Chief Operations Officer - Community Services

About the role

Pure Source Recruitment is advertising a Chief Operations Officer vacancy for Multilink Community Services in Queensland, Australia. The role reports directly to the CEO and takes ownership of the operational leadership and performance of a diverse portfolio of community services. It is a leadership position that goes beyond day-to-day management, working closely with the CEO and Senior Management Team to turn strategy into operational plans, drive continuous improvement and meet contractual, regulatory and community obligations.

Key responsibilities

• Provide leadership and oversight of a diverse portfolio of operational programs, ensuring high-quality, culturally responsive and client-centred service delivery
• Translate organisational strategy into operational plans, KPIs and performance measures, driving accountability and continuous improvement
• Lead, mentor and support senior managers, building capable, collaborative and values-aligned teams
• Oversee quality, risk and compliance across regulated and government-funded programs, including accreditation, audits, safeguarding, incident management and continuous improvement
• Work with the CEO and Corporate Services Manager on operational budgets, resource allocation, financial sustainability and performance
• Identify opportunities for service growth, innovation and partnerships that respond to community needs
• Lead organisational change and service improvement initiatives, strengthening systems, processes and ways of working
• Build relationships with government departments, funding bodies, peak organisations, community partners and other stakeholders
• Represent the organisation in sector, community and interagency forums
• Provide operational reporting and advise the CEO on difficult decisions

Required profile

• Demonstrated senior operational leadership experience in the not-for-profit, community services environment
• Proven experience leading complex, multidisciplinary, multi-program operations in a regulated and funded setting
• Experience leading and developing senior leaders, creating accountability in a supportive culture
• Tertiary qualification in management, social services, health, community development or a related discipline is highly regarded

Required skills

• Strong financial and commercial acumen, with experience overseeing budgets, resources and operational performance
• Understanding of quality, compliance and risk management frameworks
• Ability to build genuine relationships with staff, community members, government, funders and sector partners
• Resilient, values-led leadership with sound judgement and the ability to make difficult decisions transparently

The role is described as a career opportunity with a long-term impact. Applications close on Friday 30 October 2026; candidates are contacted by email or phone about the outcome.