Community Work Australia is entering an important recent phase of organisational development. We are seeking an experienced senior leader to join our executive team as
Director, Strategy and Stakeholder Engagement
- a newly created role with responsibility for shaping organisational strategy, strengthening Community Work Australia's external influence and helping position the organisation as the authoritative national voice for the community work profession.
We are looking for a strategist and organisational leader with the judgement, presence and experience to work closely with the CEO and fellow Directors, lead across organisational boundaries, influence senior external stakeholders and help build a cohesive and high‐performing leadership team.
About Community Work Australia
Community Work Australia is the national peak body for the community work profession.
Our purpose is to advance professional standards, strengthen recognition of community work and support community workers as skilled, ethical professionals who contribute to a fair and socially just society.
We have recently moved to a new three-portfolio structure designed to strengthen leadership, improve collaboration and better connect organisational activity with our strategic direction.
The Three Portfolios Are
Professional Services and Standards
Corporate Services
Strategy and Stakeholder Engagement
The Director, Strategy and Stakeholder Engagement will play a critical role in shaping how this new leadership model develops.
The opportunity
Reporting to the CEO and working as part of the senior leadership team, you will lead a portfolio spanning:
organisational strategy
stakeholder engagement
membership strategy and growth
policy and research
advocacy and external positioning
communications and public profile
sector and government relationships




The Board operates under a Carver Policy Governance model and sets the organisation's strategic outcomes. The Director will work with the CEO and fellow Directors to translate those outcomes into clear organisational priorities, plans and action.
This is a role for someone who can think strategically, act decisively and build influence.
You Will
help shape organisational strategy and long‐term priorities
build Community Work Australia's standing and influence with government, education, employers, sector bodies and the profession
lead the development of membership and stakeholder strategies
strengthen Community Work Australia's policy, advocacy and research capability
oversee communications and public positioning
bring strategic discipline and constructive challenge to the leadership team
work collaboratively across the organisation to reduce silos and improve coordination
ensure the portfolio delivers measurable outcomes rather than activity for activity's sake
What We Are Looking For
We are looking for someone already operating at Director or equivalent senior leadership level.
You may come from a peak body, professional association, government, policy, advocacy, consulting or another purpose‐led organisation.
What Matters Most Is That You Can Demonstrate
strong strategic judgement and organisational leadership
experience influencing senior stakeholders and external decision‐makers
the ability to translate broad strategic outcomes into practical organisational action
credibility in government, policy or sector environments




experience leading complex stakeholder, membership, policy or advocacy functions
strong written and verbal communication
mature executive judgement and sound decision‐making
the ability to work collaboratively with peers and lead through influence
confidence representing an organisation externally
a track record of building strategy, systems and capability rather than simply maintaining existing functions
Leadership style
This Role Will Suit Someone Who
sees the organisation as a whole, not just their portfolio
can challenge constructively without creating unnecessary friction
brings clarity where there is ambiguity
is comfortable making decisions and taking accountability
builds the capability of others
works collaboratively with fellow Directors
leads by example
can move comfortably between strategic thinking and practical implementation
Why join us?
This is a genuine opportunity to shape the next phase of a national organisation.
The role is newly created and has significant scope to influence:
organisational strategy
executive leadership
membership growth
public policy
stakeholder relationships
national positioning
how Community Work Australia fulfils its role as the peak body for the community work profession
Some elements of the portfolio are established; others are evolving. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to shape the systems, priorities, team and relationships needed for the portfolio to succeed.
Location:
Melbourne
Employment type:
Full‐time position
Salary:
Commensurate with experience
Applications close:
11 October ****
If you would like further information about the position or would like to have a confidential discussion, please contact
Jesu Jacob, Chief Executive Officer
, at
#J-*****-Ljbffr

📌 Director, Strategy & Stakeholder Engagement - Community Work Australia, Melbourne, Vic (Hybrid)
🏢 Australasian Society Of Association Executives
📍 Melbourne