Chief Operations Officer (COO)

  • National not-for-profit Christian organisation

  • Head office based in Melbourne

  • New season of growth and opportunities.

 

It takes a village to raise a child. Help us build that village.

Kids Hope is Australia’s largest early intervention, school-based mentoring program. Since 2004, we’ve facilitated nearly 30,000 one-to-one mentoring relationships—each one representing a trusted adult investing one hour a week, for one year, in the life of a vulnerable primary school child.

We’re now building the Kids Hope Village—a national movement uniting churches, schools, and communities to ensure every child in need has access to a consistent, caring mentor.

To support this bold and expanding vision, we’re seeking an experienced and mission-aligned Chief Operations Officer (COO) to strengthen and scale the operational backbone of our organisation.

 

About the Role

Reporting to the CEO and working closely with the Board, the COO will play a pivotal leadership role—driving operational excellence and strategic execution across the organisation. You will lead finance, HR, compliance, child safety, IT systems, and risk management, while also helping deliver key initiatives in digital transformation, school engagement, and mentor growth.

This is a unique opportunity to shape a growing national ministry that is trusted by schools, valued by families, and changing lives one child at a time.

Key Responsibilities

  • Provide strategic and operational leadership across business systems, finance, HR, and compliance

  • Deliver key organisational KPIs, including digital training implementation and mentor base growth

  • Oversee child safety risk management, policy compliance, and child protection standards

  • Guide financial planning, budget development, and engagement with external auditors

  • Optimise internal systems and technology (Microsoft 365, CRM, Salesforce, website)

  • Partner with the CEO in evaluating programs, developing grants, and supporting governance

  • Build and support a culture that is values-driven, spiritually grounded, and outcomes-focused

 

About You

You will be a servant leader who is strongly aligned to the values of this not-for-profit charity—bringing humility, strategic acumen, and a heart for social impact. You’re someone who thrives on building strong teams, driving operational excellence, and creating lasting community change.

You will also bring:

  • At least 5 years’ experience in senior operational or executive leadership

  • A strong understanding of community, faith-based, or volunteer-driven environments

  • Proven expertise in strategic planning, financial oversight, and systems leadership

  • Outstanding interpersonal skills and the ability to engage a wide range of stakeholders

  • A deep commitment to the wellbeing of children and to fostering safe, inclusive environments

  • Familiarity with child protection legislation and organisational risk management

  • A desire to see the Church more deeply engaged in bringing hope to vulnerable children

 

Why Join Kids Hope?

At Kids Hope, you won’t just take on a role—you’ll step into a calling. You’ll work alongside a passionate and growing team, helping to unite schools and churches around the children who need them most. You’ll be part of a national movement that is bringing light, connection and transformation—one mentoring relationship at a time.

 

How to Apply
To request the full Position Description or submit your application, please email your cover letter and CV to: Simon Warrick, CEO – simon@kidshope.org.au
Applications close: 13th July 2025