Executive Director People

• Lead people strategy and culture transformation across a diverse organisation
• Influence at the highest level and partner with the CEO and Bishop to drive change
• Drive purpose, performance and wellbeing in a values led, for purpose context

About Newcastle Anglican

Newcastle Anglican, formally known as the Anglican Diocese of Newcastle, is a leading faith-based organisation serving communities across the Hunter, Mid North Coast, and Central Coast regions of New South Wales. With a rich history spanning over 175 years, the Diocese is committed to enabling people to flourish through compassionate service, inclusive ministry, and values-driven leadership.

The organisation encompasses aged care (Anglican Care), social justice services (Samaritans), and education through four schools and two preschools. Guided by the way of Jesus and the Five Marks of Mission, Newcastle Anglican promotes integrity, justice, compassion, faith, courage, and wisdom in all its endeavours.

Newcastle Anglican is deeply committed to reconciliation, safeguarding, and community empowerment. It strives to create safe, respectful environments where individuals are supported to live their best lives. As one of 23 dioceses in the Anglican Church of Australia, it plays a vital role in shaping spiritual, social, and educational outcomes across the region.

The Role

As the Executive Director, People & Culture, you will lead the development and delivery of Newcastle Anglican's People Strategy, shaping the organisation's culture and workforce for the future.

Reporting directly to the CEO, and partnering closely with the Bishop and Executive Team, you will drive transformation initiatives that strengthen leadership capability, workforce planning, and employee experience across a diverse and purpose-driven organisation.

This pivotal role will see you influence strategy at the highest level: from culture and capability uplift to safety, inclusion, and wellbeing, ensuring Newcastle Anglican remains a trusted, high-performing, and values-led community service provider.

You will also play a key role in embedding safeguarding and reconciliation principles into all aspects of our people and culture practices, creating a workplace where every person feels respected, supported, and empowered to make a difference.

Who we're looking for

We're seeking a strategic, values-driven leader who brings deep experience in leading cultural transformation and building organisational capability within complex, multi-sector environments.

You will be a trusted advisor who can balance vision with execution. Someone who inspires confidence, leads with integrity, and brings commercial acumen to people and culture strategy.

To succeed in this role, you'll bring:

• A degree qualification in Human Resources or an equivalent discipline
• A deep understanding of employment and industrial relations frameworks, with the ability to translate complex legal requirements into pragmatic, people-centred strategies
• Demonstrated executive experience leading large-scale cultural or organisational transformation
• Strong commercial and analytical capability to align people initiatives with organisational outcomes
• Proven success in building leadership depth, workforce capability and positive employee experiences
• A genuine alignment with Newcastle Anglican's faith-based, for-purpose mission and values

Additional requirements include a current Working with Children Check, a current NDIS check, National Police Check, and a valid driver's licence.

How to apply

Fish Nankivell is managing the recruitment process for this critical leadership role. To receive a candidate brief, or to arrange a confidential discussion about this opportunity, please contact Tori Best, Managing Partner at Fish Nankivell, on or. To formally apply, please submit your CV, and cover letter outlining your suitability for the role to

The closing date for applications is 1 December 2025. A concurrent search is being conducted via other platforms and through Fish Nankivell's extensive networks.