Drive impact through operational leadership in a dynamic, Aboriginal-controlled social enterprise

Shape strategy, systems and performance to support entrepreneurs and communities in the North

Join a collaborative and purpose-driven team creating real change across remote Australia

The Organisation

Impact North is an Aboriginal-governed not-for-profit organisation working at the intersection of social enterprise and Indigenous business. Based in Northern Australia, our mission is to empower entrepreneurship, build sustainable economic development, and create community impact.

We deliver this through two flagship initiatives:

The Business Builder Program, which offers structured guidance and mentoring for entrepreneurs

The Impact North Community, which provides co-working spaces and support networks for collaboration and connection

We’re a growing team with strong values, big goals, and a clear commitment to supporting First Nations-led solutions.

The Opportunity

As our new Chief Operating Officer (COO), you’ll work closely with the CEO to turn big ideas into practical action. You’ll lead the operational delivery of our programs and internal functions, managing key staff and ensuring everything runs smoothly behind the scenes.

This is a senior leadership role, ideal for someone who thrives on structure, systems and strategy. You’ll be supported by a strong team of managers and work in a collaborative, flexible environment.

Key responsibilities include:

Translating strategy into operational plans, targets and delivery frameworks

Taking the lead on internal operations, implementation and delivery, enabling the CEO to focus on Board engagement, strategic development, and relationships with funders and key stakeholders

Leading review and alignment of organisational structure

Provide counsel, challenge and clarity on major decisions, and support CEO focus by handling day-to-day management and execution

Leading budgeting, forecasting, financial modelling and scenario planning, including the development and use of dashboards, KPIs and reporting tools

Managing direct reports across programs, marketing, operations and support functions

Designing and implementing workflows, systems and business processes

Overseeing supplier contracts (legal, HR, recruitment and IT providers)

Supporting reporting to the CEO and Board with clear data and insights

Fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability and innovation

This is a 2 year fixed-term contract role.

About You

You’re a strategic operator with a hands-on mindset. You know how to build processes that work, manage teams with care, and drive performance in complex environments. You might come from a commercial, not-for-profit or social enterprise background, what matters most is your ability to bring structure and clarity to purpose-driven work.

We’d love to hear from you if you have:

Senior leadership experience in operations, strategy or business management

Strong financial literacy, including budgeting, forecasting and analysis

Experience leading teams and mentoring managers across diverse functions

Skills and experience in change management

You thrive on supporting your team to develop into strong and capable leaders

Excellent problem-solving skills and a systems-oriented approach

The ability to manage external service providers and contracts

Comfort working in dynamic, growing environments with shifting priorities

A commitment to First Nations-led development and working respectfully with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples

Tertiary qualifications in business, management, finance or a related field (postgrad qualifications desirable)

Your Reward

A purpose-led role supporting social entrepreneurship across remote Australia

A creative, collaborative and flexible work culture where your ideas matter

Salary packaging options to increase your take-home pay

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) to support your wellbeing

The opportunity to help shape the future of a high-impact organisation

Next Steps

To register your interest, click the “Apply” button, without delay.

To discuss this opportunity, or if you have questions, contact Tim O’Brien for a confidential discussion on 0473 570023 or [email protected]