Head of Strategy and Partnerships

Job Posting Organization:
54 reasons is Australia’s leading child rights organization, proudly part of the Save the Children Australia Group and a global movement. The organization is dedicated to ensuring that children and young people have their rights met and thrive in all their diversity. With a workforce of approximately 600 employees, 54 reasons operates across every state and territory in Australia, providing quality services to children and their caregivers. The organization champions a child-rights-based approach, ensuring that children's voices, experiences, and strengths are central to every aspect of service delivery.

Job Overview:
As the Head of Strategy and Partnerships, you will play a crucial role in shaping the future of children's rights in Australia. This full-time permanent position is based in Melbourne, but the organization is open to candidates from other locations who are passionate about creating lasting change for children. Your primary responsibilities will include leading change initiatives to drive scalable solutions where children's rights are unmet, advocating for policy and system-level changes, and strengthening service delivery. You will also deepen relationships with First Nations communities and Community Controlled organizations to drive systems change for refugee and migrant children. This role requires a strong focus on building partnerships with government, service partners, media, and sector networks to elevate the mission of 54 reasons.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Lead change initiatives to drive scalable solutions for unmet children's rights.
• Champion the voices of children, ensuring their participation in decision-making processes.
• Strengthen service delivery and advocate for policy and system-level changes.
• Deepen relationships with First Nations communities and Community Controlled organizations.
• Partner with the Leadership Team and key stakeholders to represent and elevate the organization.
• Engage in high-value business development and manage diverse funding models.
• Influence and communicate effectively with various audiences, including Board members and practitioners.
• Manage and support a high-performing team to achieve positive outcomes for children and young people.

Required Qualifications:

• Proven track record of integrity and collaboration in a similar role.
• Expertise in designing and delivering strategy and innovation portfolios in the community services sector.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to coordinate teams to meet strict timelines.
• Solutions-oriented mindset with sound judgment and problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrated success in high-value business development and community sector financials.
• Strong understanding of Australian government policy and processes.
• Ability to build and sustain partnerships across various sectors.

Educational Background:
A minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field is required for this position. Candidates with advanced degrees or specialized training in areas related to child rights, social work, or community services will be viewed favorably.

Experience:
Candidates should possess senior leadership experience operating within complex environments. A background in the Australian community services sector, particularly in roles related to strategy and partnerships, is essential. Experience in managing teams and driving change initiatives is also crucial.

Languages:
While there are no specific language requirements mentioned, proficiency in English is mandatory. Knowledge of additional languages, particularly those spoken by refugee and migrant communities, would be considered an asset.

Additional Notes:
This is a full-time permanent role, and while it is based in Melbourne, the organization is open to discussing flexible working arrangements. The organization values diversity and inclusion, encouraging applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates. Employees are required to undergo a National Police Check and a Working with Children Check. The organization offers a range of employee benefits, including salary packaging, additional leave, and support for workplace wellness.