19/03/2026
Position Description – Executive Officer
Background
Gippsland Disability Advocacy is a community based not-for-profit association that provides advocacy services for people with disabilities.
Mission
To empower, advocate and promote social justice and equitable access for people living with disability.
Vision
An accessible, inclusive community that values the rights and contributions of all people especially people living with disability to be free and empowered to exercise their rights.
Organisational Values
Human Rights
We advocate for the fundamental rights of people living with disability. We strive to promote their dignity and equity in all aspects of our work.
Empowerment
We provide information and knowledge, build confidence and capacity, connect with community, share leadership, appreciate achievements, and support each other.
Respect for All
We strive to create a welcoming and inclusive environment. We believe that everyone deserves to be treated with respect, patience, and kindness. We are non-judgemental, and welcome diverse perspectives.
Independent
We operate without bias. We respect each client’s freedom to choose service providers that best meet their needs.
Learning
We engage in continuous learning and self-improvement. We embrace the dignity of risk and accept that everyone has the right to fail and learn from their mistakes.
Position Details
Position Title: Executive Officer
Classification: SCHADS SACS 8.1
Accountability: The Executive Officer (EO) is accountable to the Gippsland Disability Advocacy Board of Management.
Position Summary
The position of Executive Officer will be responsible for leading, and management of services provided by Gippsland Disability Advocacy. The role includes a small amount of senior level advocacy and is required to be performed onsite.
Conditions of Employment
Employment conditions will be generally in accordance with the Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services (SCHADS) Award (MA000100).
The role is required to work reasonable additional hours as necessary to fulfil the responsibilities of the position. The salary and additional leave entitlements are provided in recognition of these requirements. Overtime payments and time off in lieu do not apply.
Private use of the organisation’s vehicle is available; however, such use is not unlimited and is subject to reasonable limits, approval, and organisational policy.
Six weeks annual leave – This entitlement includes an additional two weeks granted in recognition of reasonable additional hours worked as part of this role. This role does not attract overtime payments or time in lieu.
Portable Long Service Leave.
The position is offered at 0.8 EFT (30.4 hours per week), with the intention to increase to full-time (1.0 EFT) subject to funding availability. Flexibility in working hours is desirable and will be negotiated to meet the requirements of the role.
Any additional hours worked are to be monitored and managed to ensure workload remains reasonable and supports employee wellbeing.
Appraisal and performance reviews will be conducted against funding contract and/or stated organisational KPIs and expected outcomes, at annual intervals.
This role is subject to a six-month probationary period.
Principal Role
Reporting to the Board, the Executive Officer’s areas of focus include:
Leadership and Strategic Delivery: Lead, resource, and inspire the Gippsland Disability Advocacy team to deliver the current Strategic Plan and support the development of the next Strategic Plan. Translate strategy into practical, achievable outcomes.
Organisational Capability: Ensure the organisation has the capability and capacity to deliver services effectively, including supporting leadership development, staff growth, and operational excellence.
Service Outcomes and Client Focus: Support staff to maximise positive outcomes for people with a disability, ensuring that services are high-quality, responsive, and guided by contemporary best practice.
Culture and Inclusion: Promote an equitable, inclusive, enabling, and empowering workplace in which all team members can thrive, develop, and bring their full selves to a workplace that celebrates diversity and inclusion.
Business and Governance: Oversee efficient and sustainable business operations, financial management, and compliance with governance, legal, and regulatory obligations. Ensure the organisation’s financial sustainability and effective resource management.
Tendering and Funding: Lead the preparation, submission, and management of tender and grant proposals to secure ongoing funding and support organisational growth. Maintain strong relationships with funders, donors, and relevant stakeholders.
Stakeholder Engagement: Build and maintain productive relationships with the Board, local community organisations, funders, donors, government, media, and relevant peak bodies.
Values and Decision-Making: Promote and demonstrate the values of Gippsland Disability Advocacy. Make decisions that reflect the organisation’s philosophy and uphold the human rights of people with disabilities as citizens and consumers of services.
Reporting
Submit timely and accurate reports to the Board and Funding Bodies.
Meet all requirements of Performance and Data reporting to Funding and Statutory bodies.
Meet requirements of annual reporting obligations for the organisation, including the preparation and distribution of annual reports.
Risk Management
Give high priority to risk identification, assessment and management for the organisation.
Ensure that all staff are compliant with OH&S Acts, regulations and guidelines.
Ensure that complaints and critical incident processes are handled efficiently and effectively.
Human Resources
Implement and maintain comprehensive human resource policies and procedures.
Ensure the provision and maintenance of a safe working culture and environment for all staff, volunteers, participants, and contractors through the implementation of policies and procedures that comply with the Occupational Health & Safety Act 2004. Promote a proactive approach to health and safety, including reporting incidents, hazards, and ensuring all individuals take reasonable care for their own and others’ safety.
Partnerships
Develop and maintain positive working relationships with the wider disability advocacy sector, including maintaining membership of (VICRAN) Victorian Rural Advocacy Network, (DARU) Disability Advocacy Resource Unit, (DAV) Disability Advocacy Victoria, and (DANA) Disability Advocacy Network of Australia.
Provide input into systemic advocacy through membership of State-wide and National Disability Advocacy and Rights Networks and Peak Bodies.
Through participation in relevant community and professional networks and projects, encourage the establishment and ongoing support for self-advocacy and community groups in the Gippsland region to promote self-reliance among people with disabilities.
To comply with Government and Disability Advocacy Sector expectations, formalise and maintain a consumer advisory body to provide input and feedback to the Gippsland Disability Advocacy Board, to participate in formal reviews of service provision and to represent Gippsland Disability Advocacy in the wider Disability Sector as necessary.
Key Selection Criteria
Applicants are encouraged to provide examples of how they meet the following criteria:
Leadership and Management: Demonstrated experience as a leader who inspires, develops, and motivates staff. Evidence of mentoring and supporting staff, fostering a positive culture, and driving performance aligned with organisational values.
Strategic Planning and Goal Achievement: Proven ability to set goals, prioritise work, manage time effectively, and work independently to achieve organisational objectives and KPIs.
Financial and Operational Management: Experience monitoring budgets, resources, and staff to ensure operational efficiency, sustainability, and alignment with organisational strategy.
External Representation and Advocacy: Evidence of building the profile of an organisation through strong representational skills, relationship-building, and effective networking with stakeholders, government, donors, and the community.
Sector Knowledge: Sound understanding of the disability advocacy sector, service delivery trends, policy developments, and relevant human services contexts.
Senior Leadership Experience: At least five years’ experience in a senior leadership or management role within a human services or disability-related field.
Policy and Compliance: Ability to analyse and respond to policy documents and funding contracts, and to ensure compliance with reporting requirements for funding bodies.
Communication Skills: Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively in writing and verbally with a wide range of audiences, including staff, the public, government, and other stakeholders.
Networking and Collaboration: Ability to liaise and build productive relationships with government departments, community organisations, and networks at local, state and national levels.
Legislative and Standards Knowledge: Knowledge of current Disability and Human Rights Legislation, Human Rights Conventions, the Victorian Human Rights Charter, National Disability Advocacy Standards, the Victorian Disability Services Standards, National Standards for Disability Services, Child Safe Standards and the Social Services Regulations.
Organisational and Business Acumen: Strong strategic and business skills with experience translating strategy into practical outcomes, supporting effective governance, and ensuring financial sustainability.
Prerequisites
A tertiary qualification in a relevant field.
At least five years’ experience working in a Disability Advocacy or Community Services related field at a senior leadership level.
Hold a current driver’s licence or have the ability to travel to and between work locations as required for the role.
Current Working with Children Check.
Current Police Check.
Current NDIS Worker Screening registration.
Comply with government vaccination requirements.
Three current professional referees, preferably within the last five years.
Applications need to submitted with
Cover letter
Address the key selection criteria criteria
Resume
Closing date 25th March 2026
