• Lead a respected community-focused organisation with a reputation for innovation and quality.
• Make a tangible difference in the lives of families and communities.
• Guide a highly skilled team who are passionate about what they do!

About the company

The Canopy is a dynamic not-for-profit organisation driven by a strong commitment to improving outcomes for families, children, and communities. With a proud history of innovative service delivery and sector collaboration, The Canopy operates programs across child and family early intervention, intensive family preservation, and community development. The organisation also manages multiple community centres across the Lake Macquarie and Newcastle regions.

About the opportunity

Reporting to the Board of Management, the Chief Executive Officer will lead The Canopy to deliver on its mission and strategic goals. You will provide executive leadership across all programs, overseeing a talented Leadership Team and ensuring the organisation maintains its reputation for sector excellence, collaboration, and innovation. This is an exceptional opportunity to lead a well-regarded, community-based not-for-profit, with a focus on strengthening governance frameworks and ensuring long-term organisational sustainability.

Key responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership - Drive the organisation’s vision, purpose, and strategic direction in alignment with Board priorities and community needs.
• Governance & Compliance - Strengthen governance frameworks, risk management, and compliance systems to ensure transparency, accountability, and effective Board engagement.
• Program Oversight - Lead the design, delivery, and continuous improvement of high-quality community, child and family programs across multiple sites.
• People & Culture - Foster a positive, inclusive organisational culture and mentor a high-performing leadership team aligned with The Canopy’s values.
• Stakeholder Engagement - Act as the primary representative of The Canopy with government, funding bodies, partners, and the broader community to strengthen relationships and advocacy.
• Financial & Operational Management - Oversee sustainable budgeting, financial controls, infrastructure, and operational systems to support long-term stability and growth.
• Organisational Development - Promote innovation, evidence-informed practice, and strategic marketing to build the organisation’s profile, reach and impact.

About you

The Canopy is seeking an experienced and values-driven leader who combines strategic vision with practical governance expertise to join the organisation as Chief Executive Officer. The ideal candidate will be highly collaborative, emotionally intelligent, and skilled in fostering inclusive, positive workplace cultures. They will bring extensive senior management experience, ideally with a background in the not-for-profit or community sector.

You will also have:

• Tertiary qualifications in Social Work, Social Science, or a related discipline.
• Demonstrated expertise in governance frameworks and risk management, including overseeing compliance with legislative and regulatory requirements, implementing robust risk mitigation strategies, and ensuring organisational accountability and transparency.
• Strong experience in strategic planning, business development, and financial sustainability.
• Experience building collaborative partnerships and driving innovation.
• Contract management experience is important, ensuring compliance with funding requirements, timely reporting, and effective delivery of outcomes to maintain strong, transparent relationships.
• Excellent communication, problem solving, and stakeholder engagement skills.

How to Apply

To learn more about key responsibilities, company culture and associated benefits of this opportunity, please contact Chelsea Farrar today on 02 4927 2027 or email [email protected] using the subject line: Chief Executive Officer - The Canopy - Cameron Park enquiry via EthicalJobs for a confidential discussion.

Alternatively, click "Apply now" to submit your covering letter and CV.

Applications Close date: As listed

At peoplefusion we don’t just accept diversity and inclusion - we celebrate it! We strive to create an environment of equal opportunity regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, lifestyle, age, religion or physical ability, and welcome applications from people from all backgrounds. If you require any assistance with your application please don’t hesitate to contact us.