ABOUT US

WEA Sydney is a highly reputable adult and community education provider, with registered training organisation (RTO) accreditation, having started as the Workers' Educational Association in 1913.

With a wide variety of educational offerings including long and short courses, historical and recreational walk programs, outreach activities and the discussion group programs, WEA Sydney seeks to meet the needs of a diverse range of students – from working age participants to retirees.

ABOUT THE ROLE

The Executive Director is responsible for leading the operations of the WEA Sydney, in conjunction with the member-elected Board, and working effectively with a small, dedicated staff and numerous highly skilled tutors to deliver its programs.

This includes implementing the organisation’s strategic plan on a day-to-day basis and identifying opportunities for it to grow and diversify, while maintaining its integrity and financial security.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Effective leadership of WEA Sydney’s operations as a well-established and successful adult community education provider.
• Identify opportunities for enhancing the organisation’s education offering, including through expanded programs and appealing to new and existing student bases.
• Develop and maintain a highly-skilled and stable organisation that is able to demonstrate flexibility and respond to changing circumstances.
• Be the key point of contact between the Board, management team and staff, and with the tenants of WEA Sydney’s premises.
• Managing, and reporting to the Board on, operations and performance, as well as management and oversight of the organisation’s CBD premises and arrangements associated with outreach activities.
• Recruitment, professional development and retention of staff.
• Day-to-day management of staff in a hybrid working environment.
• Ensuring effective engagement with the organisation’s membership base to promote their positive involvement in WEA Sydney’s activities.
• Role model the behaviours of a values-led and high performing team
• Very effectively represent and advocate for the organisation, its goals and activities to raise its profile and position it for a strong future.
• Develop and strengthen partnerships with the community, industry and other organisations.
• Promote and model excellence, integrity and respect among staff, tutors, members and students.
• Work effectively with the Board to secure the organisation’s viability through fiscally responsible decisions, identifying new activities, funding and revenue streams.
• Ensure audit, risk, compliance and all legal obligations of the organisation are met, and that potential non-compliance is promptly addressed.

ABOUT YOU

You will need to be a highly-motivated person of the utmost integrity, and a strong desire to ‘make a difference’.

You will be unwavering in your commitment to the positive impact of education, empowerment, inclusion and opportunity.

Your passion and motivation will be clear and can inspire others.

As a leader, you are authentic and discerning, genuinely inclusive and able to lead change.

Your background may be broad with a common thread of bringing people together, helping others, and creating something better.

You will be an outstanding communicator who can deliver compelling messages to a range of audiences.

You will have led teams, delivered meaningful outcomes, advocated, sought and fought for funding.

You are strategic in your thinking and operationally excellent in your execution.

You may be an experienced CEO or ready to take the next step up in leadership.

First and foremost, you are committed to creating a harmonious, respectful and highly effective organisation.

ESSENTIAL

• Demonstrated leadership experience, preferably in an adult education, member services, or related context.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with a Board or Committee of Management dealing with sensitive and complex issues.
• Proven experience in leading, motivating and developing the skills of staff and volunteers.
• Experience in strategic planning and day-to-day operational management.
• Highly effective risk, compliance and financial management skills.
• Demonstrated skills in advocacy, stakeholder engagement, and highly effective advocacy on behalf of an organisation.
• Demonstrated commitment to the principles of adult education, social inclusion, and community involvement.

DESIRABLE

• Relevant tertiary qualifications
• Experience in vocational education and training
• Experience in the Not-For-Profit or ‘For Purpose’ sector

WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU

• Impact and outcome - make a meaningful difference to the lives of others.
• Leading a capable team who share your commitment.
• The opportunity to lead and foster a workplace culture that promotes personal development, inclusivity and flexibility.
• An attractive salary with the opportunity for salary packaging benefits.
• The support of a committed and diverse community Board.
• Opportunities for flexible working arrangements.

To submit your application please click 'Apply Now' by 6pm the closing date.

Your application will need to address the ‘Essential’ and (where appropriate) ‘Desirable’ criteria set out above, as relevant to the responsibilities of the job. 

A copy of your Resume / Curriculum Vitae (CV), including the names and contact details of at least two (2) relevant referees, must also be provided at the time of application.

Please contact the President of WEA Sydney, Bill Steenson, directly on 0478 617191 for further details about the role and the recruitment process.

A position description is attached.