Head Of Social Enterprise

Description:

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Challenge Community Services has been a cornerstone of community support for over 65 years, providing a wide range of services including Disability Services, Foster Care, Allied Health, and supported employment. Our mission is to empower individuals and enhance the communities we engage with through compassionate, collaborative, and people-focused services.

The Head of Social Enterprise will establish and lead the social enterprise capability within Challenge Community Services, a leading community services organisation.

This role is critical in driving the development, growth, and sustainability of social enterprises that align with the organisation’s mission to create social impact.

With no formal social enterprise structure currently in place, the Head of Social Enterprise will take a hands-on approach to build capability, identify opportunities, and convert them into viable, impactful ventures.

The role also requires a deep understanding of the organisation’s current programs, resources, and networks, leveraging these strengths to develop innovative and sustainable social enterprise initiatives.

The strategy must remain flexible and agile, using a "Strategy in Action" mindset to adapt to rapidly changing conditions to maximise impact.

Key Responsibilities and Accountabilities:

• Strategic Development

  • Design and implement a comprehensive social enterprise strategy aligned with the organisation’s vision, values, community objectives and overall strategy.
  • Leverage the organisation’s existing programs, expertise, and resources to identify synergies and create integrated social enterprise opportunities.
  • Establish governance frameworks, policies, and processes for social enterprise operations to ensure accountability and sustainability.
  • Lead the creation of business models that balance social impact with financial viability.
  • Apply a "Strategy in Action" approach to remain flexible and agile in response to emerging opportunities and challenges.
  • Conduct market research to identify emerging trends, customer needs, and opportunities for new social enterprises.

  Operational Leadership

  • Develop, launch, and manage social enterprises, including overseeing operational, marketing, and financial performance.
  • Secure ongoing viability of current Business Services division through sound commercial management of employment options while leading a pivot from ADE to Social Enterprise.
  • Establish metrics and KPIs to monitor the success and impact of social enterprise initiatives.
  • Manage budgets, resources, and stakeholder relationships to ensure efficient and effective delivery of social enterprise outcomes.
  • Build and lead a team to support social enterprise operations, including recruitment, training, and performance management.

  Business Development and Partnerships

  • Identify and pursue funding opportunities, including grants, philanthropic contributions, and investment capital to support social enterprises.
  • Develop and nurture partnerships with local businesses, government bodies, and community organisations to advance social enterprise goals.
  • Represent the organisation in external forums to build awareness and credibility of its social enterprise initiatives.
  • Create marketing and communication plans to promote social enterprise activities and impact.

  Stakeholder Engagement

  • Collaborate with internal teams to align social enterprise activities with broader organisational objectives and programs.
  • Leverage the organisation’s existing networks and relationships to support the success of social enterprises.
  • Engage with the community to ensure the social enterprises address local needs and create meaningful impact.
  • Advocate for the value of social enterprises within the organisation and externally.

Essential :

• Experience: Proven track record in establishing, leading, and scaling social enterprises or similar initiatives.
• Strategic Acumen: Strong ability to develop and execute strategic plans that balance social impact and financial sustainability.
• Strategic Agility: Demonstrated ability to apply a flexible, action-oriented strategy, such as the "Strategy in Action" methodology, to respond to dynamic environments.
• Business Development: Demonstrated success in identifying and converting opportunities into viable ventures.
• Organisational Insight: Ability to understand and leverage existing organisational strengths, resources, and networks to build social enterprise capacity.
• Leadership: Proven experience in leading and managing teams and other stakeholders in dynamic, growth-oriented environments.
• Financial Management: Strong understanding of budgets, financial planning, and funding mechanisms for social enterprises.
• Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to influence and inspire diverse stakeholders.
• Commitment to Social Impact: Deep understanding of and passion for creating positive social change.

Desirable :

• Familiarity with community services and not-for-profit sectors in Australia.
• Existing networks within the social enterprise and broader community sectors.
• Experience in navigating complex regulatory environments.

• Current Australian Driver’s Licence.
• Current NSW Working with Children’s Check
• NDIS Worker Screening Check
• Current Police Check
• COVID-19 vaccination certificate.

• Career Growth : Engage in continuous professional development and take part in our leadership succession planning.
• Competitive Remuneration: Attractive Salary for the right candidate..
• Supportive Environment : Work in a collaborative team that values your expertise and contributions.
• Full maintained company vehicle with FBT contribution.
• Salary Packaging Options and Entertainment/Meal Card (if eligible)
• Fitness Passport: access for you and your family to multiple facilities through the Fitness Passport program
• Celebrate You : Take a day off on your birthday!

How to apply:

When applying, please ensure you include a cover letter, resume and address the key selection criteria as part of your application.

To apply and view the Position Description please click on the 'apply now' button below or visit our website: www.challengecommunity.org.au

Confidential enquiries can be made by contacting Julie May

via email: julie.may@challengecommunity.org.au

Applications Close: 7 April 2025

We acknowledge the traditional owners of the land on which we work and live, and pay respects to their elders past and present.

Challenge Community Services is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and welcomes applications from people from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and Culturally and Linguistically Diverse backgrounds.