About Playgroup AustraliaPlaygroup Australia is a not-for-profit national peak body in the community services sector, with state and territory members who for over 40 years have provided access to playgroups for children and their parents.   Playgroup is one of the largest movements in our Australian community. Our vision is to nurture young children, support and connect families, and build stronger communities through high quality playgroups Australia wide. About the OpportunityPlaygroup Australia is seeking a Chief Executive who is responsible for developing and achieving the Playgroup strategic plan in conjunction with the Board, building the reputation and profile of Playgroup, and providing concise and consistent high- level advice to the Board on operations, policy and planning. As CE, you will be the figurehead and public spokesperson for the Federation and will carefully nurture and build key relationships within the sector. The CE is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the Federation, including financial management, managing a small team of people, and program delivery. Critical to your success will be a willingness to alternate between strategic and operational initiatives, as well the ability to think and influence strategically at a national, state and local government level and a capacity to work collaboratively and effectively with other Playgroup organisations at a State and Territory level.The PA organisation is currently going through a transformation process to strengthen its governance.  This is a significant strategic and unique opportunity to positively influence that outcome and put a personal stamp on your achievements. Whilst all member states and territories have committed to these changes, these are challenging times that require considerable strategic leadership to strengthen PA’s position as a key peak body both now and in the future. This is a three-year contract opportunity, with the potential for an extension at the end of that period, subject to performance and ongoing funding arrangements.About YouYou will be a dynamic and engaging senior executive with diverse experience across the not-for-profit sector. You are a strong team player, results-oriented and are able to influence and spearhead a geographically dispersed team of like-minded professionals. You are a creative thinker with the ability to develop and drive innovative solutionsImportantly, given the current change agenda, you are someone who is able to think strategically to manage a complex change process, and to translate these strategies into effective operational plans.  Your ability to build and maintain key working relationships, and to lead diverse interests and people through your superior communication skills, will be critical to your success as well as that of the PA organisation.You have excellent oral and written communication skills that translate seamlessly from your role managing internal relationships to effective advocacy work, public and media relations management.Additionally, you will demonstrate a passion for and commitment to the strategic vision and values of Playgroup Australia, including fostering and creating social change through reconciliation actions. A knowledge / understanding of early childhood perspectives, and/or child and family services and/or community development approaches is highly desirable.For a confidential conversation regarding this opportunity please contact Margot Gallagher of HR Success on 0418229789, or email your CV and covering letter addressing the requirements referenced above, to margot@hrsuccess.com.auPlease note: Applications close at 5pm on  Monday 16th May,  2022.  150000 AUD Canberra 2601