Chief Executive Officer – Meli

Chief Executive Officer – Meli (JN -012025-39178) Geelong, Australia

• Highly reputable community-based organisation
• Drive operational excellence and service innovation
• Lead strategic organisational growth

Meli is a Victorian not-for-profit organisation, offering a unique combination of services to support members of our community throughout their lifetime, from early childhood through to adolescence and adulthood. Everyone faces challenges occasionally, and Meli is there to lend compassionate help, and to take a preventative and early response approach – no matter how big or small a problem.

The organisation is built on more than 300 years of combined local experience and heritage from two likeminded organisations, Bethany and BCYF, which formally merged in April 2023. Operating across the Barwon and South-West regions of Victoria, Meli delivers a diverse range of services including kindergartens and vital community support services including early years services, a range of family services, through to financial counselling, and NDIS services. Meli’s Vision is for a fair, safe and inclusive community where everyone can thrive, and we are committed to fostering a culture that reflects the values of Build Connection, Show Courage, Inspire Action, Celebrate Difference and Be Dynamic.

As Chief Executive Officer, you will be the face and voice of Meli and partner with the Board of Directors and the Executive Leadership team to ensure the execution of the current 2024-2027 Strategic Plan ensuring Meli continues to provide a diverse range of services which are person-centred, effective, and integrated. You will identify opportunities for innovation in service delivery and service diversification, including further organic growth, merger and acquisitions and philanthropic support. In partnership with the Executive Leadership team, you will ensure the delivery of high-quality and safe services, future financial sustainability and operational excellence. This will include driving a continuous improvement mindset across the organisation to improve the quality of services and programs. Additionally, you will foster a culture where the team are highly engaged in a culturally safe environment, balancing accountability with collaboration.

Recognised as an experienced CEO or executive leader, you will have a demonstrated track record of leading complex social services organisations through transformation and change while achieving strategic growth and operational excellence, service innovation and cultural engagement. Critical to your success will be your personal values and your abilities to build trusted relationships with government stakeholders, support strategic partnerships across the sector, and to unlock strategic opportunities which will position Meli as a leading organisation across Geelong and the South-West region. You will have strategically led an organisation to execute a client-centred strategic vision, while ensuring effective and innovative operational service environments and driving a culture of continuous improvement and long-term sustainability. You will showcase robust governance expertise, commercial acumen, and emotional intelligence, coupled with a proven track record of effectively collaborating with a Board of Directors. Your experience with public advocacy and experience engaging with diverse stakeholders to secure varied funding sources will be highly regarded.

This is a career defining opportunity to take Meli through its next chapter, ensuring continued service innovation and excellence in the continued support and enhancement of the lives of the diverse communities it supports across Geelong and the South-West regions of Victoria.

Davidson acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the lands on which we work and live. We are also committed to equal opportunity and strive to promote diversity, inclusion, belonging, flexibility, and accessibility in all that we do.

Should you require assistance in your interactions with us or through a recruitment process, please let us know so we can provide adjustments for you.

Formal applications close on Monday 24th February 2025.

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