- Chair a new national family violence service
- Build a governance foundation from first principles
- A high-impact non-executive mandate in a critical sector

The organisation Men’s Family Violence Services Australia (MFVSA) is a new, independent national organisation established by No to Violence (NTV), the national peak body for ending men’s use of family violence. Following a strategic review, NTV resolved to demerge its direct service delivery into a standalone organisation with its own governance and leadership, enabling its specialist intervention services to grow with dedicated focus. MFVSA begins operation with live, funded services, established referral pathways, and around 40 experienced staff transitioning across, targeted to be fully operational in late 2026.

The prospect The Chair will lead the transition from the current transitional Board, which draws on some existing NTV Board members, to a permanent Board and governance model for a genuinely independent MFVSA. The Chair represents MFVSA at the most senior levels through the transition, giving Commonwealth and state funders early confidence of service continuity, and will be involved in the selection and appointment of the inaugural Chief Executive. This is one of the most significant non-executive roles in the family violence sector, with the opportunity to take an organisation from incorporation to national leadership inside a single strategic plan.

The Chair role is remunerated.

About you

- An experienced chair. Proven chairing experience,



with the governance authority to build a Board and its supporting structures from establishment, and sound judgement governing complex, regulated or high-risk service environments.
- Purpose-led and genuinely committed. An authentic commitment to ending men’s use of family violence, and a genuine understanding of the gendered nature and drivers of men’s use of violence.
- A trusted, senior voice. The standing to reassure government, funders and sector partners through the transition, and the political judgement to build trust across stakeholders.
- A partner to the CEO. The maturity to appoint, partner with and hold accountable the inaugural Chief Executive, forming a relationship that will be critical to determine early success.

Formal governance qualifications are valued but not required; what matters is demonstrated chairing experience and the judgement that comes with it. MFVSA encourages applications from people of all backgrounds, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and warmly welcomes applicants with lived experience.

More Information

Download a comprehensive briefing pack from https://searchlightgroup.com.au/jobs/chair/

How to Apply

Searchlight Group is assisting MFVSA with this appointment. To apply, please upload a cover letter addressing your relevant skills and experience, together with a current CV, via the following link: https://searchlightgroup.com.au/jobs/chair/

Contact

Michael Holdway · Managing Director, Searchlight Group

Mobile: 0400 006 513

Email: [email protected]

Applications close: midnight on 6th September 2026

📌 Chair (Australia)
🏢 Men's Family Violence Services Australia
📍 Australia