General Manager - Lived Experience Workforce

About the role

Pure Source Recruitment is partnering with QLEWN, Queensland's statewide peak body for the Lived-Living Experience workforce in mental health, alcohol and other drugs and suicide prevention, to recruit a General Manager. Reporting to the QLEWN Management Committee, the role provides executive leadership across strategy, organisational performance, stakeholder engagement, workforce development and financial sustainability. It suits someone who can balance strategic direction with hands-on execution and navigate a complex stakeholder environment.

This is a designated Lived-Living Experience leadership position: applicants must have personal or carer/kin lived or living experience of mental health challenges, suicidal distress and/or alcohol and other drug use, which is a genuine occupational requirement under section 25 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1991 (Qld). Applicants are not asked to disclose the specifics of their experience.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the implementation and development of QLEWN's strategic direction, priorities and organisational growth.
• Advocate for the recognition of Lived Experience expertise in policy, service design, governance, workforce development and systems reform.
• Represent QLEWN and its members at government, sector, research and community forums.
• Strengthen connections across membership and workforce networks and ensure member perspectives inform strategy and advocacy.
• Work with the Management Committee on strategic planning, governance and decision-making.
• Oversee policies, procedures, reporting and risk management, and manage contractors, consultants and project partners.
• Lead financial planning, budgeting, forecasting and resource management, and pursue funding and business development opportunities.

Required profile

• Lived or living experience of mental health challenges, suicidal distress and/or alcohol and other drug use.
• Experience shaping organisational direction and navigating complex community, health, human services or policy environments.
• Experience supporting governance, advising committees or senior leaders, managing risk and overseeing performance.
• Experience with budgets, resource management and funding strategies.

Required skills

• Relationship-building, communication, negotiation and influencing.
• Ability to lead contractors, consultants and project teams in inclusive, psychologically safe ways.

Applications close on 5 November; candidates should include a covering letter and may request reasonable adjustments during the process.