Director of Operations

The NSW Council of Social Service (NCOSS) seeks an experienced Director of Operations to lead our operational team as we build on an impressive legacy and continue our work towards a NSW free from poverty.

As NSW’s peak body for the community services sector, NCOSS represents 300 organisational and 170 individual members. Our team of 21 works collaboratively to advocate for social justice and drive system change across the state.

Reporting to the CEO, you'll oversee the day-to-day operations of the organisation and lead all operational functions, including governance, human resource management, contract management, compliance, IT systems, and facilities management. This is a strategic leadership role where you'll ensure operational excellence while supporting our mission-driven work.

You’ll be a great fit for the role if you have:

• Operational Leadership: Proven experience managing comprehensive business operations in a complex stakeholder environment.
• Financial Management: Strong background in financial oversight, budgeting, and resource allocation.
• Team Leadership: Demonstrated success leading and developing small, high-performing teams.
• Strategic Thinking: Ability to align operational activities with organisational strategy and long-term goals.
• Governance & Compliance: Experience with regulatory requirements, contract management and reporting, risk management, and board reporting.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Excellent communication and relationship management skills.
• Systems Thinking: Experience with administrative systems, technology implementation, and process improvement
• Mission Alignment: Commitment to social justice, experience and knowledge of the community services sector and understanding of factors contributing to inequality and disadvantage
• Adaptability: Flexibility to support organisational priorities and willingness to contribute across different areas

You can learn more about the role from the Position Description

What we offer

This a full-time permanent position (35 hours a week, negotiable for the right candidate). The salary is $159,000 - $170,000 (rounded, depending on skills and experience) a year or $87.46 - $93.62 per hour + superannuation + leave loading + continuous service leave (available after 12 months).

As a Public Benevolent Institution endorsed by the ATO as Fringe Benefit Tax Exempt, NCOSS also offers staff salary packaging.

NCOSS’ offices are located in the Paul Ramsay Foundation’s NFP hub at heritage listed Yirranma Place, on that part of Gadigal Country also now known as Darlinghurst. We offer flexible and hybrid working arrangements.

NCOSS welcomes applications from people regardless of age, gender or gender identity, race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, disability, or any of the grounds protected under NSW or Australian discrimination laws. At NCOSS, we value diversity, inclusion and belonging.

For First Nations staff, we will work with you to provide cultural wellbeing supports, support you to make links with First Nations people working in the sector. We won’t expect you to carry the cultural load for NCOSS.

For people with disability, we will, of course, make all the adjustments possible for you to thrive in the role.

You can read more about the benefits of working with NCOSS in the Position Description.

To apply, please send the following to recruitment@ncoss.org.au:

1. An up-to-date CV
2. A letter of no more than two pages, describing why you’re the right person for the job, based on the Position Description and your knowledge, skills and experience.

Applications close at 11:59pm (23:59) on Sunday 14 September 2025.

If you have any questions about the job, please email your contact details to Cara Varian, our CEO at cara@ncoss.org.au and she will give you a call.

Details

Download Position Description

NSW Council of Social Service (NCOSS)