Executive Director - Integrated Community Services

Join GEGAC as our Executive Director – Integrated Community Services and help lead meaningful change in partnership with Aboriginal communities. You’ll guide our Access, Prevention & Community Wellbeing Division to deliver innovative, culturally grounded programs that strengthen connection, promote resilience, and create lasting impact across East Gippsland.

Organisational Profile

GEGAC is an Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation based in Bairnsdale Victoria. Consisting of about 180 staff, GEGAC is a Not-for-Profit organisation that delivers holistic services in the areas of Primary Health, Social Services, Elders & Disability and Early Childhood Education.

GEGAC advocates for the self-determination of the Aboriginal community by prioritising services that enhance social, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing, with culture at the heart of everything we do.

Position Purpose

The Executive Director – Integrated Community Services - Access, Prevention & Community Wellbeing is responsible for leading the strategic direction, operational performance, and cultural integrity of GEGAC’s Integrated Community Services Division.

This executive role provides high-level leadership for GEGAC’s Access, Advocacy and Engagement functions, while also overseeing the delivery of community-facing programs, including youth services, Elders programs, wellbeing supports, and community engagement initiatives.

The position is critical in ensuring that ICS operates as the Community’s Gateway to Connection and Opportunity, simplifying access, embedding advocacy, and delivering culturally safe, place-based, and community-led programs.

The Executive Director will ensure that the Division’s work is proactive and prevention-focused, addressing the root causes of social, emotional, and health inequities before they escalate into crisis. Prevention will underpin every strategy, embedding early intervention, resilience building, and cultural strengths as core design principles across all programs and partnerships.

As a member of the Executive Leadership Team, the Executive Director contributes to organisation-wide governance, strategy, and innovation, ensuring ICS strengthens community voice, connection, and opportunity while maintaining compliance, performance, and financial sustainability.

Key Selection Criteria

• Executive Leadership – Demonstrated executive-level leadership and strategic management experience in an Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation or similar sector.
• Cultural Integrity – Proven ability to lead in a culturally safe, respectful, and strengths-based manner, guided by Aboriginal self-determination, cultural protocols, and community priorities.
• Service Reform & Innovation – Experience in leading new divisions or major service reform, with the ability to deliver community-focused, integrated, and innovative programs.
• Prevention & Early Intervention Leadership – Demonstrated experience in designing or leading prevention-focused strategies that strengthen community wellbeing, reduce crisis demand, and empower individuals and families through early support.
• Governance & Accountability – Strong capability in governance, compliance, risk management, and financial oversight, with a proven ability to deliver on funding agreements and statutory obligations.
• People & Stakeholder Leadership – Demonstrated ability to lead, mentor, and manage Senior Managers; build high-performing teams; and represent GEGAC with authority in external advocacy, partnerships, and sector forums.
• Change & Communication – Proven ability to lead large-scale organisational change while maintaining stability, staff wellbeing, and accountability, supported by excellent communication, negotiation, and influencing skills.

Qualifications and Registrations Requirement (Essential or Desirable).

Bachelor of Social Work, Bachelor of Health Science, or Bachelor of Science in Psychology, Physiology, or a closely related discipline in the health sciences or community development ESSENTIAL

Postgraduate qualifications in health, social services or leadership HIGHLY DESIRABLE

Professional Development Leadership and Management Training Completion of recognised executive leadership, governance, or management training (e.g. Australian Institute of Company Directors, executive coaching, or public sector leadership programs). HIGHLY DESIRABLE

Executive Senior Management level experience in a health or social services, preferably in an Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation or the public sector. ESSENTIAL

Demonstrated understanding of Aboriginal culture, and the health and wellbeing needs of Aboriginal people. ESSENTIAL

Valid Driver’s Licence: A current and unrestricted Victorian Driver’s Licence is essential, as the role involves regular travel across the Gippsland and East Gippsland region to engage with community, staff, service sites, and external stakeholders. ESSENTIAL

Current First Aid and CPR Certifications (or willingness to obtain) ESSENTIAL

A satisfactory Victorian Working with Children’s Check and a satisfactory National Police Check, including a satisfactory Bankruptcy Check. ESSENTIAL

A person of Aboriginal and or Torres Strait Islander background HIGHLY DESIRABLE

Proof of COVID-19 vaccination to align with GEGAC vaccination requirements ESSENTIAL

How to apply for this job

Applications can be emailed to HR@gegac.org.au. (please include your CV and Cover Letter addressing the Key Selection Criteria)

A copy of the position description can be obtained by copying and pasting this URL into your browser: https://gegac.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Executive-Director-–-Integrated-Community-Services-Access-Prevention-Community-Wellbeing.pdf

A copy of the position description can also be obtained by emailing HR@gegac.org.au.

Applicants must address the key selection criteria for shortlisting.

Any applications that have not addressed the key selection criteria will not be considered during the shortlisting process.

Applications close 5pm Sunday 26 October 2025

No late applications will be considered (unless under exceptional circumstances).

A valid Victorian Working with Children Check and National Police check is mandatory to work in this organisation.

"this advertisement is pursuant to the 'special measures' provision at section 8 of the Racial Discrimination Act 1975 (Cth)".