• Human Resources Management
• Service Delivery
• Governance
• Financial Management
• Community and Public Relations

The Requirements

Our ideal candidate will demonstrate:

• Outstanding strategic organisational leadership and operational management capabilities
• The ability to effectively manage and inspire diverse staff in a high performing organisation
• A proven record of success in building and nurturing stakeholder relationships with a willingness to take a public profile in advocacy for the QAI mission
• Passion and commitment to the overall values and philosophies that form the basis of all QAI programs and services
• Personal qualities of integrity, compassion and a willingness to learn from the experience of clients, volunteers and community
• A Bachelor's Degree in a relevant field along with significant experience in a senior management role

Experience in a not-for-profit environment will be highly regarded.

The successful candidate will have, or be able to quickly acquire, an appreciation of systems and individual advocacy and requirements for the delivery of both legal and non-legal services to vulnerable clients.

QAI encourages applications from qualified candidates from diverse backgrounds including people with disabilities.

The Environment

QAI currently has 28 staff members and a large panel of volunteers.

QAI operates:

• A systems advocacy team, which undertakes law, policy and practice reform;
• Two (2) individual legal advocacy services:
  • Human Rights Legal Service (HRLS); and
  • Mental Health Legal Service (MHLS);

• Five (5) individual non-legal advocacy services:
  • Justice Support Program (JSP);
  • NDIS Appeals Support Advocacy Program (NDIS Appeals);
  • NDIS Decision Support Pilot Program (DSP);
  • Disability Royal Commission Advocacy Service (DRC);
  • Education Advocacy Service (EAS); and
• A Social Work Service (SWS).

Remuneration

Salary negotiable based on experience and qualifications.

How to Apply

The Position Description and Job Information Pack are available to download. You can download these documents by clicking apply now.

An accessible version of the Job Information Pack is also available.

To apply, please submit a current resume outlining your work experience and qualifications, together with a covering letter highlighting your most relevant achievements and what you would bring to this role. Please do not delay. Applications will be considered as they are received. All applications will be treated confidentially.

For a confidential discussion regarding this role, please contact Anne-Marie Carroll, Managing Director of Merit Solutions on 07 3220-1166 or via email to [email protected], using the subject line: Chief Executive Officer enquiry via EthicalJobs.