AddressThe Opportunity
This is a unique opportunity for an experienced leader to build and shape the newly created Financial Counselling Industry Fund.
Flexible location – Sydney, Melbourne or Canberra
About the Financial Counselling Industry Fund (FCIF)
FCIF was incorporated on 11th April 2024. It is a company limited by guarantee and a registered charity with the Australian Charities and Not for Profits Commission.
The establishment of the FCIF is the culmination of many years of advocacy and collaboration involving the Financial Counselling sector, industry and the federal government. The company has been set up to collect voluntary contributions from a number of industries that will then be distributed to frontline Financial Counselling services. To do this effectively there will need to be strong engagement with the Financial Counselling sector to understand the drivers of demand for services and gaps in service delivery. Similarly, significant engagement with industry stakeholders, peak bodies and individual companies, will be critical in sustaining existing funding commitments and encouraging broader industry participation in the FCIF model.
About the Role
This is an exciting and challenging opportunity for a strategically focused, inclusive and strong communicator with a drive to achieve outcomes that will make a difference to people experiencing financial hardship. Together with the Board, the CEO will play a vital role in ensuring Industry Funding for Financial Counselling services is successful and recognised by all stakeholders as a valuable and enduring funding model.
As the FCIF is a small organisation, the CEO role will be hands on, particularly in relation to stakeholder engagement and financial management.
As the inaugural CEO of a new body, much of the early work will involve selecting and building the team and establishing the operating infrastructure.
On an ongoing basis the CEO will work with the Board in developing the FCIF strategic plan and funding priorities. They will be the public face of the organisation and represent it in stakeholder and public forums.
The CEO will make evidence-based strategic decisions and will confidently provide recommendations to the FCIF Board around funding priorities and gaps in Financial Counselling service capacity.
They will be responsible for effective governance, compliance and risk management and will oversee the financial health of the organisation and effective grant administration and reporting.
The Individual
The FCIF CEO will be a strategic leader with:
- Experience in a senior leadership role
- Highly developed stakeholder management and communication skills that can be adapted to a range of people and circumstances
- Knowledge of the Financial Counselling sector, or ability to acquire that knowledge
- Ability to interact constructively with industry stakeholders, with the aim of sustaining existing funding commitments and broaden industry participation
- Excellent financial acumen, experience in managing organisational budgets and grant administration
Key responsibilities
As the inaugural CEO of a new body, much of the early work will involve selecting and building the team and establishing the operating infrastructure. It will also encompass the development of:
- operating policies
- the FCIF budget and reporting framework
- policies and procedures for grant administration, and
- data handling and management practices and procedures for reporting.
On an ongoing basis the CEO will work with the Board in developing the FCIF strategic plan and funding priorities. They will be responsible for effective governance, compliance and risk management and will oversee the financial health of the organisation and effective grant administration and reporting. They will be the public face of the organisation and represent it in stakeholder and public forums.
Attributes of the CEO are set out below.
Strategy:
- Together with the Board set the strategic direction for FCIF and agree the priorities for the organisation
- Work collaboratively with the Financial Counselling sector and Industry Funding contributors
- provide strong leadership in identifying emerging trends, challenges, and opportunities to support funding decisions made by FCIF
Leadership:
- Ensure there is a positive organisational culture in FCIF
- Play an appropriate role in influencing industry, government and the Financial Counselling sector in working together to see the funding model evolve
Governance:
- Ensure effective governance, compliance, and risk management practices are in place.
- Manage the direct governance relationships with the Board and its committees, and key stakeholders
- Work closely with the Board and its committees to ensure funding priorities for Financial Counselling services accord with the strategic priorities
Stakeholder Engagement:
- Cultivate and maintain effective relationships with government bodies, the Financial Counselling sector, industry peaks and Industry Funding contributors
- Engage with relevant stakeholders to ensure the funding priorities set by the Board are informed by the Financial Counselling sector, industry participants and robust data on demand and unmet demand for Financial Counselling services
- Confidently represent the organisation in stakeholder and public forums
- Effectively communicate FCIF’s mission, impact, and goals to diverse stakeholders
Financial Management and Grant Administration:
- Oversee the financial health of the organisation, including developing the annual budget and budget scenarios
- Oversee the effective delivery of grant administration for the funding of Financial Counselling services. This includes reporting on the outcomes of awarded grants to the Financial Counselling sector
Operations:
- Lead a high-performing team, fostering a positive and inclusive organisational culture
- Oversee various projects ensuring they are delivered on time and within budget
- Report to funders and others and ensure the organisation complies with regulatory and government requirements
Selection Criteria
The following selection criteria must be addressed in your application: 5 Information Pack for the role of CEO of the Financial Counselling Industry Fund
Essential
- Demonstrated success in strategic and operational leadership of an organisation with diverse stakeholders
- Proven achievements in representing and promoting an organisation and its strategic priorities
- Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with a wide and diverse range of stakeholders that seeks to build alignment
- Strong capabilities and experience in:
- Financial management including budget preparation and development and monitoring of effective expenditure and controls
- The collection, use and interpretation of data to support decision-making on funding allocations
- People management and maintenance of accessible, inclusive and safe workplaces.
- A sound knowledge of the community sector and understanding of the work financial counsellors do, or ability to acquire that knowledge
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including written, verbal, and visual presentation skills
- Strong analytical, negotiation, and problem-solving skills
Desirable
Experience in grant administration and contract management
Contract Term
The contract term will be three years.
How to apply
Your application should include:
- A brief covering letter. The cover letter does not need to be a response to individual Key Selection Criteria (KSC) but should reflect your experience relevant to the KSC for the role.
- A complete current resume stating responsibilities and achievement against each role you have held.
Applicants will receive an information pack upon application.
Closing date: Monday, 20 May 2024
