Chief Operating Officer

The Organisation

Born out of a protest movement over 50 years ago, the Aboriginal Legal Service (NSW/ACT) Limited (ALS) is a fearless advocacy organisation, committed to achieving social justice and equity for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, families and communities. The primary objective of the ALS is to deliver high-quality, culturally safe legal and support services for Aboriginal people in NSW and the ACT.

The ALS is in the process of consolidating operations after an exciting growth phase following additional government funding.  Their specialist services and teams have expanded to address systemic issues and drive structural reforms, creating unprecedented opportunities for the ALS and communities.


Benefits & Culture

Purpose-Driven Impact: Join a dynamic organisation deeply committed to justice and equity for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. Your work will directly contribute to meaningful, systemic change.

Career with Purpose: Experience the rewarding challenge of applying your expertise within a not-for-profit setting, knowing your contributions aid social justice and support vital services for communities in need.

Generous Salary Package with Tax Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary with significant tax-effective packaging options that maximise your take-home pay, tailored for the charitable sector.

Work-Life Balance and Flexibility: Benefit from a flexible working environment with options for remote work and a central Redfern office.

Exclusive Parking: A dedicated parking spot is provided, easing the commute.
  


The Role

As critical member of the executive team, you will provide strategic financial and operations advice to the CEO and board, whilst providing oversight of the shared services function including leading teams across finance, human resources, IT, facilities and fleet, grant management and compliance.  You will work closely with the executive leadership team and be experienced in change management and overseeing organisational transformation.

Your focus will be to ensure financial stewardship, best practice operations and support functions.  
  
You will:

• Support the implementation and optimisation of new systems, processes and technical advancements
• Oversee complex funding agreements, compliance and financial reporting across multiple funding streams
• Develop and maintain relationships with government agencies, suppliers and key stakeholders
• Oversee and manage a risk management framework

Skills Required
  
You are an agile and experienced senior leader with strong business and financial acumen, having overseen resources, budgets and financial reporting across a complex portfolio. You will bring highly developed management skills to effectively lead, inspire and support diverse teams and a track record working collaboratively to deliver on strategy.
  
You will be passionate about using your skills to impact the important work of ALS.
  
You also have:

• Experience leading and managing a shared or corporate services function
• Interpersonal and communication skills to engage and influence a wide range of stakeholders
• Knowledge and appreciation of the cultural and social needs of Aboriginal people
• A tertiary qualification in finance, accounting or operations management

This vacancy is open to all persons, but eligible Aboriginal applicants will be assessed first, and offered the vacancy if they meet all the essential selection criteria and are suitable at the level of the position.


If you’re motivated to use your finance and operational management skills to support an organisation fighting for justice for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, please submit your resume together with a cover letter responding to the skills required section above quoting ref 1285174. Alternatively, please call Hayley Martin on 02 8243 0570 for a confidential discussion.

Please note there is no formal closing date for this role, if you are interested, we would encourage you to apply as soon as possible.

NGO Recruitment values equitable recruitment practices and is committed to representing candidates reflective of the diverse organisations and communities we work with. We welcome and encourage applications from all backgrounds, ages, and identities, and are happy to adjust our recruitment process to support accessibility needs. If you are interested in this position and have most of the skills or experience we are looking for, please go ahead and apply.