Chief Executive Officer

Chief Executive Officer

St John’s Community Services, Darlinghurst, NSW

Help, Home and Hope – St John’s Community Services (SJCS) opens its doors and hearts to those experiencing homelessness, domestic violence, and social exclusion — offering practical care, community, and hope.

• Join a Mission That Matters
• Senior Program Managers from the not-for-profit sector with relevant experience and qualifications are encouraged to apply
• Darlinghurst, NSW
• Attractive Remuneration Package

About Us

St John’s Community Services (SJCS) is a grassroots, faith-driven charity extending practical love and care to people in need. Best known for its drop-in centre, Rough Edges, SJCS also operates Banksia Women and the Urban Insight education initiative.

Grounded in the love of Jesus, we walk alongside people experiencing hardship — providing food, connection, and pathways to healing, dignity, and restored hope for those in and around Darlinghurst.

About the Role

SJCS is seeking an experienced and compassionate Chief Executive Officer to lead the organisation into its next season of growth and impact.

This role is ideal for a strategic, people-focused leader who can inspire teams, strengthen programs, and champion our mission in partnership with St John’s Anglican Church and the wider community.

While maintaining strong governance and financial oversight, the CEO’s primary focus will be on program excellence, team leadership, and community connection. They will also oversee organisational development, represent SJCS in external forums, and support the ongoing work of fundraising and donor engagement through partnership with dedicated staff.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide inspirational, faith-aligned leadership across all programs and daily operations.
• Lead, mentor, and support staff and volunteers working in high-stress, frontline environments.
• Ensure sound governance, accountability, and ethical stewardship of resources.
• Strengthen partnerships with donors, churches, community organisations, and sector stakeholders.
• Oversee performance measurement and continuous improvement across all programs.
• Champion trauma-informed, strengths-based, and inclusive practices throughout the organisation.
• Represent SJCS with professionalism, compassion, and integrity in all forums.

What We’re Looking For – Selection Criteria

• A strong Christian commitment demonstrated through active participation in a faith community, with a heart for advocacy, justice, and compassion for the marginalised.
• Proven leadership experience (minimum 5 years) in the not-for-profit, social services, or community sector.
• Deep understanding of one or more service areas such as homelessness, addiction, mental health, or domestic and family violence.
• Excellent people leadership skills, including the ability to support and motivate multidisciplinary teams and manage conflict effectively.
• Calm, empathetic, and resilient under pressure, with high emotional intelligence.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage staff, church partners, and the broader community.
• Sound organisational and financial management skills, with an understanding of program budgeting and compliance.
• Strategic and collaborative mindset, able to inspire a shared vision and lead change.
• Qualifications in social work, psychology, or organisational psychology are highly regarded.

Why Join Us?

This is more than a role – it is a calling. At SJCS, you will shape narratives that change lives, build a culture of compassion, and lead a mission where faith meets action.

If you are ready to lead with purpose and make a lasting difference, we invite you to apply

Apply now and be part of a mission where compassion meets community.

To be considered, you MUST email your application directly to

Ken Patteson
Principal
Chifley Global Executive Search Group
kenpatteson@chifleyglobal.com.au.

as we are interviewing now

consisting of;

1)Cover Letter, 2) Tailored CV and 3) your response to the Selection Criteria

Dare to Lead.  Dare to Change.

CHIFLEY GLOBAL EXECUTIVE SEARCH GROUP
Est.2003
www.chifleyglobal.com
A division of Brooklyn Institute Pty Ltd
0417 777 838