Chief Executive Officer - Department of Children and Families

About the role

The Northern Territory Government is seeking an accomplished executive to lead the Department of Children and Families (DCF) as Chief Executive Officer. Reporting to the Minister for Children and Families, the CEO turns the Territory Government's priorities for children and families into action, sets the strategic direction for the portfolio and leads delivery of policy, programs and services across the Territory. The role is based in Darwin and is permanent.

Key responsibilities

• Lead reform that puts the safety and best interests of children at the centre of every decision, including implementing the Every Child Matters reforms and related legislative changes.
• Renew how the Department is organised and how it works.
• Provide timely advice to the Minister and Government and balance competing pressures with sound judgement.
• As a member of the CEO Coordination Committee, work alongside fellow chief executives and build partnerships with the non-government sector, Aboriginal organisations and Territory communities.
• Act as the responsible person for children subject to a child protection order under the Care and Protection of Children Act 2007.

Required profile

• Accomplished senior executive with a proven record of leading change in large, complex human services, child protection or social policy environments, with demonstrated reforms and outcomes.
• Strong understanding of how government works and the political judgement to give the Minister confidence.
• Ability to lead a workforce through restructure and cultural change, with strong operational, financial and workforce management capability.
• Solutions focused, able to give frank advice to Government and peers and hold difficult conversations.
• Resilience, self-awareness and emotional intelligence to lead through complexity.

Remuneration is an executive package commensurate with the NTG ECO5 classification. Applications are made through the recruitment agency Six Degrees Executive.