Established in 1947, Relationship Matters is a purpose-driven company limited by guarantee aiming to promote healthy, respectful and fulfilling relationships among the Victorian community. It has revenue exceeding $6 million and a headcount of more than 50.

Working with the board, your brief is to direct Relationship Matters’ operations to achieve optimum profitability through the utilisation of business assets and human resources, aligned to the organisation’s values.

Possessing relevant qualifications, you are an experienced leader and manager with a sound grasp of the human services, counselling or mediation sectors. Your skills span social sciences, financial management, strategy, risk, corporate governance, communications and stakeholder engagement.

Please view the Position Profile on www.brookerconsulting.com.au and send a brief CV (word format) by 5pm Monday 8 August to [email protected], or ring Lesley Lightfoot on 0458 543 485 or Jeremy Wurm on 0419 529 525, in confidence.

ABOUT RELATIONSHIP MATTERS

Relationship Matters Counselling and Mediation is a not-for-profit company, limited by guarantee, and a Public Benevolent Institution (PBI - charity) that aims to promote healthy, respectful and fulfilling relationships within the Victorian community. Established in 1947 as the Church of England Marriage Guidance Council and later LifeWorks Relationships Counselling and Education Services we rebranded to Relationship Matters in November 2019. Relationship Matters retains close ties to the Anglican Church and enjoys support as an Anglican Agency.

Relationship Matters recognises relationships in all their diversity and our services are offered to individuals, couples and families inclusive of sexual orientation, gender identity, ethnicity, religion, ability or socio-economic circumstance. We work towards building positive, safe and respectful relationships, and the prevention of violence.

PURPOSE OF THE POSITION

This role has direct control over the efficient and effective operation of Relationship Matters to achieve optimum profitability and effective use of business assets and human resources. It exists to ensure high standards through all of its primary functions, including developing and implementing the strategic and corporate plans and policies of Relationship Matters and providing a high level of communication with the Board and any funding bodies (including The Anglican Church, State and Federal Government etc.). The role has a high degree of governance and compliance to ensure that Relationship Matters adheres to all the legislation and mitigates any risks.

This role is pivotal in establishing and maintaining harmonious and effective working relationships across the Counselling and Mediation space. A key element is to continue to maintain Relationship Matters standing within the not-for-profit sector participating in counselling and mediation, ensuring that the organisation continues to meet the standards set by various complying legislative frameworks for this industry.

KEY ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Planning

• Prepare Annual Operating plan in conjunction with Board in accordance with the strategic directions of Relationship Matters
• Direct and develop the long and short-term strategic business plans of Relationship Matters consistent with the requirements of the appropriate legislation

Financial Management and Reporting

• In association with the Finance and Corporate Services Manager, prepare annual budgets, forecasts/projections and required reports in accordance with financial policies, legislation and Board requirements for presentation to the Finance and Risk Committee and the Board
• Manage Relationship Matters resources within budget guidelines according to current laws and regulations
• Provide regular reports on financial performance and interactions with various funding bodies
• Make recommendations regarding strategies for ensuring the long-term financial viability of the organisation
• Make recommendations regarding revenue raising strategies with the Board and support the Board in such activities (e.g., Professional development programs etc.)
• Ensure Relationship Matters meets its audit requirements and responsibilities, including working with internal and external auditors and resolving any issues that may be identified and reported.
• Maximise the utilisation and security of assets and resources and optimise Relationship Matters return on investment.

Risk Register and Risk Framework

• Direct and oversee the development, implementation and maintenance of appropriate risk management policies and practices to minimise Relationship Matters’ exposure to risk within acceptable limits.
• Understand and interpret risks and liabilities associated with changes in legislation and regulation particularly in technical operational requirements.
• Direct the production of all legal contracts Relationship Matters may enter into ensuring that there is adequate legal representation and co-ordination of all legal matters
• Direct and oversee all negotiation and risks associated with all contracts Relationship Matters need to enter into.

Corporate Governance

• Act as Secretary to Board, Board Executive Committee and Finance and Risk Committee as appropriate
• Perform the role of Company Secretary.
• Continue to maintain Relationship Matters accreditation with various organisations (including for example, Rainbow Tick, QIC Human Service Standards and the National Mental Health Standards) ensuring that the organisation continues to meet the standards set by these various organisations.

Human Resources and People Management

• Set the leadership tone, vision and culture for Relationship Matters
• Ensure Relationship Matters develops, applies and upholds acceptable work policies and practices with regard to Quality Management, Occupational Health and Safety, Risk, Industrial Relations, Equal Employment and other staffing matters.
• Develop a motivated effective, responsive workforce.
• Entrench a performance-based culture that promotes continuous improvement in all activities and remains commercially focused.
• Responsible for the recruitment and contracting of permanent and project staff, including developing job descriptions and annual performance evaluation.
• Ensure procedures and practices conform to current laws and regulations e.g., OHS
• Effective delegation of tasks and responsibilities to direct reports

Marketing and Public Relations

• Direct and oversee content, production and distribution of all marketing and publicity and online materials.
• Direct the development of media and public relations plan/strategy for the approval of the Board

Stakeholder Management/Relationship Development

• Develop and maintain relationships with relevant stakeholders (e.g., Anglican Church, State and Federal Government agencies, etc.).
• Oversee all negotiations on behalf of Relationship Matters on all third-party provider services. Ensure all legal, compliance and service delivery parameters are met.
• Represent Relationship Matters in negotiations, public engagements, official occasions, media contacts and liaise with Government Agencies and officials, clients and other relevant industry bodies.
• Develop appropriate media releases and other publicity (including newsletters or other printed material) regarding the affairs of Relationship Matters.

Personal and Professional Development

• Attend and participate in relevant state and national meetings/conferences relevant to the role to continue to maintain the necessary professional development and standards
  Policies, procedures and systems
• Adhere to, and comply with Relationship Matters’ organisational policies, processes and procedures, using appropriate systems where required
• Model the organisation’s values, play a role in raising the profile of these values and associated behaviours across the organisation including a positive contribution to workplace harmony and displaying cooperative team and leadership behaviours
• Proactively communicate, identify, report, assess OHS related risks and hazards within the organisation.

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:

Technical skills (job specific skills)

• Sound knowledge and appropriate training in the social sciences, finance, accounting, strategy, corporate governance/risk, stakeholder management and communications
• Proven knowledge of legal and operational context of NGO/NFPs
• Experience in risk management and quality assurance processes
• Experience and skills in strategic development and implementation
• Proven knowledge of government departments and other players within the Child Youth and Families, Family Violence, Relationship Services, and NFP sectors and understanding of issues relating to this sector
• Demonstrated experience in continuous improvement of practices and service delivery

Professional Knowledge

• A thorough understanding of the Child Youth and Families, Family Violence, Relationship Services, health and/or education sectors
• Significant and demonstrable successful management experience in the community sector
• Commitment to pro-feminist principles and values that guide the work of the organisation
• Sound organisational report, tender, policy and procedure writing skills

General Operations

• Technologically literate
• Competent in the use of current Microsoft Office Suite products particularly Outlook, Word and Excel
• Sound knowledge of general office procedures and equipment

General Managerial Abilities

• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills, and a demonstrated track record of people management skills
• Ability to influence others, with excellent team building, collaboration and partnering skills
• Ability to manage and measure work including clearly assigning responsibility for tasks and decisions; setting clear objectives and measures; and monitoring process, progress and results
• Well-developed written and verbal communication skills
• Provide a focus on innovation management to create a learning and participative environment

QUALIFICATIONS

ESSENTIAL:

• Qualifications in Strategy and Policy Development or Social Sciences (e.g., Masters or Bachelor of Social Science, Masters or Bachelor of Psychological Science and Counselling, Masters or Bachelor of Social Work, Masters of Social Policy of Business/Commerce or similar)
• Must be legally entitled to work in Australia
• Must have a police check and working with children check

PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES:

• Strong leadership skills and the ability to develop effective stakeholder/working relationships with external clients, government departments and staff
• Effective at managing others toward meeting conflicting deadlines – good mentoring and coaching skills
• Energetic and engaging – able to develop rapport with a wide range of people and create a positive image for Relationship Matters - possess a strong client service focus
• Proven skills in managing day-to-day operations in a busy working environment
• Driven by excellence and a willingness to challenge and be challenged
• Self-directed to achieve individual, team and organisational goals
• Politically and commercially astute