About the role

Job Description

Title: Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Position Description

Organisation: Northern Area Community & Youth Services Inc. (NACYS)

Location: Davoren Park, South Australia

Reports to: Chair, Board of Management

NACYS:

Northern Area Community & Youth Services Inc. (NACYS) is a leading not-for-profit organisation that has been in the community for over 40 years. NACY’s is dedicated to strengthening communities and empowering young people and families across northern South Australia. Through a wide range of programs and services, NACYS supports individuals facing social and economic challenges.

Our services include:

· Group work,

· Counselling,

· Support and advocacy,

· Therapeutic services for young people and their families,

· Children’s services such as long day care and out-of-school hours care.

Northern Backbone:

The CEO will be responsible for driving the strategic direction and operational management of the backbone function supporting the Children in the North Alliance in South Australia. This role is central to fostering collaboration, advocacy, and systemic change to improve outcomes for children and young people across the northern region. The CEO will lead a dedicated team, engage key stakeholders, and ensure the Alliance’s collective impact approach is effectively implemented. The position lead’s data-driven decision-making, policy influence, and cross-sector partnerships that address social challenges and create opportunities for children to thrive.

Position Overview:

The Northern Backbone is being developed to be the backbone function of the Children in the North Alliance in South Australia to drive the strategic and operational management within the identified communities. Through collaboration with communities, government agencies, and service providers, the Northern Backbone will drive the meaningful change needed to improve outcomes for children and young people in the Northern Suburbs of Adelaide. The organization focuses on strengthening community connections, advocating for systemic improvements, and ensuring families have access to essential resources and opportunities. By prioritizing locally led solutions, the Northern Backbone empowers communities to create lasting, positive change tailored to their unique needs.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership and Vision:

· Develop and articulate a clear vision and strategy for the Northern Backbone.

· Support the DPC Project team to implement the Children in the North’s place-based strategy in identified communities across Northern Adelaide.

· Manage the Precinct Managers across identified place sites to listen to the community needs and the voices of children and families through the community governance and engagement activities.

Community Governance

· Facilitate inclusive decision-making by supporting community-led governance structures, ensure transparency, and empower local voices in decision-making.

· Build & strengthen community leadership through identification and capacity-building to support emerging leaders.

· Ensure fair distribution of resources based on community-defined priorities.

· Support community organisations in accessing grants and financial support.

· Ensure marginalized voices have a seat at the table.

· Create spaces for culturally safe and trauma-informed participation.

Operational Management

· Manage financial resources by developing budgets, securing funding, and ensuring financial sustainability.

· Lead and develop the team by fostering a collaborative culture, defining roles, and promoting professional growth.

· Ensure compliance and quality by managing risks, monitoring program effectiveness, and adhering to regulations.

· Build and maintain strong relationships with community members, government agencies, funders, and partner organizations.

Compliance

· Ensure all Workplace, Health and Safety standards are adhered to and all legal requirements relating to the operation of the business including specific requirements for our childcare care and clinical services.

Team Development

· Lead, mentor, and support staff, fostering a positive workplace culture that promotes professional growth and high performance.

Advocacy and Representation

· Act as the primary spokesperson for NACYS and the Northern Backbone, advocating for the needs of our community and representing the organisation at various forums.

Workplace Culture

Maintain a workplace culture that is committed to excellence in customer service, clinical care, the voice of the child. Embrace and contribute towards diversity and cultural differences in the workplace by advocating equal employment opportunities and diversity in the workplace. Promote and maintain a commitment to cultural competence and an inclusive workplace in support of First Nations people and other underrepresented groups. Act appropriately at all times.

Essential Qualifications and Experience:

Leadership Experience: Proven experience in a senior leadership role within the community services sector.

Collaboration for Impact: Experience in leading or participating in collaboration for impact projects with multiple stakeholders from government, philanthropy and the not-for-profit sector.

Relevant Qualifications: Tertiary qualifications in social work, community development, business management, or a related field.

Operational Expertise: Demonstrated experience in managing diverse programs and services, with a strong understanding of financial and operational processes.

Future Proofing: Demonstrated experience in grant writing, funding applications and acquittals

Stakeholder Relations: Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with a track record of effective stakeholder engagement and partnership development.

Commitment to Community: Deep understanding of the challenges facing disadvantaged and multicultural communities, with a passion for making a positive impact.

Reputational Management: Dedication to maintaining NAYCS as a leading independent organisation committed to trauma informed practice

Preferably experience:

Sector knowledge: Understanding of Collaboration for Impact and experience working on Place Based Initiatives.

Management Experience: Experiencing managing a diverse range of staff including clinical, childcare and administration staff with intersectional challenges.

Essential Personal Attributes: Will demonstrate an ability of working sensitively, appropriately and maturely with families and young people experiencing multiple levels of disadvantage. The applicant’s respect for the integrity of each individual’s pathway will underpin all services delivered within the programme.

A deep belief in and commitment to the Northern suburbs and ensuring a healthy and secure future for our community through a strong commitment to our children and young people.

Application Process:

For more information about NACYS and our services, please visit our website at nacysasnau.wpcomstaging.com

Any further enquiries to Ann-Marie Hayes – Interim CEO 8252 2474

Interested candidates are invited to submit a resume and cover letter addressing the key responsibilities and qualifications.

Special Conditions

· Attendance at Out of Hours meetings, training and service functions for which a time off in lieu arrangement applies.

· Employment is dependent upon periodic DHS Working with Children, Vulnerable Persons & Aged Care Clearances

· Child Safe Environments Training - Through Their Eyes

· A current South Australian motor vehicle drivers licence and car is essential

· Participate in performance review processes and development programs.

Closing Date: 14/4/2025

NACYS is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds.