Regional Leader

• Permanent | Full Time
• Salary: $156,228 + Super + NFP Salary Packaging benefit
• Location: Cairns QLD 4870
• Make a meaningful difference to the lives of Australians in need 

Life at Mission Australia

When you join the team at Mission Australia, you become part of a community who are determined to end homelessness and ensure people in need can thrive. United by our Christian purpose and values, we advocate for a fairer Australia, to meet the growing needs of people across the country. Together we’re building hope and possibility for all. Find out more about us and our purpose.

Your Opportunity

As Regional Leader, you will provide strategic and operational leadership across Mission Australia’s Community Services portfolio, overseeing service delivery, contract compliance, and performance outcomes in North Queensland.

This pivotal leadership role is responsible for ensuring high-quality, sustainable services through effective workforce planning, financial stewardship, and strong people leadership. You will lead, coach, and develop Area and Program Managers, while fostering a positive, inclusive team culture grounded in Mission Australia’s values and servant leadership principles.

You will also represent Mission Australia externally, building and maintaining strong relationships with government agencies, funding bodies, and community and corporate stakeholders. Working closely with the State Director and key internal teams, you will drive business growth aligned to Mission Australia’s 2030 Strategy, contribute to tender submissions, and support advocacy efforts that advance Mission Australia’s impact.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee operational performance, ensuring compliance with Mission Australia policies, procedures, contracts, and regulatory requirements.
• Develop and implement strategies to achieve service, financial, and people-related targets; monitor progress and report on outcomes.
• Provide strong, inclusive, and effective people leadership, including coaching, mentoring, and professional development of direct reports.
• Develop and embed a positive team culture aligned to Mission Australia’s values and leadership expectations.
• Build and maintain productive relationships with government departments, funders, community partners, and corporate stakeholders.
• Facilitate cross-functional collaboration to enhance service delivery, innovation, and client outcomes.
• Lead business growth initiatives aligned to Mission Australia’s 2030 Strategy, including service expansion and innovation opportunities.
• Lead local tender development and contribute to contract negotiations and business development activities.
• Develop, manage, and oversee budgets to ensure service viability, sustainability, and value for money.
• Contribute to organisational strategic planning and translate strategic priorities into operational plans.
• Oversee services across a large and geographically diverse region, including regular travel as required.

Requirements for Success

• Minimum 7 years’ senior leadership experience within human services or community services operations.
• Demonstrated experience managing large and complex budgets across multiple funding sources.
• Ability to cultivate and maintain strong relationships with a diverse range of internal and external stakeholders, including senior government representatives and community partners.
• Proven ability to engage, influence, and advocate across government, community, and corporate sectors.
• Tertiary qualification in community services, leadership, management, or a related discipline (or equivalent experience).
• Strong people management capability, with a track record of developing leaders and building high-performing teams.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills.
• Willingness and ability to travel intrastate and interstate as required.
• A strong commitment to community and social outcomes, aligned with Mission Australia’s values and purpose.

Before starting work with us, you will need to undertake a national police history check, qualifications, and referee checks, and have a clearance to work with children/vulnerable people. 

Your benefits

• Rewarding work – every day you know you’re making a real difference  
• Not-for-profit salary packaging, reducing your tax (details via AccessPay)
• Free external, confidential counselling and access to chaplaincy support  
• Volunteering opportunities   
• Opportunity to purchase additional annual leave 
• Extra leave including Mission Australia Thank You Day & Work Anniversary Day off

Our culture  

Our innovative and inclusive culture will ensure you feel valued at Mission Australia as you help Australians in need and develop in your career.  

We prioritise the safety and wellbeing of everyone, both within our team and the individuals we serve.

We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive working environment. We actively support and encourage people of all backgrounds; gender, age, ethnicity, race, cultural background, disability, religion, and sexual orientation to submit an application and aim to ensure that the recruitment and employee experience is as accessible and inclusive as possible. So, whoever you are, if you’re skilled and actively support our purpose and values, you would be welcome at Mission Australia.

If you live with disability and require support to submit your application, please email [email protected] or visit our Careers page for additional contact details.

We strongly encourage applications from people who identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander. For culturally safe support or assistance with your application, please contact us at [email protected]  

Find out more about a career with Mission Australia. 

How to apply

Click ‘Apply’ and send your application today!

As a committed Circle Back Initiative employer, we will respond to your application.

Applications are shortlisted as they are received. Please apply as soon as possible to be considered. Thank you.