CEO - Australian Association of Social Workers
A rare opportunity now presents for an accomplished and qualified leader in the Social Work profession to head up the Australian Association
of Social Workers, the professional membership association of more than 17,000 members.
Reporting to the Board of Directors, the CEO will provide strategic, operational and people leadership across the organisation.
In this wonderful opportunity you will have responsibility for:
- Delivering the Board-approved Strategic Plan and future strategies
- Aligning structure, culture and systems to support high-quality member services
- Strengthening AASW’s profile and impact as a national voice on social policy, social justice and human rights
- Supporting and working with a complex volunteer network of committees and professional practice groups
Key Responsibilities
Organisational leadership
- Lead the development, implementation and continuous improvement of strategic and operational plans
- Shape an effective and values-driven organisational culture aligned with the AASW Code of Ethics
- Oversee organisational change to ensure the structure, infrastructure and service delivery model support the strategic agenda
People leadership
- Lead and develop a strong, cohesive executive team and management group
- Foster a collaborative, high-performance culture focused on quality service to members
- Support and enable volunteer committees and member forums to effectively contribute to AASW’s mission
Resource and governance management
- Ensure prudent and effective financial management, budgeting and reporting
- Oversee performance planning and review frameworks
-
Ensure compliance with all legislative, regulatory and corporate governance requirements, including WHS, Privacy, Equal Opportunity, risk
and disaster recovery
Board advisory and support
- Act as the primary interface between the Board and the organisation
- Provide clear, concise and insightful reports, advice and analysis to support effective Board decision-making
- Ensure high-quality secretariat, induction and ongoing support for Board and Committee members
Public, member and stakeholder relations
- Act as a key spokesperson and advocate for AASW and the profession, as delegated
-
Build and maintain strong relationships with government, universities, NGOs, professional bodies, media and other stakeholders
- Enhance the value proposition to members through advocacy, professional development and service quality
About You
You are an accomplished executive leader with experience in a complex, multi-faceted environment, ideally with a national footprint and
significant stakeholder engagement. You bring a mix of strategic vision, operational discipline and values-based leadership.
You will demonstrate:
- Vision and strategic agility – proven ability to lead strategy, navigate change and deliver outcomes in dynamic environments
-
Strong business acumen – experience in corporate governance, financial management, risk, compliance and organisational performance
-
People and culture leadership – a track record of building effective teams, developing leaders and shaping constructive organisational
culture
-
Stakeholder and member focus – demonstrated success in building partnerships and delivering value to members, clients or stakeholders
-
Influential communication – confidence as a representative/advocate, sophisticated written and verbal communication, including high-quality
reports and submissions
-
Change leadership – experience leading significant organisational transformation (cultural, structural, systems and process change)
Qualifications and Experience
- Tertiary qualifications in Social Work
- Postgraduate qualifications [or equivalent experience] in management or a related field
- Deep understanding of social justice and social disadvantage issues
- Experience working with or advising a Board at a senior executive level
- Experience in or understanding of membership-based or professional associations will be highly regarded
- Full membership (or eligibility for full membership) of the AASW is desirable
Appointment may be subject to satisfactory police and probity checks.
How to Apply
To apply, please submit:
- A current CV
- A cover letter addressing your suitability to the role and a brief response to the key selection criteria
Applications should be sent to the General Manager, chris.smith@aasw.asn.au with
the subject line: Confidential – Chief Executive Officer, AASW
Applications close 5pm Monday 17 November 2025.
