Executive Manager

Lead transformative mental health and wellbeing services that support individuals and families across South Australia.

Centacare is seeking a visionary Executive Manager to lead a diverse portfolio of services that support individuals and families through challenges such as conflict, separation, parenting, substance misuse, mental health concerns and illness. This role is central to promoting resilience, recovery and community connection through evidence-based counselling, therapeutic programs and outreach initiatives delivered across metropolitan and regional areas.

You'll drive strategic innovation, foster partnerships, and ensure high-quality outcomes for clients and communities. Reporting to the Director, this is a pivotal senior leadership role within Centacare's Mental Health, Counselling & Wellbeing Services Unit.

What you need to bring

     Essential

• Tertiary or equivalent qualifications in leadership and management, social work, psychology, counselling or a related field

• Proven experience in leadership and business management

• Strong understanding of mental health, counselling and wellbeing programs

• Demonstrated ability to manage a portfolio of programs

• Experience in change management and service innovation

• High-level financial acumen and experience managing budgets

• Ability to lead successful tenders and grant submissions

• Experience in sourcing new business opportunities

• Dynamic interpersonal, leadership and consultative skills

• Valid Department of Human Services (DHS) Working with Children Check

• Willingness to travel regionally and work out-of-hours as required

Desirable

• Proven experience working with government departments, funding bodies or contract management in a human services context
• Experience using Penelope electronic client management system
• Management experience in a not-for-profit setting
• Membership with a relevant professional association (eg Australian Counselling Association or Australian Association of Social Workers)
• Experience in trauma-informed practice or recovery-oriented care
• Familiarity with community mental health frameworks

What's in it for you

• Attractive remuneration package

• Work with a highly skilled and committed leadership team

• Quality accredited and reputable organisation

• Access to our Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

• 6 weeks parental leave for primary carer and 2 weeks for secondary carer

• Study Leave for ongoing employees

• Health insurance discounts with Bupa

• Opportunities to influence mental health policy and practice across SA

Who we are

Each year, we support more than 20,000 people through community services in metropolitan and regional South Australia, operating within a strong ethical framework. We are client focused and provide support regardless of race, economic circumstance, sexual orientation, gender identity, religious belief or ethnic background. Centacare is a Child Safe, Quality Accredited Organisation and is a registered NDIS provider. We value the uniqueness of individuals, we consult, collaborate and operate with integrity and professionalism. Centacare is committed to cultivating a harmonious workplace free from harassment and discrimination. Equal opportunity principles align with our mission, vision and values. We believe that treating our workers fairly has a positive impact on our clients and maintains our reputation as a great place to work.

To learn more about us, click on the video Centacare Catholic Family Services - Our Story

Centacare is committed to creating a culturally safe and welcoming workplace for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

We value the deep knowledge, lived experience and cultural perspectives that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff bring to our organisation and the communities we serve.

We strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates who are passionate about making a difference in mental health and community services.

How to Apply

Please submit your resume and cover letter (as one document) outlining how you meet the requirements of this role as outlined in the position description. To access the position description or submit your application click on the Apply button.

For a confidential discussion about this opportunity please contact Jackie Schlein, HR Manager on

Closing date: Friday, 5 December 2025 at 5:00pm.

Applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible; applications will be shortlisted as received and the job advertisement may close without notice.

Respectfully, no agencies please.