Running for Premature Babies is one of Australia's most inspiring and impactful charities. Founded by Sophie Smith OAM following the loss of her three prematurely born triplets, the organisation has raised more than $12 million, funded over 170 pieces of neonatal equipment and supported more than 21,000 premature babies across Australia.
As the organisation enters its next phase of growth and national impact, the Board is seeking an outstanding Chief Executive Officer to lead the charity's strategy, fundraising growth, operational excellence and stakeholder engagement.
About the Role
Reporting to the Board through the Chair, the CEO will provide visionary and hands-on leadership across all aspects of the organisation. Working closely with the Founder and leading a small, committed team, you will drive sustainable growth ensuring the funds raised translate into meaningful impact for babies and families.
This is a unique leadership opportunity for a purpose-driven executive who can confidently move between strategy, governance, fundraising, financial management, stakeholder engagement and day-to-day organisational leadership.
Key responsibilities include:
- Leading the strategic direction and operational performance of the organisation
- Growing and diversifying revenue through fundraising campaigns, major donors, corporate partnerships, trusts and foundations
- Strengthening relationships with supporters, hospitals, clinicians, researchers and community stakeholders
- Providing strong financial stewardship, including budgeting, forecasting, cashflow management and board reporting
- Leading and developing a high-performing, values-driven team
- Ensuring robust governance, risk management and ACNC compliance
- Driving digital capability, systems maturity and supporter engagement through effective use of data and technology.
About You
The Board's objective is to appoint a CEO who can effectively balance operational leadership, financial discipline and team development with the ability to grow and steward major donor, corporate partnership and philanthropic relationships.
You will be a highly credible and emotionally intelligent leader who combines commercial acumen with a genuine commitment to social impact. Equally comfortable in the boardroom, with donors, at fundraising events or leading a small team, you will bring the versatility and energy required to lead a growing national charity. Importantly, you are comfortable operating in a lean environment. You can move from a strategic Board discussion to a donor meeting, campaign review or operational challenge without losing focus or momentum.
To be successful, you will demonstrate:
- Senior executive leadership experience with accountability for organisational performance
- Strong financial management capability, including budgeting, forecasting and commercial decision-making
- A proven ability to grow and diversify revenue streams
- Exceptional stakeholder engagement and relationship-building skills
- Experience working with Boards and governance structures
- A collaborative and hands-on leadership style suited to a lean organisation
- The ability to inspire trust, build culture and lead through influence
- A passion for improving outcomes for children, families and communities.
Experience within the charity, healthcare, community or social impact sectors will be highly regarded, as will experience in peer-to-peer or challenge-event fundraising, major gifts, corporate partnerships, sponsorship, trusts and foundations, marketing, brand or communications.
Why Join Running for Premature Babies?
This is a rare opportunity to lead an organisation where purpose, community and measurable impact are deeply connected.
You will join an organisation with a compelling story, an established national presence and a proven ability to mobilise the community around a cause that matters. As CEO, you will have the opportunity to shape the next chapter of the organisation — strengthening its foundations, growing its revenue base, developing its team and extending its impact for premature babies and their families across Australia.
If you are a purpose-driven leader who combines commercial and financial discipline with exceptional relationship-building capability, and you are ready to lead a growing organisation through its next phase, we would welcome your interest.
Please apply with current resume in Microsoft Word format only (.doc or .docx). If you would like to have a confidential discussion, please contact Karen Ireland on +61 452548494, quoting reference JN -072026-43899. Want to know more about Davidson? Visit us at www.davidsonwp.com
