Chief Executive Officer

Full Time, Contract | Flexible / Remote | Sector-aligned executive salary package

This is an Aboriginal Identified (Special Measure) position and is therefore only open to Aboriginal applicants. Appointment will be made in accordance with section 8(1) of the Racial Discrimination Act 1975 (Cth) and section 57 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1996 (NT). Applicants will be required to provide confirmation of Aboriginality as part of the recruitment process.

About the organisation

The Indigenous Australian Lived Experience Centre (IALEC) is a national Indigenous-led organisation dedicated to amplifying the voices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples with lived and living experience in Social and Emotional Wellbeing (SEWB), mental health and suicide prevention.

Guided by our National Indigenous Lived Experience Group (NILEG) membership, IALEC is committed to ensuring Indigenous knowledge, culture and lived experience guide the future of SEWB policy, practice and systemic reform across Australia.

IALEC exists to strengthen community-led approaches to healing, advocacy and self-determination by embedding cultural integrity and lived experience into all aspects of mental health and suicide prevention initiatives. Through collaboration with communities, Elders, governments and sector partners, IALEC works to create stronger, healthier and more empowered Indigenous communities.

About the role

This is a nationally significant executive leadership role responsible for leading IALEC’s strategic direction, advocacy agenda, cultural integrity and long-term sustainability.

Reporting directly to the Board of Directors, the Chief Executive Officer will lead IALEC as a national voice for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander lived and living experience in SEWB, mental health, suicide prevention and healing.

The CEO will drive high-level advocacy, stakeholder engagement and strategic partnerships across government, community-controlled organisations, research institutions and philanthropic sectors. The role will also focus on growing IALEC’s national impact through the expansion of its Local Lived Experience Network (LLEN) model and strengthening community-led approaches to healing and systemic reform.

Supported operationally by the Operations Manager, the CEO will oversee organisational performance, governance, financial sustainability and strategic growth while ensuring all work remains grounded in community voices, lived experience and cultural safety.

For a full list of responsibilities associated with this role, please contact Pipeline Talent via ***email_hidden***.

About you

You are a values-driven executive leader with strong experience in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social and Emotional Wellbeing, mental health and suicide prevention.

You are an authentic and culturally grounded leader who can confidently share your lived experience and personal story to strengthen partnerships, influence change and improve outcomes for communities. You bring trusted relationships with Elders, communities, lived experience networks, government and sector stakeholders alike.

With demonstrated experience leading complex organisations, you bring strong strategic, financial and governance capability, alongside the ability to advocate at a national level while ensuring community voices remain central to decision-making.

Most importantly, you lead with integrity, compassion and a deep commitment to healing, self-determination and systemic reform for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities across the nation.

Selection Criteria

1. Demonstrated executive leadership experience within a complex Not-for-Profit, health or Indigenous organisation.
2. Strong understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social and Emotional Wellbeing, mental health, suicide prevention and culturally safe practice.
3. Demonstrated lived experience and/or deep community-connected understanding of trauma, healing, grief and loss, and community-led approaches to wellbeing.
4. Proven financial management and organisational leadership capability, including securing major funding and partnerships.
5. High-level advocacy, stakeholder engagement and relationship management skills across government, community and sector stakeholders.
6. Strong governance, strategic planning and risk management capability.
7. Exceptional communication, negotiation and public representation skills.

What we can offer you

• Opportunity to lead a nationally significant Aboriginal-led organisation driving systemic reform.
• Remote working arrangements.
• Supportive Board and values-driven organisational culture.
• Opportunity to influence national policy and advocacy outcomes.

How to apply

Your application should include:

• A current resume.
• A cover letter responding to the selection criteria and outlining your suitability for the position.

Applications are to be submitted via the Pipeline Talent website at: https://www.pipelinetalent.com.au/jobs/

Applications close 11:59pm Sunday 21 June 2026.

How to get more information

For further information on the position, please contact the team at Pipeline Talent.

Tiana Callaughan

Head of Recruitment

E: [email protected] | ***email_hidden***

PH: 02 8001 6603