Who we are

The MJD Foundation (MJDF) partners with and supports Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander families living with Machado Joseph Disease (MJD) and Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 7 (SCA7) to live fulfilling and rewarding lives. The MJDF is an Aboriginal organisation and we take our core values from combining best practice western and traditional cultural knowledge in the ‘Our-way’ approach. By providing flexible and culturally responsive care based on a strong foundation of enduring relationships, we aim to provide families living with MJD specialist care and support, working together to stay stronger for longer. We are currently recruiting for a Director of Finance and Operations to join our Executive Management Team in Darwin.

The Position

The Director of Finance and Operations (DFO) is a member of the Executive Management Team and is responsible for managing and overseeing the shared support services and finance of the MJDF. The role contributes to, and delivers on, the strategic vision of the MJDF in terms of its financial wellbeing and the provision of resources and services to achieve these outcomes. At an operational level, the DFO reports directly to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO). The DFO is responsible for operational and shared support functions, such as financial management, facilities management and human resource management. Additionally, they play a key role in contributing to the MJDF’s strategic direction and goals as part of the Executive Management Team (EMT), which includes the CEO, Director of Research, Education & Clinical Services and the Director of Community Services.

The DFO will provide direct support to the CEO regarding strategic, operational and financial planning and reporting; stakeholder management; Board and subcommittee reporting and risk management (including incident reporting). The DFO plays a key role leading the service-oriented Operations team to provide facilities, fleet- and administration support across the MJD Foundation.

Special Requirements

• Willingness to travel to remote communities (by light aircraft or 4WD);
• Ability to obtain and maintain NDIS Worker Screening clearance;
• Willingness to adhere to Government mandated vaccination policies and provide proof of compliance;
• Ability to obtain and maintain an NT class C manual drivers’ license;

Who you are

Are you a strong leader with robust financial management and operational experience who enjoys guiding a diverse team of professionals?

It is important that you demonstrate that you are self-motivated and that you can translate strategic thinking into the delivery of successful operational programs. You will enjoy leading a diverse team with an eye for process and system improvements. You will have strong interpersonal skills, are a great communicator who enables cooperation, and you can interact effectively and in a culturally appropriate manner with Aboriginal Australians from remote communities. You will lead and inspire a committed team with wide-ranging experience in finance, operations and human resources. The expertise that you bring to the role may be varied, including skills that you have developed in your previous leadership roles, and your life experience as a member of the community and a user of the service system.

We strongly encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to apply!

Selection Criteria:

1. Relevant tertiary qualifications in Accounting, Business Administration or equivalent;
2. At least five (5) years’ experience in a senior executive leadership role, preferably within the not-for-profit sector
3. Demonstrated experience of financial management in a complex environment, including budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis;
4. Demonstrated experience leading diverse teams and fostering a collaborative culture;
5. Excellent organisational skills with demonstrated ability to exercise initiative, set priorities and work under pressure to meet conflicting deadlines for a diverse range of activities across key areas of shared support services;
6. Excellent communication skills with a demonstrated capacity to manage internal and external relationships in a complex organisational context and cross-cultural setting with the ability to deal with sensitive issues with tact, diplomacy and consistency and maintain confidentiality.
7. Proven strong governance and risk compliance skills and experience;
8. A commitment to person and family centred practice and working within the MJD Foundation ‘Our Way’ approach: willingness to embrace and lead change and uphold a strong team culture, through demonstration of positive behaviours and leadership;
9. Highly developed oral and written communication skills, including interpersonal skills, with demonstrated capacity to consult, collaborate and negotiate effectively with stakeholders;
10. Demonstrated experience leading strategic projects, optimising operational processes and driving efficiency;
11. A visionary leader who can translate strategy to day-to-day operations and who is able to unite people from a variety of backgrounds and cultures
12. Excellent computer and technology skills across the suite of Microsoft office products, web-based applications, video conferencing and audio-visual platforms and facilities, with the ability to troubleshoot under pressure and teach others how to use facilities.

Desirable criteria

1. CPA qualification
2. Knowledge of the National Disability Insurance Scheme
3. Grant management experience
4. Fundraising experience

What we offer:

• A supportive and inclusive work environment;
• Above award level pay rate;
• Tax free fringe benefit up to $15,900 p.a., plus meal entertainment benefit up to $2,650 p.a.;
• 6 weeks annual leave;
• One day paid wellbeing day and gift;
• A holistic workplace that offers flexibility (hours/where you work);
• Professional development;
• Access to free confidential supports via our Employee Assistance Program (EAP);
• Free on-site car parking;
• relocation package for the right candidate.

The MJD Foundation values diversity and encourages applications from candidates of all backgrounds. We welcome unique contributions and perspectives of all people to ensure our workforce is representative of the communities we work with and live in.

A position description is attached.