Chief Executive Officer

ABOUT WASEC

WASEC is the peak body for social enterprise in WA. Our mission is to build a thriving social enterprise sector in WA; working to transition Western Australia to a new economy where social enterprise is the norm. WASEC was formed in 2020 by leaders in WA’s social enterprise sector to build a new economy that places community, employee and environmental impact outcomes on an equal footing with sustainable financial returns. WASEC leads an independent, practitioner-led network that is representative of and responsive to the WA social enterprise sector.

Our strategic objectives are to:

1. Build a connected social enterprise sector in WA
2. Create opportunities for social enterprises to learn, share and scale their impact
3. Increase the influence and impact of social enterprise in WA

POSITION PURPOSE

The WASEC Chief Executive Officer spearheads the strategic operations and management of the organisation. Reporting directly to the WASEC Board of Directors, the CEO will collaborate closely with WASEC staff, board members, volunteers, and partners within Western Australia and nationally to foster a connected and vibrant social enterprise sector throughout the region.

The chosen candidate will be responsible for driving all facets of WASEC’s strategic and business plans. This includes ensuring the establishment of effective organisational systems, advancing impactful advocacy initiatives, fostering member engagement and support, facilitating the continuous expansion of our network, and building financial stability for the organisation.

KEY AREAS OF FOCUS

Organisational Leadership - create a strong, stable organisation. 

• Oversee the day-to-day operations of WASEC 
• Maintain a strong working relationship with WASEC’s Board of Directors, staff, and key external stakeholders.
• Lead and monitor performance against WASEC’s strategic and business plans.
• Lead the evaluation and reporting of WASEC activities to the board and our funders
• Manage and be accountable for all staff and volunteers in the organisation, including recruitment, setting direction and managing  performance. 
• Develop and manage the operational budget and supervise the financial performance of the organisation. 
• Identify and manage operational and corporate risks.
• Implement, monitor and review organisational policies, processes and codes of conduct. 

Public Relations and Advocacy - be a leading voice for social enterprise in WA

• Be the main point of contact for Social Enterprise matters in WA.
• Lead WASEC’s Advocacy Strategy to advance the interests of our members
• Represent WASEC and the needs of our members at public and private events with both state and national stakeholders, and where possible, in the media.
• Oversee WASEC’s brand and reputation, including adherence to style guides, website, presentations, publications and resources (including advocacy publications, the WASEC annual report and other WASEC research reports)

Member Engagement - engage and grow WASEC’s membership

• Oversee high-quality member management systems and processes
• Ensure member feedback is incorporated into planning
• Oversee routine digital communication and marketing activities
• Produce high quality events and activities for members

Business Development - ensure WASEC is financially sustainable

• Maintain and build positive relationships with existing and potential funders
• Secure alternative funding streams to ensure the sustainability of the organisation. 

SELECTION CRITERIA

Essential knowledge and skills required

1. Experience in executive-level management
2. Excellent interpersonal skills and experience building relationships with a range of stakeholders, including senior leaders across government, business and philanthropy
3. Experience leading member-based organisations or relevant community engagement processes
4. Experience securing diverse organisational revenue streams
5. Experience with government advocacy and creating change at a systems level
6. Experience planning, promoting and managing high-profile events
7. Experience preparing and managing organisational budgets and financial reports
8. Experience preparing quality written reports for both internal and external use
9. Relevant tertiary qualifications or demonstrated experience in a similar role

Essential qualities required

1. Commitment to WASEC's objectives.
2. Self-motivated and ability to handle a high level of responsibility
3. Collaborative and adaptable nature within a small team.
4. A champion of inclusive practice and accessibility.

Extra credit

1. Knowledge and passion for social enterprise.
2. Experience reporting to a board of directors. 
3. Experience leading an organisation in a start-up environment.  

TO APPLY

Applications should be submitted through the Seek portal and include:

• A cover letter outlining how your skills and experience make you suitable for this role
• A copy of your resume/CV and three referees

Diversity makes us stronger and smarter. We strongly encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and people with disabilities to apply.

You must also have:

• Legal entitlement to work in Australia
• Eligibility for a WA Working with Children Check (if required).
• A personal commitment to the practice and principles of non-violence, justice, social inclusion and gender equity.

Applications close 21 May 2024 at 5pm.

Enquiries about this role should be directed to Kylie Hanson, Board Director on *****@impactseed.org.

For more information about WASEC visit www.wasec.org.au