Aboriginal Corporation for Drug and Alcohol Network NSW - Sydney CBD NSW

The Operations Manager is the key contact for ACDAN and plays a central role in advancing ACDAN's vision, purpose and strategic priorities. Working closely with the Board of Directors, the position leads implementation of the ACDAN Strategic Plan, coordinates organisational operations, supports effective governance and compliance, and strengthens ACDAN's profile and influence as the peak body representing the Aboriginal alcohol and other drug workforce in NSW. The role provides strategic, policy and operational advice to the Board, leads projects and stakeholder engagement activities, represents ACDAN with members and stakeholders and manages operational matters within agreed delegations and organisational priorities.

Key responsibilities

- Lead ACDAN's day-to-day operations in line with the organisation's governance framework, strategic direction, funding obligations and approved priorities.
- Lead allocated operational decisions within agreed scope, delegations and organisational priorities.
- Coordinate administration, business planning, performance monitoring and reporting, compliance and contract management to support effective organisational delivery.
- Prepare high-quality written advice in the form of reports, briefs, project documentation, discussion papers, meeting minutes or business cases.
- Monitor organisational performance and identify opportunities for continuous improvement and long-term sustainability.
- Provide timely operational, policy and strategic advice and recommendations to the Board of Directors.
- Ensure the Board is appropriately briefed on emerging issues, risks, opportunities and matters arising from meetings.
- Work collaboratively with the Board, funding bodies and financial service providers to support annual budgeting, financial oversight and reporting.




- Monitor ACDAN's financial resources against approved budget allocations and promptly escalation issues.
- Build and maintain strong, team-oriented relationships with the Board, members, Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations, government agencies, service providers and other stakeholders.

About you

- A minimum of two years' experience supporting a committee or board, or experience serving on a board of directors.
- Relevant tertiary qualifications or equivalent professional experience in alcohol and other drugs (AOD), community services, Aboriginal health, public health, or leadership and management.
- A minimum of five years' demonstrated experience in the alcohol and other drugs (AOD) sector, Aboriginal health, community services or public health sector, including demonstrated knowledge of contemporary AOD policy, programs and issues affecting Aboriginal communities, and experience engaging with Aboriginal communities, organisations and stakeholders.
- A current unrestricted driver's licence and willingness to undertake regional travel.
- Demonstrated experience leading organisational operations, projects, partnerships or strategic initiatives in a complex environment.
- Strong project and program management skills, including planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation.
- Demonstrated understanding of governance, compliance, risk, financial management and accountability requirements.
- Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills with the ability to work independently and exercise sound judgement within agreed authority.
- Demonstrated cultural capability and commitment to working respectfully and effectively with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, communities and organisations.
- High-level written and verbal communication skills, including preparation of Board papers, reports, funding submissions and operational plans.

About us

Aboriginal Corporation Drug and Alcohol Network (ACDAN) is the peak body representing the Aboriginal alcohol and other drug workforce in NSW.

📌 Operations Manager (Sydney)
🏢 Aboriginal Corporation for Drug and Alcohol Network NSW
📍 Sydney