Chief Executive Officer (Interim)

• Full-time opportunity
• 12 month fixed-term contract, with potential extension
• Melbourne- based role

For more than 50 years, Playgroup Victoria has supported children and families to connect, learn and thrive through playgroup. We are now seeking a seasoned and capable interim CEO to lead the organisation through an important period of transition and opportunity.

Initially appointed for 12 months with the potential to or apply to move into the position on a permanent basis, this role will suit an experienced CEO or senior executive who can step in, quickly understand the organisation and its operating environment, and work collaboratively with the Board and the team to determine priorities and keep things moving.

The role

We are seeking an experienced executive leader or CEO to bring vision, strategic clarity and disciplined governance, leading the organisation through a new strategic planning cycle and positioning it to capitalise on emerging opportunities. Reporting to the Board, you will provide strategic and operational leadership across Playgroup Victoria, with responsibility for its people, programs, finances, partnerships, governance and organisational performance.

Your immediate focus will be to get the lay of the land – understanding what is working well, where attention is needed and where the opportunities lie.

Key priorities / responsibilities will include:

• working strategically with the Board to establish and progress priorities for the interim period;
• advocating for Playgroup Victoria and representing the organisation externally, while building strong relationships with government, sector partners and other key stakeholders, particularly at local and State Government levels;
• working collaboratively with Playgroup Australia and other stakeholders to progress funding opportunities and longer-term sustainability;
• providing clear, steady and inclusive leadership to a diverse team, building capability, confidence and accountability;
• progressing a range of existing and emerging projects and initiatives;
• ensuring sound financial, governance, contract management, risk and operational management of the organisation; and
• helping position Playgroup Victoria strongly for its next phase.

The role requires someone who can balance strategy with delivery, and provide direction and a fresh perspective whilst keeping our important work moving.

About you

You’ll be an experienced CEO, Director or senior executive who knows how to enter an established organisation, listen, understand the context and then act.

You’re a confident and pragmatic leader who:

• quickly makes sense of complex organisations and competing priorities;
• can move comfortably between big-picture strategy and the practical realities of delivery;
• builds trust and credibility with Boards, teams and external stakeholders;
• brings sound judgement and is comfortable making decisions in periods of change or uncertainty;
• develops and empowers others, whilst creating clarity and accountability;
• communicates with influence and represents an organisation credibly at senior levels; and
• brings commercial acumen together with a genuine commitment to purpose and impact.

Experience in the not-for-profit, early childhood, family or community sectors would be highly regarded.

Why Playgroup Victoria?

This is an opportunity to make a meaningful contribution over a defined period – to bring experience, clarity and momentum to an organisation with an important purpose and a long history of supporting Victorian families.

For more information, contact Margot Gallagher (margot@hrsuccess.com.au). To apply, please submit your CV and a covering letter outlining your interest and the experience you would bring to the role.