• Shape the future of a respected community organisation
• Strategic and influential leadership opportunity
• Values-led culture with meaningful purpose

About Youth Express

Youth Express deliver a range of programs that encourage strong and sustainable links amongst key stakeholders including young people, education providers, business and industry, parents and community. Some of the programs include work placements for students, building local training and employment opportunities for First Nations people and programs to support students transitioning from school to work.

The organisation has a strong reputation for community impact and youth engagement across the Hunter Valley region.

About the opportunity

Following the retirement of the inaugural CEO who will leave a legacy of enormous impact on the young people in our community, we are searching for the next CEO to continue to strengthen governance, leadership capability, financial sustainability and cultural safety, while continuing to expand Youth Express’ reach and influence.

Reporting directly to the Board, the CEO will provide strategic, cultural and operational leadership across the organisation, and build strong relationships with government, education providers, First Nation communities, business and community stakeholders and funding partners.

This is a highly visible leadership opportunity suited to an experienced executive who can balance strategy with disciplined execution and lead with authenticity, accountability and purpose.

Key areas of focus include:

• Providing strong leadership across strategy execution, governance and organisational performance
• Building a transparent and collaborative partnership with the Board
• Strengthening financial sustainability, revenue diversification and long-term growth
• Deepening First Nations partnerships and culturally safe governance practices
• Leading and empowering a capable and accountable leadership team
• Improving organisational systems, structures and operational maturity
• Enhancing program quality, measurable impact and continuous improvement
• Representing Youth Express across government, community and sector networks

About You

To be successful in this role, you will bring:

• Proven CEO or senior executive leadership experience within a not-for-profit, community or purpose-driven organisation
• Strong governance capability and experience working closely with Boards
• Demonstrated ability to deliver strategy through structured execution and organisational alignment
• Commercial and financial acumen, including budgeting, sustainability planning and revenue growth
• Exceptional stakeholder engagement and partnership-building capability
• A leadership style grounded in values, authenticity, accountability and cultural humility
• Experience leading organisational growth, transformation or operational uplift initiatives
• The ability to inspire teams while embedding structure, accountability and performance

Experience within youth services, employment, education, regional communities or First Nations engagement will be highly regarded.

Why Join Youth Express?

This is an opportunity to lead a respected organisation at a pivotal time in its journey and make a genuine difference in the lives of young people and communities across the region.

Youth Express offers:

• A purpose-driven executive leadership opportunity with strong community impact
• The ability to shape organisational strategy, culture and future growth
• A collaborative and engaged Board committed to long-term sustainability
• A passionate and values-aligned team environment
• The opportunity to strengthen regional partnerships and sector influence
• A fixed-term leadership opportunity aligned to the current strategic plan through to 2029, with strong potential for renewal

How to Apply

To learn more about key responsibilities, company culture and associated benefits of this opportunity, please contact either Ali Kimmorley on 02 4927 2006 or [email protected], or Amanda MacGregor on 02 4927 2005 or [email protected] A position description is attached. for a confidential discussion. Alternatively, click "Apply Now" to submit your covering letter and CV.

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.

A position description is attached.