Chief Operating Officer

North West Queensland Indigenous Community Social Services Ltd. (NWQICSS) is an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community-controlled, not-for-profit organisation based in Mount Isa, Queensland. Guided by a First Nations-majority Board and our vision, “Life to the full,” we deliver culturally safe, community-led services across justice, health, housing, education, youth and family support. We are committed to empowering communities, strengthening families and improving outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples across North West Queensland.

NWQICSS is seeking an experienced and motivated Chief Operating Officer (COO) to provide strategic operational leadership across our diverse range of community services and programs. Reporting directly to the CEO, the COO will oversee day-to-day service delivery, support program managers, drive performance and continuous improvement, and ensure services meet funding, quality, compliance and safeguarding requirements. This is a senior leadership position suited to a person who can lead multidisciplinary teams, manage operational risks, strengthen service outcomes and build effective relationships with staff, community leaders, government agencies and partner organisations.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and oversight of NWQICSS programs and community services across multiple locations.
• Ensure programs meet funding agreements, service deliverables, key performance indicators and reporting requirements.
• Lead, coach and support program managers and coordinators to achieve service and organisational objectives.
• Monitor operational performance, workforce planning, recruitment, staff development and retention.
• Oversee compliance with the Human Services Quality Framework (HSQF), Child Safe Standards, safeguarding obligations, workplace health and safety requirements and relevant legislation.
• Manage operational risks, incidents, complaints, audits and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Work with the CEO and Finance Team to monitor program budgets, manage resources and support financial sustainability.
• Build strong working relationships with Elders, community leaders, government departments, justice agencies and community service partners.
• Identify opportunities for service improvement, innovation, growth and improved community outcomes.
• Provide regular operational reports and advice to the CEO and contribute to organisational planning and decision-making.

About You

You are an experienced senior leader with strong operational management skills, a commitment to accountability and the ability to lead teams across a diverse range of community services. You can balance strategic priorities with the practical demands of service delivery and are committed to culturally safe, community-led practice.

Essential Requirements

• Relevant tertiary qualification in business, management, community services, social work, human services, public administration or a related field.
• Demonstrated senior leadership experience managing multiple programs, services or business units.
• Strong knowledge of community services, justice, youth, family and Indigenous service sectors.
• Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary teams across multiple locations.
• Experience in organisational risk management, compliance and quality assurance.
• Strong financial management, budgeting and resource allocation skills.
• Excellent strategic planning, analytical, problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
• Highly developed communication, leadership and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Demonstrated commitment to cultural safety and working effectively with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
• Current driver licence.
• Current Working with Children Check (Blue Card).
• National Police Check.

Desirable

• Experience working in an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community-controlled organisation.
• Experience managing Queensland Government-funded programs.
• Experience with HSQF accreditation, audits and quality improvement.
• Previous executive-level experience as a COO, General Manager, Director or equivalent.

What We Offer

• An opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals, families and communities across North West Queensland.
• A senior leadership role with the opportunity to strengthen and improve community services.
• The opportunity to work alongside dedicated staff, community leaders and service partners.
• A supportive, values-driven organisation committed to cultural safety, collaboration and community empowerment.

Employment Conditions

This is a full-time, ongoing position based in Mount Isa, Queensland, with regular travel to regional service locations, including Doomadgee and Boulia. Some after-hours work and on-call availability for critical incidents are required. Employment is subject to a six-month probationary period and satisfactory pre-employment checks, including a Blue Card, National Police Check, driver licence check and reference checks. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are encouraged to apply. Applications due close of business: Wednesday 28 October 2026. NWQICSS is an equal opportunity employer committed to cultural safety. Interviews may commence before the closing date, so we encourage applicants to submit their applications early. Please note that only shortlisted candidates progressing to the interview stage will be contacted. NWQICSS is committed to the safety and wellbeing of all clients, including vulnerable individuals and young people. All prospective employees must demonstrate suitability and commitment to safeguarding clients from abuse and harm.