Join us and make a difference! 

At AWLQ Our Mission is to recognise the interconnection between animal and human wellbeing. We provide care and support for both, fostering a brighter future for our community. Our Vision is that every companion animal has a safe and caring environment where their needs are respected and met. 

The Person 

The ideal candidate is a strategic and versatile leader who believes in demonstrating Our Values consistently:  

                                                       Integrity - Compassion - Innovation - Optimism 

They hold a deep comprehension of animal welfare needs, proven multisite management experience, and excellent financial stewardship and business acumen.  

The Role 

This role presents a rare and exciting opportunity. Reporting to our AWLQ Board, the CEO is responsible for leading and managing business operations for our comprehensive organisation. The role encompasses a wide range of responsibilities, as AWLQ is a multisite organisation with multiple entities and departments including community veterinary clinics, rehoming centres, community support programs, second-hand retail shops, fundraising, education programs, and national strategic and advocacy programs. AWLQ operates with multiple strategic initiatives to keep pets and their people together, promoting and providing education to improve animal health and welfare outcomes.  

As a not-for-profit organisation our lean but effective operating model is critical for our ongoing programs. We measure success with high adoption rates, desexing, reuniting, caring in crisis, and reducing euthanasia rates. Community engagement, valuing our committed team, volunteer appreciation, and stewarding our partners, donors, and bequesters will enable AWLQ to continue to create a brighter future for animals and their humans in need.     

Your well-developed skills with business management, financial acumen, communications, relationship building, project management, and commitment to animal welfare are essential for you to thrive in this critical role. You will demonstrate passion, empathy, and strategic leadership to maintain the current charter and strategically position AWLQ for the future.   

Your responsibilities: 

• Strategic Leadership: Providing high-quality strategic guidance and leadership to the organisation by ensuring alignment with our AWLQ Vision, Mission, Values, and strategic plan.
• Financial Acumen: Demonstrating exceptional financial stewardship skills to ensure financial sustainability by effectively analysing, allocating, and utilising resources to advance the organisation and deliver our strategic plan. 
• Organisational Management: Overseeing all business operations to ensure they produce the desired results and are consistent with the strategic plan and mission, within the allocated funding resources.
• Work Environment: Creating a positive, inspirational, and inclusive work environment that values and promotes collaboration and teamwork.
• Public Relations and Communications: Overseeing and executing effective communication strategies to raise awareness of the organisation's mission, programs, and achievements.  
• Community Engagement and Partnerships: Building trusted relationships with key partners, stakeholders, and our community, acting as a point of contact.
• Advocacy and Strategy Development: Serving as a spokesperson and advocate for animal welfare in the community to councils, policymakers, government officials, and relevant stakeholders. 
• Monitoring and Evaluation: Establishing and monitoring evaluation mechanisms to assess the impact and effectiveness of the organisation's programs and initiatives. Collecting and analysing data to measure outcomes, identify areas for improvement, and demonstrate accountability to funders, partners, and the community.
• Governance: Enforcing adherence to legal guidelines, processes, practices, and in-house policies to ensure AWLQ maintain an organisation that is legally compliant, ethical, and effective in meeting its charter.  

Desirable selection criteria:  

• Previous experience 5+ years executive business management 

• Demonstrated professional experience of 2+ years in the animal welfare sector  

• Tertiary qualification - Business Management, Finance or equivalent 

• Experience in business development, sales, marketing, fundraising 

• Demonstrated senior finance business experience with board and not for profit 

• Strategic leadership experience 

• High level of technological skills  

• Drivers Licence, Police Check, Vulnerable Persons Check   

About you: 

• Empathy, compassion, and a desire to make a difference in the lives of animals and their people 

• Strategic thinking and implementation ability 

• Relationship building expertise  

• A suite of superior communication skills  

• Innovative creative and forward thinking 

• A high level of integrity and confidentiality  

• Expertise with time management, prioritising and problem-solving 

• An eye for detail and planning and organisation.   

• A results-orientated attitude with knowledge of budgets, forecasting, and goals 

• Collaborative leadership and management experience to support and empower team members 

• Leadership experience and confidence to uphold cultural safety for team 

• Able to manage multiple contracts using project management skills and stakeholder engagement strategies 

• Ability to collaborate with board, team, and stakeholders to design and implement programs, services, and initiatives 

• Able to influence policy development and legislation  

Please be advised the position will close when a suitable candidate has been selected.