State Manager – ACT

An opportunity exists for an experienced manager to lead and manage the NDS operations in Canberra.

The State Manager provides leadership to influence public policy and programs, develop and disseminate information and provide networking opportunities that support NDS members in their work to uphold the interests, well-being and rights of people with disability as the sector transitions to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).

The State Manager will work as part of a cohesive national organisation to grow membership, secure financial resources and deliver value to members.

Key Roles and Responsibilities:

• Develop, lead and coordinate major policy initiatives, key projects and member support initiatives
• Oversee manage and deliver policy projects, state budget submissions and
  submissions for legislative and regulatory reform
• Attract appropriate financial resources from membership, Government and other
  sources (consistent with NDS National Policies and Strategic Directions) to ensure
  efficient operations of NDS
• Provide high quality information and support to member organisations in relation to
  public policy, service delivery, management, governance and operations
• Initiate research and document key issues facing the local disability field as well as
  contribute to the national policy agenda
• Represent NDS and the interest of members on consultative and other bodies as
  required
• Undertake advocacy work and networking with government and other relevant bodies
  on public policy issues
• Manage the administration and finances of the ACT operation consistent with
  established NDS national policies, procedures and operational guidelines as amended
  from time-to-time
• Organise or assist in organising members’ meetings, forums, workshops, seminars,
  training events and conferences
• Create and encourage a team environment that fosters diversity
• Lead a team to accomplish organisational goals within NDS national policies and practices
• Other duties as required consistent with the above

Key Attributes:

1. Communicate with Influence. Demonstrated experience of working with divergent groups to research and create a cohesive view that convinces government to improve an area of public policy. In addition, examples of communicating with influence within an organisation and or sector are also desirable;
2. Manage diverse stakeholder groups. Demonstrated experience or understanding of working partnerships across large numbers of groups in different sectors (e.g. private, community, education and public) and how different interests were successfully managed and used constructively;
3. Manage with integrity and an entrepreneurial spirit. Demonstrated experience of working in creative ways at a local and national level to ensure sustainable outcomes aligned to national policies, legislation and the organisation’s strategic direction;
4.  Lead effective teams. Demonstrated experience of effective leadership in areas where you are the designated leader and where you may be part of a broader national team, highlighting the business/financial outcomes achieved and your role in the success;
5. Thorough understanding of the management, sustainability, capacity and practice issues facing the disability sector, or the capacity to obtain this understanding within a short time;
6. Demonstrated understanding of research and public policy processes with knowledge of disability policy or allied areas of human service policy is highly desirable;
7. Computer literacy, including Microsoft Office Suite;
8. A tertiary qualification in a related discipline is desirable but not essential; and
9.  Independent travel capability.