Chief Executive Officer

The Women's Centre – Townsville, North Queensland

Lead a respected feminist organisation creating safer, more equitable futures for women.

ProCare Australia is the leading specialist recruitment agency for the community services sector, partnering with organisations across Australia to deliver exceptional talent solutions across casual, locum and permanent roles.

We are proud to partner with North Queensland Combined Women's Services Inc. (The Women's Centre), a longstanding, community-based feminist organisation providing specialist support to women across the Townsville region for more than 40 years.

About The Women's Centre

The Women's Centre is a trusted, feminist, not-for-profit organisation offering a safe and inclusive environment where women can access:

• Homelessness and housing support
• Women's health and wellbeing programs
• Trauma-informed counselling for women who have experienced sexual, domestic and/or family violence
• 24/7 sexual assault support response, advocacy, education and systems support

As a key partner in Townsville's Sexual Assault Response Team, The Women's Centre plays an integral role in crisis intervention, therapeutic support, and community advocacy. The organisation is guided by principles of feminism, social justice, gender equity, and a commitment to amplifying women's voices and lived experience.

The Opportunity

This is a rare and significant chance to step into the role of Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of a highly regarded organisation that has been at the forefront of women's safety, wellbeing and empowerment in North Queensland.

Reporting to the Management Committee, the CEO will lead the organisation's strategic direction, culture, partnerships, operational excellence and long-term sustainability. You will be the connector between staff and the Committee - ensuring strong governance, high-quality service delivery, and a workplace firmly grounded in feminist values and trauma-informed practice.

A handover with the long-standing CEO will be provided to support your transition into the role.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide visionary, feminist-informed leadership to staff, stakeholders and the wider community
• Guide the development of high-quality, evidence-based, trauma-informed services
• Lead organisational governance, financial oversight, risk management and compliance
• Support staff and respond to complex or critical incidents
• Build and maintain strategic partnerships with government, funders, community and corporate stakeholders
• Represent the organisation across networks, advocacy forums and sector initiatives
• Promote social and political change through advocacy and community education
• Foster an empowering, inclusive, collaborative workplace culture
• Lead strategic planning, service innovation and continuous improvement
• Oversee the Business Administrator, Service Delivery Coordinator and Executive Assistant

About You

You are an inspiring, values-driven leader who champions women's rights, social justice and gender equity. You bring emotional intelligence, political awareness, sound judgement, and a passion for community impact that enhances safety for women and their children.

You will bring:

• Proven leadership experience in community services, not-for-profit or related sectors
• Highly developed understanding of violence against women
• Strong understanding of feminist frameworks and social justice principles
• High-level stakeholder engagement and relationship management capability
• Strategic thinking combined with operational and financial management strength
• Ability to cultivate an inclusive, supportive and accountable team culture
• Resilience and confidence responding to complex or sensitive issues

Qualifications & Requirements

• Tertiary qualification in Social Work (strongly preferred) or Social Science
• Eligibility (not necessarily membership) for AASW
• Current Blue Card
• Current Queensland Driver's Licence
• Australian working rights
• Ability to provide a statutory declaration regarding criminal history

It is a genuine requirement that this position is filled by a woman, as permitted under sections 25, 104 and 105 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1991.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women are strongly encouraged to apply - your cultural knowledge, leadership and community insight play a vital role in shaping responsive, culturally grounded services.

Candidates with senior leadership experience (even if not previously a CEO), strong clinical backgrounds, or experience within complex community service settings are encouraged to apply. Experience in sexual assault or trauma-informed services is highly regarded but not essential.

Role Conditions & Work Environment

• Full-time position based on-site in Townsville
• Standard hours: 8:50am – 5:00pm, with some additional hours as required
• Relocation assistance may be considered
• Purpose-built facility with outreach to three regional communities
• Collaborative, passionate teams working in complex areas including sexual assault, homelessness and crisis response

Remuneration & Benefits

• Competitive, confidential remuneration package
• 28 days annual leave per year
• 15 days personal leave per year
• Paid closure between Christmas and New Year
• Not-for-profit salary sacrificing benefits
• Supportive Management Committee and strong team culture
• A meaningful leadership role making a profound impact in women's lives

How to Apply

For a confidential discussion, please contact:

Indi Adams, Recruitment Consultant

Learn more about The Women's Centre on their website.

ProCare Australia proudly partners with community-driven organisations to connect exceptional leaders with roles that change lives.