Chief Executive Officer

• Shape consumer policy and lead service delivery
• Leading consumer advocacy organisation located in Melbourne
• High profile leadership position

The Consumer Action Law Centre (Consumer Action) is a campaign-focused consumer advocacy and legal services organisation, based in Melbourne, Australia. Consumer Action is primarily funded by the Victorian Government, through Victoria Legal Aid and Consumer Affairs Victoria, and the Commonwealth of Australia, through the Department of Social Services and the Attorney-General’s Department. It has developed an enviable reputation as one of the leading and most credible advocacy organisations in Australia to fulfil its vision of a just marketplace, where people have power and business plays fair. Consumer Action also provides a number of free legal and financial counselling services to vulnerable and marginalised Victorians on consumer related issues and advice to people struggling with a range of financial issues via the National Debt Helpline and Community Legal Centre.

Consumer Action works across multiple sectors and markets and with multiple partners, drawing upon rigorous consumer and policy research to empower people with advice about their rights, and connecting them to services. They also campaign and advocate on consumer issues to legislators and policymakers to influence the design, implementation and enforcement of consumer policy. With expert legal skills, Consumer Action provides free legal advice and representation services to consumers and training to the community sector to shape a fairer system.

Reporting to an engaged Board the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) will lead a talented and committed team to deliver campaigns and policy submissions advocating for strategic, high-impact policy change that enhances consumer agency and creates fairer markets. With ambitious plans to increase the impact and influence of their work, the CEO will lead the organisation tackling systemic consumer issues that make life hard for vulnerable people, partner with First Nations people to develop needs-based legal and financial counselling services, and strengthen its organisation culture of collaboration and respect and one that promotes wellbeing, equity, diversity, and inclusion.

This is a role for a highly experienced policy thinker and organisational leader, with a track record of impact, innovation and delivery, and a deep understanding of consumer issues and service delivery. To be considered, you’ll need to have a range of skills and experience including:

• strong engagement advocacy, and public speaking skills, able to build effective stakeholder relationships that enhance the profile and reputation of Consumer Action;
• demonstrable passion for advancing the consumer interest, a creative mind, a record of building policy campaigns and communities;
• contemporary leadership and organisation management skills, and an ability to engage and inspire others;
• understanding and commitment to addressing inequity for diverse and vulnerable communities, being ‘culturally competent’.

With a collaborative style and sophisticated communication and influencing skills, you’ll be equally as comfortable being a strategic leader and operationally hands-on, leading from the front whilst supporting and developing the team.

For further information about the role and Consumer Action, and instructions on how to apply download an Information Pack from www.searchlightgroup.com.au/careers.

For a confidential discussion and any questions call Michael Holdway, Managing Director, Searchlight Group on (03) 9600 1137 or 0400 006 513 e: michael@searchlightgroup.com.au using the subject line: Chief Executive Officer enquiry via EthicalJobs.

Candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.