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AES
Join
AES
Contact
Us
Contact
Us
Melbourne
Full Time
National Disability Services is a dynamic national organisation which is deeply committed to its members in their support of people with disability.
Overview
National Disability Services (NDS) is the national industry association and peak voice of disability service providers, representing approximately 1000 members who consistently deliver high quality services to 100,000’s of Australians.
Position
This is an exciting position for someone who thrives on innovation, advocacy and contemporary service delivery in dynamic and challenging times. NDS enjoys an excellent reputation for their ability to represent and influence at the highest levels of government on behalf of the sector. Reporting to the Board, it will be essential that an incoming CEO understands the importance of a sustainable disability sector and is willing to pick up this mantle to drive robust national representation during this critically important time. The CEO will be able to demonstrate a strong commitment to expanding life opportunities for people with disabilities. Occupying a highly visible key leadership role in the Australian disability sector, the CEO will also bring a creative and entrepreneurial mindset to the delivery of member services.
About you
On behalf of NDS we are now seeking candidates with the following attributes:
Proven strategic leader with strong business acumen. Ability to identify and develop strategies aimed at creating a better service offering, operational and delivery improvement. Willing to think ‘out of the box’ in relation to diversifying revenue streams or funding models).
Experience leading a service organisation ideally with significant exposure to health, disability services or related sectors and regulatory environments.
Experienced in relationship building, stakeholder engagement, influencing and negotiation in highly nuanced settings at senior levels with the sector, business, government, and community stakeholders.
A contemporary people leader who can motivate and engage staff, building on an already established positive culture, values and a sense of working towards a common purpose.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills and ability to engage with and is comfortable with the media.
Is persuasive and can advocate at a strategic level as a policy and thought leader.
NDS is an equal-opportunity employer and welcomes applications from all diverse groups and backgrounds. People with lived experience of disability are strongly encouraged to apply.
Location is flexible within Australia
For a confidential discussion and Candidate Brief please call Alison Myatt, Head of Research, on 0412 630 817 or Jen D’Arcy-Smith, Partner, on 0449 967 781.
Please send your application quoting Ref No A005596 to Watermark Search International at search@watermarksearch.com.au We will reply to the email address used for your application.
Closing date: 22 July 2024
The association sector is in the middle of a leadership handover.
Across Australia and New Zealand, CEOs and Executive Directors are moving on. Some are retiring. Some have gone to larger organisations.
Some have left because the relationship with their Board ran out of puff. The reasons vary, but the movement is noticeable, and Boards are
appointing replacements.
The encouraging part is the calibre of the people coming in. Many are genuinely well suited to the job — capable executives with strong
records behind them. A good number are stepping into an association CEO role for the first time.
Most associations can provide a long list of membership benefits. They may include professional development, advocacy, networking, industry information, events, resources, accreditation, discounts and access to specialist advice. However, a list of benefits does not necessarily explain why someone makes the decision to join.
While every Board is different, the same governance issues appear time and again. One of the most common is allowing one person’s behaviour
to dominate the Board table.
Almost every Board has experienced it at some point. One director who seems to consume more time and energy than everyone else combined.
How we help membership based, not-for-profit associations now and into the future.
