Executive Director

This position is only open to Aboriginal and / or Torres Strait Islander candidates.

About the organisation 

Gugan Gulwan is an Aboriginal youth support service that works through a cultural lens to deliver meaningful, culturally-safe and effective services to young people and their families. Their commitment is to protect, nurture and support children, youth and their families as they grow – from birth, through childhood, adolescence and into adulthood. 

The mandate of Gugan Gulwan is twofold; the first is to work with, and through, our many partners to establish a system of services and supports that strengthen families and help children and youth who are experiencing vulnerability, and the second is to lead advocacy and effective policy development on issues that affect all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and youth. 

Since its inception, Gugan Gulwan has built considerable expertise around child and youth development.  Gugan Gulwan is an Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation (ACCO), as such culture, connection and consultation with community is at the heart of what we do and how we do it. Gugan Gulwan’s workplace culture is one of patience, tolerance and respect. They promote diversity and acceptance and invite staff to show up every day as their full self. 

About the role

The Executive Director (ED) holds the vital responsibility of leading and managing the Gugan Gulwan Youth Aboriginal Corporation. This role involves steering the organisation in alignment with the strategic vision set by its Board of Directors. The ED is dedicated to creating a positive impact on the lives of First Nations youth and their families by delivering high-quality and equitable services. 

The role is required to handle relationships with funding bodies, and ensure compliance with reporting, administrative, and legal requirements, while expertly managing the organisation’s finances and budget planning. The ED will effectively collaborate with stakeholders to implement strategic plans, ensuring that Gugan Gulwan can continue to grow sustainably. The role will support Board development and assist with governance under the CATSI Act, and maintain clear communication across all levels of the organisation. 

For a full list of responsibilities, please contact Pipeline Talent at [email protected] 

About you

To be successful in this role, you will be an experienced leader, capable of driving and unifying the team at Gugan Gulwan and enrolling them in the vision and goals as set by the Board of Directors. You will personally demonstrate, through consistent behaviour and understanding, respect for and compliance with culturally appropriate ways of working with Aboriginal people and their communities. 

Your leadership extends to program and service development, ensuring high-quality delivery that amplifies First Nations culture and self-determination. You are committed to fostering a strengths-based, respectful approach that benefits youth, alongside their families and communities. Your expertise in human resources will ensure a positive work environment and prioritise the development of staff. 

Key Selection Criteria

1. Demonstrated proficiency in effective communication and engagement with First Nations people, particularly in the Canberra regions and have a sound knowledge and understanding of their culture.
2. Robust financial management skills encompassing budget preparation, analysis, strategic decision making, and comprehensive reporting.
3. Demonstrated high-level strategic thinking and planning capabilities, and an excellence in organisational management, with the ability to envision and effectively communicate the organisation's strategic direction to staff, clients, the community, stakeholders, and funding bodies.
4. Established track record showcasing the ability to proficiently fulfill all administrative and reporting obligations to various funding and management entities.
5. Exceptional cross-cultural written and verbal communication skills, adept at persuasive and passionate expression. Possess excellent interpersonal abilities and thrives in multidisciplinary collaborations.

What we can offer you 

• A workplace culture focused on staff wellbeing and team support. Professional clinical supervision provided for all staff and informal debriefing with colleagues as standard, with additional supports when needed. 

• A culturally safe workplace where all identities and perspectives are embraced 

• Continuous opportunities that centre staff development, training, learning and growth 

• Access to salary sacrificing

How to apply  

All applications must be made in writing and include the following: 

• An up-to-date CV 

• A cover letter (maximum two pages) addressing the key selection criteria above, outlining why you have applied for the position and how you meet the requirements of the position. 

Applications are to be submitted via the Pipeline Talent website below.

Applications must be received by 11:59pm AEDT Monday 21 October 2024. Unfortunately, late submissions will not be accepted.  

How to get more information 

For further information on the position, please contact the team at Pipeline Talent.

• Jay Knapp | Senior Recruitment Consultant 
  [email protected] | [email protected] 
  M 0438 981 457 | PH 02 8001 6603