Chief Executive Officer

A rare opportunity now presents for an accomplished and qualified leader in the Social Work profession to head up the Australian Association of Social Workers, the professional membership association of more than 17,000 members. Reporting to the Board of Directors, the CEO will provide strategic, operational and people leadership across the organisation.In this exciting role, you will have responsibility for:Delivering the Board-approved Strategic Plan and future strategiesAligning structure, culture and systems to support high-quality member servicesStrengthening AASW’s profile and impact as a national voice on social policy, social justice and human rightsSupporting and working with a complex volunteer network of committees and professional practice groupsKey ResponsibilitiesOrganisational leadershipLead the development, implementation and continuous improvement of strategic and operational plansShape an effective and values-driven organisational culture aligned with the AASW Code of EthicsOversee organisational change to ensure the structure, infrastructure and service delivery model support the strategic agendaPeople leadershipLead and develop a strong, cohesive executive team and management groupFoster a collaborative, high-performance culture focused on quality service to membersSupport and enable volunteer committees and member forums to effectively contribute to AASW’s missionResource and governance managementEnsure prudent and effective financial management, budgeting and reportingOversee performance planning and review frameworksEnsure compliance with all legislative, regulatory and corporate governance requirements, including WHS, Privacy, Equal Opportunity, risk and disaster recoveryBoard advisory and supportAct as the primary interface between the Board and the organisationProvide clear, concise and insightful reports, advice and analysis to support effective Board decision-makingEnsure high-quality secretariat, induction and ongoing support for Board and Committee membersPublic, member and stakeholder relationsAct as a key spokesperson and advocate for AASW and the profession, as delegatedBuild and maintain strong relationships with government, universities, NGOs, professional bodies, media and other stakeholdersEnhance the value proposition to members through advocacy, professional development and service qualityAbout YouYou are an accomplished executive leader with experience in a complex, multi-faceted environment, ideally with a national footprint and significant stakeholder engagement. You bring a mix of strategic vision, operational discipline and values-based leadership.You will demonstrate:Vision and strategic agility – proven ability to lead strategy, navigate change and deliver outcomes in dynamic environmentsStrong business acumen – experience in corporate governance, financial management, risk, compliance and organisational performancePeople and culture leadership – a track record of building effective teams, developing leaders and shaping constructive organisational cultureStakeholder and member focus – demonstrated success in building partnerships and delivering value to members, clients or stakeholdersInfluential communication – confidence as a representative/advocate, sophisticated written and verbal communication, including high-quality reports and submissionsChange leadership – experience leading significant organisational transformation (cultural, structural, systems and process change)Qualifications and ExperienceTertiary qualifications in Social WorkPostgraduate qualifications [or equivalent experience] in management or a related fieldDeep understanding of social justice and social disadvantage issuesExperience working with or advising a Board at a senior executive levelExperience in or understanding of membership-based or professional associations will be highly regardedFull membership (or eligibility for full membership) of the AASW is desirableAppointment may be subject to satisfactory police and probity checks.How to ApplyTo apply, please submit:A current CVA cover letter addressing your suitability to the role and a brief response to the key selection criteriaApplications should be sent to the General Manager, chris.smith@aasw.asn.au  with the subject line: Confidential – Chief Executive Officer, AASWApplications close 5pm 17 November 2025.