Are you an ambitious, compassionate advocate with an interest in disability, understanding of human rights frameworks, and a knack for building relationships with federal government and community?

Looking for a leadership role where you can do work that matters, drive systemic change and promote the rights, interests and wellbeing of people with disability from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds?

Are you ready to drive a policy advocacy agenda focused on inclusion, intersectionality and social justice?

If you’re a leader looking for an opportunity to make a lasting impact by advancing human rights and fostering a truly inclusive society, you’re in the right place.

Heart Talent is delighted to partner with the National Ethnic Disability Alliance (NEDA) to find a driven advocacy professional with exceptional communication and stakeholder skills and the vision and drive to lead NEDA’s mission.

NEDA sits at the heart of advocacy for CALD people with disability in Australia.

What’s on offer

• Permanent full time role
• $150k + super
• Canberra office with WFH flexibility
• National profile with related travel

About the opportunity

This isn’t just any CEO role. It’s an opportunity to lead a human rights organisation that plays a critical role in shaping national policies and conversations.

It’s an opportunity to represent, advocate for and empower CALD communities and foster a greater understanding of diversity, inclusion and disability rights.

If equitable access, eliminating barriers, challenging discrimination and safeguarding rights are a mission you can get behind, please keep reading.

As CEO, you’ll play a critical role in shaping national conversations, building strategic partnerships, and ensuring that the organisation remains a powerful voice for underrepresented communities.

You’ll be stepping into a role where your leadership will strengthen the voices of those often unheard; build robust partnerships; and spearhead systemic change at both national and international levels.

Reporting to an established, committed Council, you will be responsible for driving the organisation’s strategic direction and ensuring its goals are met.

Key responsibilities include:

• Strengthening the advocacy and co-design capabilities of member organisations
• Positioning the organisation as a national leader in CALD-related disability advocacy
• Leading systemic advocacy around access to the NDIS and other government services, and broader issues facing CALD people with disability
• Facilitating behavioural change within CALD communities regarding attitudes to disability and cultural accommodation of the social model of disability
• Enhancing organisational capability and capacity through the growth of funded and fee-for-service programs.

About you

You’re a policy and strategic advocacy leader with a deep understanding of federal government machinery and processes and a strong commitment to human rights.

You lead with clarity, integrity, and humility, inspiring those around you to achieve shared goals. You can guide others through challenges with clarity and accountability.

You understand that every voice matters, and you’re ready to bring together diverse perspectives to achieve shared goals.

Your experience in leading change is complemented by your cultural competency, ensuring that you approach challenges with empathy and respect for diverse perspectives.

You’re collegial and empathetic, with a high emotional intelligence that allows you to navigate complex and sensitive issues with care.

Your familiarity with sensitive subject matter enables you to handle difficult conversations with tact and understanding, making you a trusted and effective leader.

Your expertise in advocacy and government relations will be pivotal in amplifying the voices of CALD people with disability and driving systemic change both nationally and internationally.

With connections across the country, you’ll lead initiatives to connect, engage, and grow these relationships, especially where there’s been little interaction before.

Importantly, you’re ready for a challenge. For the right person, these challenges are also opportunities to make a real difference.

You’ll be taking over from an acting CEO and working with an established team so your ability to listen, empower and unite is critical. You’re ready to reinvigorate member engagement and build a stronger organisational profile.

We’d love you to bring:

• Relevant tertiary qualifications
• Experience leading people, strategy and/or stakeholder groups
• At least 8-10 years’ experience in community services, government or the NFP sector
• Demonstrated experience in advocacy
• Exceptional interpersonal communication and relationship management skills
• Lived experience or strong understanding of the issues and challenges facing people from CALD backgrounds
• An understanding of and interest in human rights and social justice.

About National Ethnic Disability Alliance

NEDA advocates nationally for the human rights of people with disability, and their families, from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) and non-English speaking backgrounds (NESB).

As a founding member of Disabled People’s Organisations Australia (DPOA), NEDA is a community based, non-government organisation funded by the Department of Social Services (DSS).

The organisation has a small secretariat and is governed by a Council of state/territory and community representatives. Most NEDA Councillors are people with disability from migrant or refugee backgrounds.

Vision: Disability rights and cultural diversity are valued as essential to an equitable society.

Mission: We advocate for our rights as people with disability from CALD backgrounds through providing our voice and participation to represent our experiences and determine policy in and practice in all matters that affect us. We seek organisational sustainability to underpin our advocacy and participation.

Interested?

Great! We're looking forward to connecting with you.

We appreciate a cover letter outlining your interest in this opportunity, please include this as page one of your CV (ie one document per application).

Applications must be submitted using the 'Apply Now' button on this page.

If you have questions, please get in touch with NEDA’s recruitment partner, Cynthia Harris at Heart Talent: [email protected] using the subject line: CEO - National Ethnic Disability Alliance enquiry via EthicalJobs, or call 0432 044 527.

Please note: This email address is for enquiries only, applications are not accepted via email.

Heart Talent is committed to responding to every applicant.