We're Hiring
Are you passionate about shaping young minds and creating a culturally safe and nurturing learning environment? If so, we are expanding, and we would love to meet you!
POSITION: Chief Executive Officer
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) is responsible for driving the vision and high-level operational requirements of Jalygurr Guwan Aboriginal Corporation during a period of transition. Through their leadership, and in collaboration with the General Manager, staff and the Board, the CEO will lead the implementation of the strategic direction of the Centre, managing funding proposals, strengthening advocacy efforts, and fostering relationships with stakeholders.
While this is not an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander identified role, we strongly support, advocate for and encourage Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander leadership for Jalygurr Guwan.
Title: CEO
Reports to: Jalygurr-Guwan Board of Directors
Contract: Part-time negotiable or full-time (1FTE)
Terms: One year term with possibility of extension. The successful applicant will be subject to a six-month probationary period.
Direct Reports: General Manager and Administration & Finance Officer
Responsibilities: Coordinate the sustainable growth of Jalygurr-Guwan including through the development and implementation of strategic priorities, policies and administrative processes. This role will also lead and grow the engagement of families with the centre and lead fundraising, grants and income-generating activity.
Other conditions: A competitive remuneration package will be offered, commensurate with experience. The successful applicant must have a current WA Working With Children (WWC) Check
Applications close: 11:59pm WST, Monday the 9th of January
All interested applicants are strongly encouraged to speak with Chair of the Board, Jai Newton via email: cp@jalygurr.org.au or phone: 0448 888 144.
About Jalygurr-Guwan Aboriginal Corporation
Jalygurr-Guwan Aboriginal Corporation is an Aboriginal community-controlled organisation (ACCO) based in Rubibi/Broome, Western Australia. With over three decades of history, Jalygurr-Guwan provides high-quality early childhood learning and care services.
Our vision is to empower our people through culturally responsive education, advocacy, and support. The organisation seeks a leader who is well placed to work with the strong foundation of Jalygurr-Guwan to bring into being a thriving future for the centre.
Key Functions
The CEO will:
- Provide caring, energetic and dynamic leadership – leading by example and keeping the organisation focused on its overall strategic objectives;
- Facilitate a culturally safe, supportive and people-centred workplace where wellbeing is prioritised;
- Ensure sustainability and accountability through effective management of Jalygurr-Guwan finances and operations;
- Be a dedicated and influential advocate for First Nations self-determination and the importance of culturally responsive and community focused engagement, education and early childhood learning; and,
- Cultivate and sustain strong and impactful relationships through partnership building and advocacy – locally, across the state and nationally.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership and Governance
- Work collaboratively with the Board of Directors, General Manager and staff, and other stakeholders, to implement the organisation’s strategic vision and operational priorities.
- Prepare and deliver regular reports to the Board of Directors on organisational performance, challenges, and achievements.
- Develop and maintain a thorough understanding of the operating context, particularly of risk factors and opportunities within the ACCO and early childhood sectors
- Working with the General Manager and Board, identify operational risks and implement strategies to mitigate them, ensuring the continuity of services.
- Provide strong business analysis of current activities, opportunities for growth and potential risk areas.
- Manage and oversee major strategic initiatives including a significant premises project and infrastructure redevelopment.
- In collaboration with the General Manager, review and develop an annual program of activities against strategic objectives, to be approved by the Board.
- Provide guidance on organisational structure, capacity building, and long-term sustainability.
- Work with the General Manager to ensure adherence to regulatory, legal, and funding requirements, maintaining compliance across all areas.
Advocacy and Stakeholder Engagement
- Act as the primary spokesperson for Jalygurr-Guwan, representing the organisation with government agencies, funding bodies, community stakeholders and the media.
- Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including other Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations, local partners, and funders, to advocate for early childhood education initiatives.
- Identify opportunities to grow Jalygurr-Guwan’s advocacy and promote the organisation’s impact and influence in the sector.
People and Culture
- Collaborate with the General Manager to foster a positive and culturally safe workplace environment.
- Facilitate and co-create a working environment that prioritises health, wellbeing and sustainable impact
- Support the General Manager to inspire and engage staff in achieving organisational objectives and identifying potential opportunities to strengthen organizational policies and processes
- Support the General Manager to oversee an annual performance appraisal process
- Identify opportunities to develop the competencies and ability of all members of the staff team
- Hold and manage complexities in decision-making informed by experience, knowledge and understanding of the diversity of First Nations peoples, languages, cultures and aspirations.
Financial and Funding Management
- Work closely with the General Manager and Board to develop and monitor budgets, ensuring financial stability and transparency.
- Prepare the Annual Budget for approval by the Board, with support of the accountant
- Ensure acquittals and reports to funding agencies are delivered on time and in relevant formats
- Liaise with the auditors for the preparation of annual Financial Statements.
- Oversee banking and investment arrangements including approvals and authorisations.
- Monitor and review the ongoing financial performance of the organization
- Lead the preparation and submission of funding proposals to secure grants and resources for the organisation’s programs and operations.
- Develop a comprehensive funding strategy to diversify revenue streams and reduce reliance on single-source funding.
Operational Oversight
- Provide direct mentorship to the General Manager, on areas determined in collaboration with them, to strengthen their capacity in governance and finance as a First Nations leader in the community and early childhood sector
- Identify operational risks and implement strategies to mitigate them, ensuring the continuity of services.
- Ensure all funding obligations are met, including delivery of grant reporting and acquittals to funding agencies on time and as required, with support of the General Manager
- Provide supportive guidance to the General Manager, and management to the Finance and Administration Officer.
Reporting and Communication
- Prepare and deliver regular reports to the Board of Directors on organisational performance, challenges, and achievements, including an annual report outlining a comprehensive overview of performance and governance to be approved by the Board.
- Maintain open lines of communication with the Board, all staff, stakeholders, and the community to ensure transparency and alignment with the organisation’s goals,
Other Duties
As directed by the Chair, on behalf of the Board of Directors.
Selection Criteria
Essential:
- Leadership Experience: Demonstrated ability to lead and manage at an executive level, including knowledge and experience of reporting to a Board, particularly in the not-for-profit or community sector.
- Strategic Vision: Proven experience in developing and implementing strategic plans and achieving measurable outcomes.
- Advocacy Skills: Strong advocacy and stakeholder engagement skills, with experience building partnerships.
- Funding Expertise: Demonstrated experience in preparing successful funding proposals and managing grants.
- Commitment to cultural safety: Demonstrated experience working with and for First Nations or marginalised and diverse people and communities, including by fostering culturally safe workplaces.
- Financial Acumen: Ability to manage budgets, oversee financial reporting, and ensure organisational sustainability.
- Communication Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Desirable:
- Experience in early childhood education or community services.
- Knowledge of the socio-political landscape impacting Aboriginal communities in Western Australia.
- Experience working in an Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation.
- A local Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person, with established connections to the Kimberley region.
How to Apply
Please submit your application, including a resume and cover letter addressing the selection criteria, by email the Chair of the Board, Jai Newton at cp@jalygurr.org.au by 11:59pm WST, Monday the 9th of January.
All interested applicants are strongly encouraged to speak with Chair of the Board, Jai Newton by phone: 0448 888 144.
While this is not an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander identified role, we strongly support, advocate for and encourage Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander leadership for Jalygurr Guwan.