Northern Community Legal Service Inc.
Who We Are
Northern Community Legal Service (NCLS) is a community legal centre in Adelaide's northern suburbs which provides legal, social, and community support services. We work alongside individuals and communities to address legal issues, promote fairness, and empower people to navigate the legal system with confidence.
About the Role
The Board invites Expressions of Interest for the role of Director of the Community Legal Centre. The Director provides strategic leadership and operational oversight to ensure the effective delivery of high-quality legal services to the community, while maintaining strong governance, compliance, and financial management practices.
This role works closely with the Board and the Innovation Coordinator to advance the Centre's strategic objectives and service impact.
That said, you lead from within the team, readily stepping in to answer calls or support where needed, and finding real fulfilment in working alongside others rather than above them.
Key Responsibilities
1. Leadership and Strategic Management
Provide leadership, direction, and advice in the development and implementation of strategic, program, operational, and financial plans.
Ensure the organisation's strategic plan is implemented and reviewed in consultation with the Board.
Oversee the implementation of the organisation's programs to carry out its vision and purpose.
2. Governance, Compliance, and Risk Management
Ensure compliance with all regulatory and funding requirements, including accreditation as a Community Legal Centre, insurance obligations, ACNC responsibilities, and reporting to Commonwealth and State Attorney-General's Departments.
Undertake company secretary responsibilities,



including governance documentation and statutory reporting.
Ensure organisational policies, procedures, WHS and risk management frameworks are current, effective, and compliant.
3. Financial Management and Reporting
Develop and maintain sound financial practices and policies.
Prepare proposed annual budgets, monitor expenditure, and acquit funding.
Oversee payroll, timesheets, leave processing, supplier payments, reimbursements, bank reconciliations, and corporate credit cards.
Provide monthly financial statements and reports to the Board.
4. Human Resources and Operational Oversight
Manage all HR matters, including recruitment, leave approvals, and changes to employment conditions.
Ensure organisational systems operate efficiently and cost-effectively, addressing issues as they arise.
Supervise administrative and operational functions, including IT, HR, and finance, in collaboration with the Innovation Coordinator.
5. Stakeholder Engagement and Representation
Represent the organisation to government agencies, funding bodies, professional networks, and the broader community.
Support and maintain key relationships and partnerships with stakeholders.
Oversee client, legal, and procedural complaints in accordance with organisational policies.
Selection Criteria
Above all, we're looking for someone with strong strategic foresight and proven advocacy capability:



someone who can read where the industry is heading, build the right relationships, and make things happen in complex stakeholder environments.
Applicants should demonstrate:
Proven leadership and management experience, preferably within the not-for-profit or community legal sector.
Solid understanding of governance, compliance, and funding frameworks in a community services or government context.
Experience in financial management, budgeting, and reporting.
Highly developed communication and stakeholder engagement skills, building lasting relationships with government, industry, and peak bodies
Commitment to social justice, access to justice, and the mission of Community Legal Centres.
Relevant tertiary qualifications in Law, Social Sciences, Community Development, Management, or a related field (desirable).
Experience in leading small teams through empowerment rather than hierarchy
Experience in working with or reporting to a Board in a governance context.
Appointment Details
This role may be full-time or part-time, subject to funding and organisational needs. Salary and conditions will be commensurate with experience and in accordance with applicable awards. Appointment is subject to appropriate background checks.
How to Submit an Expression of Interest
Interested candidates are invited to submit a brief Expression of Interest outlining their suitability for the role, together with a current CV
by 31 July ****
. Applications should be addressed to:
The Chairperson
Northern Community Legal Service Inc.
PO Box 697
Salisbury, SA ****
******
Northern Community Legal Service is funded by the State and Commonwealth Attorney General's Departments

📌 Expression Of Interest – Ceo/General Manager (Adelaide)
🏢 Northern Community Legal Service
📍 Adelaide