Executive Director of Advocacy

About the role

People with Disability Australia (PWDA), a national disability rights and advocacy organisation, is recruiting an Executive Director of Advocacy based in Surry Hills, Sydney. Reporting to the CEO, the role leads an approximately $8 million portfolio covering individual and systemic advocacy, brings teams together, develops leadership capability and strengthens organisational culture. It is a key position in the Executive Leadership Team, with opportunities to deputise for the CEO.

Key responsibilities

• Lead and unite the individual and systemic advocacy functions, creating collaboration and strategic alignment across national teams.
• Mentor senior managers, empower decision-making and foster a culture of accountability, trust and continuous improvement.
• Champion an inclusive, empathetic culture with clear expectations and constructive communication.
• Shape team structures and operational performance to improve advocacy service effectiveness.
• Oversee the $8 million portfolio, ensuring financial sustainability, resource allocation, funding accountability and governance.
• Influence national disability policy and contribute to advocacy across the NDIS, Foundational Supports and emerging issues.
• Strengthen partnerships with government, funders, representative organisations and sector stakeholders.
• Represent PWDA nationally in public advocacy, policy discussions and government engagement.
• Partner with the CEO and Board on strategy, growth and executive leadership development.

Required profile

• Significant senior leadership experience building high-performing teams, leading change and fostering inclusive cultures.
• Empathetic yet decisive leadership, with strong financial and operational acumen (budget management, workforce planning, risk, governance).
• Commitment to disability rights, grounded in a human rights-based approach and connection to the disability community.
• Strategic judgement, stakeholder engagement and communication skills, and understanding of disability policy and advocacy.
• Relevant tertiary qualification or equivalent executive leadership experience.
• Lived experience of disability and experience in disability advocacy, government, representative organisations or the not-for-profit sector are highly regarded; other sectors are welcome if values align.

What we offer

• A national leadership role with executive responsibility for an $8 million portfolio.
• Supported executive development, including opportunities to deputise for the CEO.
• High-profile engagement with government, policymakers and sector leaders.
• A collaborative, values-led environment within the Executive Leadership Team.

The vacancy is advertised by Lotus Executive Search, which handles applications and shortlists candidates for interviews.