Organisation Overview

The Companion Animal Network Australia (CANA) is a registered charity representing the companion animal welfare work of six member agencies across Australia.

Together, our members deliver critical services including rescue, shelter, re-homing, fostering, veterinary care, and enrichment to more than 50,000 animals each year. In addition, CANA supports social programs that advance pet inclusion and improve animal welfare outcomes across all areas of society.

Our movement advocates for a community where pets can thrive in a compassionate and kind environment with their people.

Collectively, our member organisations bring more than 300 years of combined experience in caring for companion animals, positioning CANA as a trusted and influential voice in the sector.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

• Reporting To: Board of Directors
• Location: Flexible (Australia-based; remote/hybrid arrangements supported)
• Employment Type: Full-time (flexible arrangements considered)

Purpose of the Role

The CEO provides strategic and operational leadership to CANA, driving national advocacy efforts, strengthening collaboration across member organisations, and ensuring sustainable growth and impact.

This role is critical in influencing public policy, enhancing sector capability, and securing funding to support the ongoing welfare of companion animals across Australia.

Key Responsibilities

1. Strategic Leadership & Governance

• Provide clear, values-driven leadership aligned with CANA’s mission and strategic priorities
• Partner with the Board to develop and implement strategic plans
• Ensure strong governance, compliance, and risk management frameworks
• Foster alignment and collaboration across member agencies

2. Advocacy & Policy Influence

• Lead national advocacy strategy to advance companion animal welfare
• Represent CANA in government, media, and public forums
• Build relationships with policymakers and regulators
• Drive evidence-based policy and legislative reform

3. Fundraising & Business Development

• Develop and implement diversified revenue strategies
• Secure funding through government, philanthropy, and corporate partnerships
• Identify new growth opportunities and strategic alliances
• Oversee grant submissions and donor engagement

4. Government & Corporate Relations

• Build and maintain strong relationships across federal, state, and local government
• Engage corporate partners to support CANA’s mission and programs
• Position CANA as a credible and influential advisory group

5. Operations & Organisational Management

• Oversee organisational operations, ensuring effectiveness and impact
• Lead and support staff and contractors (as applicable)
• Manage financial performance, budgeting, and reporting
• Implement systems to support organisational growth and efficiency

6. Stakeholder Engagement & Sector Collaboration

• Strengthen collaboration between member organisations
• Promote a unified voice for companion animal welfare
• Build awareness of CANA’s work and impact

Key Selection Criteria

Essential:

• Proven leadership experience in a CEO, Executive, or senior management role
• Strong advocacy and public policy experience
• Demonstrated success in building sustainable revenue streams
• Exceptional stakeholder engagement and relationship management skills
• Strong communication, influencing, and negotiation capabilities
• Financial, Technology and commercial acumen

Desirable:

• Experience in animal welfare or related sectors and experience working within the not-for-profit sector
• Established networks within government and corporate sectors
• Experience working with Boards and governance frameworks

Personal Attributes

• Passion for animal welfare and community impact
• Strategic, collaborative, and outcomes-focused leader
• Adaptable and comfortable working in a flexible, distributed environment
• High levels of integrity, accountability, and professionalism

Remuneration

A competitive remuneration package will be offered commensurate with experience and capability.

Indicative salary range: AUD $120,000 - $135,000 + superannuation (dependent on experience, scope, and organisational scale).