- First Nations executive role shaping the future of social impact
- Lead cultural governance, partnerships, advocacy and communications
- Sector leadership role influencing positive change across systems
- This role can be based in NSW, ACT, QLD or SA
Shape the future direction, influence systemic reform and elevate the voice of one of Australia’s most enduring and trusted social purpose organisations.
The organisation
For more than 200 years, The Benevolent Society has worked alongside families and communities to help build a more just society where everyone is valued, safe and belongs. Guided by its 2025–2028 Strategic Plan, Benevolent is focused on improving safety and wellbeing, building social inclusion and community capacity, and increasing impact and social change.
Operating across NSW, Queensland, South Australia and the ACT, Benevolent delivers services that respond to the root causes of poverty, inequality and harm. It is a practice-led organisation, committed to evidence-informed service delivery, social innovation and investing for impact. Its strategic ambition is not only to deliver effective services, but also to draw on its practice and experience to influence positive change across systems.
Central to Benevolent’s vision is reconciliation and progress toward Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander self-determination and empowerment. The organisation is currently finalising its second Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Strategy, reinforcing its commitment to cultural governance, allyship and accountability. With a strong governance framework, a committed Board and a sustainable foundation, Benevolent is entering a period of focused execution and renewed influence.
The opportunity
Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer and as a member of the Executive Leadership Team, the Executive Director, Partnership, Advocacy and Communications is accountable for ensuring the long-term achievement of Benevolent’s strategic goal of influencing positive change. This enterprise leadership role brings together public policy, advocacy, research translation, communications, marketing and strategic engagement into one cohesive portfolio, connecting practice insight with governance and external narrative to shape systems-level reform.
A defining element of the role is cultural leadership. You will lead the implementation of Benevolent’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Strategy and second Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan, strengthening cultural governance and embedding accountability across the organisation. Working closely with the Board, the External Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Committee and the Staff Reference Group, you will position Benevolent as a principled and trusted partner in advancing self-determination, Closing the Gap and meaningful allyship.
You will steward Benevolent’s corporate narrative and reputation, ensuring confidence among government, philanthropic, corporate and community stakeholders. Leading government engagement, advocacy strategy and strategic partnerships, you will elevate the organisation’s voice nationally while contributing to whole-of-organisation strategy and performance. Leading a multidisciplinary team, you will foster a high-performing, collaborative culture during a period of transition and growth.
About you
You are a respected Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander leader with the cultural authority, credibility and strategic capability to operate at the highest levels across community, government, philanthropy and the not-for-profit sectors.
You bring executive-level experience leading complex, multidisciplinary portfolios and have demonstrated success in strategy development and execution, advocacy and policy influence, stakeholder engagement and communications. You have led or played a central role in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander strategy and Reconciliation Action Plan implementation, and you understand the importance of embedding cultural governance beyond compliance.
You are known for your humility, your ability to listen deeply and your capacity to build trust across diverse stakeholders. You are comfortable navigating complexity, managing reputational risk and translating strategic vision into measurable outcomes. Whether your background spans the community sector, government, philanthropy or commercial environments, you bring a systems mindset and a commitment to working with community. Above all, you are motivated by impact. You seek to influence systems, shift narratives and help shape a future where families and communities are empowered, connected and safe.
Note that being an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person is a genuine occupational qualification for this role under s14 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977 (NSW).
How to Apply
For a confidential discussion or role related questions, please contact Felicity Stalley or Jess Lewy of The Orchard Talent Group at Benevolent@orchardtalent.com.au. To apply please submit your current CV and a cover letter by email at Benevolent@orchardtalent.com.au
Applications close Sunday 8 March 2026.
The Orchard Talent Group acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we work. We pay our respect to their Elders past, present and emerging, for they hold the memories, traditions, culture and hopes of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.