Chief Executive Officer

The Northern Territory Council of Service Inc. (NTCOSS) is a peak body for the Northern Territory social and community service sector and an advocate for those who are most disadvantaged.

NTCOSS has a broad membership base, which is made up of non-government and community organisations, Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations, and community councils across the NT, as well as other organisations and individuals who are committed to social justice issues for people and communities who are socially and financially disadvantaged in the NT.

NTCOSS is governed by a Board of Directors, which includes broad representation from across the social and community sector in the NT, including regional representatives and representatives from the range of social policy areas.

POSITION DESCRIPTION

Statement of Duties

Summary of main duties to be performed, listed with equal priority:

1. Effectively represent the views and interests of members and the wider community sector by ensuring that NTCOSS maintains a strategic position as a social and community sector peak body, influences social policy directions and consults with and involves the membership and other stakeholders in key areas of policy development.
2. Maintain a strong public profile and position through media engagement and represent NTCOSS and its members on relevant committees, and in meetings, forums and functions in line with NTCOSS policy.
3. Oversee and undertake social policy analysis, research and development projects in relation to social justice issues that impact on people and communities in the NT who are socially and financially disadvantaged.
4. Establish strategic alliances and effective relationships with Government, peak bodies, social research organisations and other relevant stakeholders including the Australian Council of Social Service and the COSS network in Australia.
5. Build the capacity of the social and community sector to contribute to Government social policy decision making processes at the local and national level through a range of effective communication mechanisms that meet the consultation and information needs of the sector.
6. Ensure the provision of effective industry support and advocacy which contributes to the development of strong, viable not for profit community sector organisations by facilitating processes and undertaking projects which support and increase the capacity of the social and community sector to provide high quality sustainable services.
7. Work with the Board of Directors in developing a vision and strategic plan to guide the organisation; report to the Board of Directors on all aspects of the activities and operations of the organisation and resourcing and supporting the Board of Directors in meeting and carrying out its governance role.
8. Ensure strong financial control and compliance by overseeing the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of robust organisational management and operational systems. This includes, but is not limited to, leadership in financial management and budget development, monitoring and management of finances, and adherence to legislative and regulatory requirements. Provide strategic people leadership by managing staff effectively, fostering a positive workplace culture, and ensuring compliance with relevant policies and procedures. Additionally, focus on risk management, funding strategies, and efficient planning to allocate and monitor the organisation’s internal resources, aligning with NTCOSS priorities.
9. Maintain, grow and diversify the membership of

Position Attributes

Key Selection Criteria

Essential

1. Clear examples and demonstrated ability to lead the development of considered and evidence-based policy and practice within a complex public policy environment and advocate for and effectively influence policy debates and government, in a way that leads to improved policy
2. Demonstrated Leadership experience. Proven track record of successfully leading and inspiring teams through strategic people leadership. Provide examples of previous roles where you played a key leadership role, emphasising the positive impact on team dynamics and outcomes.
3. Employee Engagement Strategies. Demonstrated experience in implementing strategies or initiatives that have enhanced employee engagement and satisfaction. Highlight the measurable outcomes of these initiatives, such as increased team morale, reduced turnover, or improved productivity
4. Demonstrated ability to build and maintain effective relationships and partnerships with a variety of stakeholders.
5. Demonstrated ability to clearly articulate policy positions and communicate them effectively to stakeholders, including to the media.
6. Highly developed skills in social policy analysis and a demonstrated understanding of local and national social policy issues, particularly those impacting on people and communities in the Northern Territory who are socially and financially disadvantaged.
7. Demonstrated ability to represent the diverse membership of the organisation, and in particular to represent a broad range of interests in a complex policy setting.
8. Outstanding written and oral communication skills including the ability to manage the media and present to a range of stakeholders and groups, develop and maintain strategic relationships with stakeholders, negotiate with high level government and community representatives, produce quality articles and reports and facilitate and lead strategic consultations, liaison and networking across a range of stakeholder groups.
9. Demonstrated project management skills and an ability to work to deadlines and to set priorities within competing demands.
10. Experience in working within the social and community sector and/or demonstrated understanding of the issues impacting on the sector, particularly within the NT
11. A demonstrated commitment to social justice principles including Aboriginal self- determination, professional ethical standards and diverse workplaces.
12. Relevant tertiary qualifications in public policy, human services or
13. A current NT Working with Children Card, a current NT driver licence and current COVID-19 vaccination status.
14. A preparedness to undertake interstate and regular regional

NTCOSS is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from people with diverse backgrounds and life experiences.