Chief Executive Officer

Chief Executive Officer – Mid Coast Connect

Location: Mid North Coast NSW (Kempsey, Port Macquarie, Taree)

Lead with purpose. Inspire change. Empower young people.

Mid Coast Connect (MCC) is seeking a visionary and strategic Chief Executive Officer to guide our organisation into its next phase of growth and innovation. Established in 1997, MCC has been a trusted community leader for over 25 years—helping young people across the Mid North Coast reach their potential through education, training, and employment pathways.

As CEO, you will:

• Shape MCC's strategic direction, driving innovation and sustainable growth.
• Lead and inspire a passionate regional team, fostering a culture of collaboration, inclusion, and accountability.
• Build strong partnerships with schools, industry, government, and community organisations.
• Advocate for young people at the regional, state, and national levels.
• Demonstrate measurable impact through data-driven outcomes and effective stakeholder engagement.

You'll bring proven executive leadership and governance experience, strong communication skills, and a deep commitment to creating positive outcomes for young people and their communities.

This is a rare opportunity to lead a respected not-for-profit organisation that truly makes a difference.

All enquiries and applications will be handled in the strictest confidence.

To learn more about this rewarding role and how to apply, please contact Mid Coast Connect Chair, Kellon Beard on or email

Selection Criteria

Essential

1. Proven executive leadership experience, ideally within a not-for-profit, community, education, or youth services organisation.
2. Demonstrated strategic planning and governance capability, including experience working with or reporting to a Board of Management.
3. Strong people leadership skills, with the ability to inspire, mentor, and manage a multidisciplinary regional team.
4. Exceptional stakeholder engagement and communication skills, with the ability to build and maintain effective partnerships across schools, industry, government, and community sectors.
5. Demonstrated success in organisational growth and sustainability, including program development, funding, and reporting.
6. Commitment to the empowerment and well-being of young people, particularly those at risk of disengagement from education or training.
7. High-level financial and operational management skills, including budget oversight and risk management.
8. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to use data and evidence to drive improvement and demonstrate impact.

Desirable

1. Relevant tertiary qualifications in management, education, community development, or a related field.
2. Experience in regional or rural settings, with an understanding of the opportunities and challenges facing young people on the Mid North Coast.
3. Knowledge of government policy frameworks related to youth, education, employment, or community development.
4. Experience in advocacy and public representation, including liaising with government agencies and funding bodies.
5. Understanding of contemporary best practices in youth engagement and transition-to-work initiatives.
6. Previous experience in tender response writing.

How to Apply

To apply for the position of Chief Executive Officer – Mid Coast Connect, please submit the following:

1. A cover letter outlining your interest in the role and addressing the Essential and Desirable Selection Criteria.
2. A current resume, including details of your qualifications, professional experience, and at least two referees (referees will not be contacted without your consent).

Applications should be emailed to:

Subject line: Application – CEO, Mid Coast Connect

Applications close: 19th December, 2025

For a confidential discussion about the role, please contact Kellon Beard on or via email at

All enquiries and applications will be treated in the strictest confidence.