READY TO LEAD A CAMPAIGN AROUND LIVED EXPERIENCE?

DRIVEN BY PURPOSE, NOT JUST PROFIT?

GREAT AT TURNING IDEAS INTO ACTION?

WE’RE RECRUITING A GENERAL MANAGER…

Lived Expert is a new Australian charity giving people with lived experience of the health and justice systems a voice in how those systems are designed and delivered.

Founded by award-winning social entrepreneur Mark Johnson MBE, who pioneered this work in the UK, Lived Expert helps organisations transform services through the insight and leadership of people who have lived it.

This year we delivered the first consultation of its kind across New South Wales, engaging 500 people in prisons and the community with Corrective Services NSW. As a result, our work was recognised in a recent NSW Parliament hearing, where Corrective Services NSW made a public commitment to strengthening lived experience in its approach.

We’re now piloting our model of lived experience engagement in Sydney – the start of a movement to embed lived experience across NSW and then across Australia.

Mark is looking for a General Manager to work alongside him and the Board to lead the Sydney pilot, manage a small team, and shape the next stage of growth.

He’s looking for someone who:

· Has experience in project, operations or general management in a charity, social enterprise or start-up

· Is calm, steady and organised — a doer who gets things done

· Has great attention to detail and a practical, hands-on approach

· Is comfortable using digital tools to simplify processes

· Is empathetic and driven by purpose

· The role is flexible – full-time, part-time, or a great option for someone returning to work.

WHO WE ARE.

Lived Expert is changing how Australia listens to people with lived experience of the health and justice systems.

We give people with real experience a direct voice in how those systems are designed, delivered, and improved – creating more effective and humane approaches to rehabilitation and recovery.

Founded by award-winning social entrepreneur Mark Johnson MBE, who pioneered this work in the UK, Lived Expert helps organisations transform services through the insight and leadership of people who have lived it.

This year we delivered the first consultation of its kind across New South Wales, engaging 500 people in prisons and in the community in partnership with Corrective Services NSW. As a result, Corrective Services NSW highlighted our work in a recent NSW Parliament hearing and made a public commitment to strengthening lived experience in its approach.

Following this success, we are now piloting our model of lived experience engagement in Sydney, with plans to build a movement that embeds lived experience across NSW and then other states.

THE ROLE.

Mark is looking for a General Manager to work closely with him and the Board to lead the Sydney pilot, manage a small team, and oversee the growth of Lived Expert in Australia.

This is a start-up role: busy, hands-on, and varied. You’ll need to be organised, flexible, and ready to roll up your sleeves.

It’s about working with purpose — building something new that has the potential to change how Australia’s justice and health systems work.

WHO WE’RE LOOKING FOR.

· Someone with experience in project management, operations or general management in a charity, social enterprise or justice/health organisation.

· A meticulous and practical organiser who enjoys making things work and getting things done.

· Someone who wants to work with purpose, helping build a peer-led organisation that puts people first.

· Efficient, empathetic and comfortable juggling a wide range of tasks.

· Tech-savvy and confident using digital tools to make processes simple and efficient.

· Flexible – this role could be full-time, part-time or suit someone returning to work.

WHAT YOU’LL DO.

· Project management: Plan and manage the Sydney pilot from start to finish, ensuring deadlines are met and everyone delivers on their part.

· Team leadership: Support and supervise staff and peer researchers, maintaining a supportive and inclusive environment.

· Governance: Oversee compliance and act as Company Secretary, keeping records accurate and up to date.

· Finance: Work with accountants and bookkeepers to oversee budgets, accounts and financial reports so the numbers are always clear.

· Fundraising and partnerships: Develop funding applications, proposals and relationships with partners to grow the organisation’s reach and impact.

· Operations: Keep the day-to-day running smooth — from planning and reporting to coordinating contractors and volunteers.

· Communications: Maintain simple but effective communications, updating stakeholders, social media and the website.

SKILLS & QUALITIES.

· Strong organisational and project management skills.

· Excellent writing skills for reports, funding bids and public facing materials.

· Experience in operations, governance and finance oversight within a small organisation.

· Confidence managing budgets and financial reporting (not a finance role but comfortable tracking money and deadlines).

· Able to communicate clearly and keep people focused.

· Empathetic, socially minded and committed to working alongside people with lived experience.

· Steady, reliable, and happy working in the background to let others thrive.

EQUALITY & DIVERSITY.

Lived Expert welcomes applications from people with lived experience of social challenges, including crime, addiction, mental health and homelessness. We are committed to ensuring diversity and inclusion in our recruitment process and workplace culture.