- Drive strategy, impact and governance with disciplined execution
- Build financial sustainability within a values-led, high-performing culture
- Nurture partnerships across government and education
Noah’s Ark is a highly respected, purpose-led organisation, improving outcomes for children and families through early childhood intervention and inclusion. With a proud 55-year legacy of innovation, research and practice leadership, Noah’s Ark has played a significant role in shaping inclusive approaches across Australia. We are now seeking an exceptional CEO to lead the next chapter of impact, influence and sustainable growth.
Reporting to the Board, you will provide visible, values-led leadership to the organisation, guiding it through a period of sector reform and opportunity. You will strengthen and deepen key relationships across government - particularly the broader education ecosystem - and position Noah’s Ark as a trusted partner in emerging models of early childhood inclusion, intervention and community-based support.
A critical focus of the role will be ensuring long-term financial sustainability in a shifting funding environment. As the NDIS continues to evolve, you will bring a clear commercial, strategic and innovation lens to diversify revenue streams beyond traditional models, including school-based services, programs, grants and partnerships. You will play a key role in progressing strategic initiatives such as Thriving Kids, while embedding a clear roadmap that aligns financial sustainability with purpose and impact. Importantly, you will balance transformation with continuity. Noah’s Ark is known for its deeply embedded culture of kindness, respect, collaboration and social justice. You will protect and nurture this culture, while building on the innovation, structure and strategic clarity required to respond to a more complex and competitive environment.
In partnership with an experienced and committed executive team, you will align priorities, leverage complementary strengths and support the continued development of organisational capability. You will foster a high-performing, engaged workforce in a sector where attraction and retention of talent remain critical. You are a credible, purpose-driven executive leader with strong commercial, strategic and operational capability. You bring a track record of leading complex service organisations through change, navigating funding reform and translating strategy into clear, measurable outcomes.
You are highly relational, with demonstrated success building trusted partnerships with government, funders, educators and sector stakeholders. You are comfortable operating externally as the face of an organisation, with the ability to influence policy, shape opportunities and advocate for systemic change. Your leadership style is grounded in integrity, humility and clarity. You invest time in listening and understanding, bring people with you through change, and make thoughtful, well-judged decisions. You are motivated by impact rather than profile, and you see leadership as stewardship of purpose, people and legacy.
Experience in not-for-profit, disability, early childhood, community health or related human services sectors will be highly regarded, as will an understanding of inclusion, early intervention and contemporary service models. This is a rare opportunity to lead meaningful work at scale and influence systems that shape inclusion for children and families. You will steward a highly regarded organisation with deep expertise, strong values and a committed workforce, while shaping its next phase of sustainable impact and sector leadership.
To view the Success Profile for this opportunity, please copy and paste the following link into your browser: https://tinyurl.com/yhftthcf
To apply, please click ‘apply now’ and upload your CV and Cover Letter. For any questions not outlined in the advert or Success Profile document, or for a confidential discussion, please contact Kate Chase on 0412 254 802 or Kelly Lorentz on 0420 694 697.
Davidson acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the lands on which we work and live. We are also committed to equal opportunity and strive to promote diversity, inclusion, belonging, flexibility, and accessibility in all that we do.
Should you require assistance in your interactions with us or through a recruitment process, please let us know so we can provide adjustments for you.
Applications close on 15 April 2026.
