Chief Operating Officer

The Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) is the legislated peak body for Local Government in Victoria. The MAV supports Victorian councils to create thriving, resilient, and inclusive communities. As a nation-leading peak body for the local government sector, the MAV specialises in strategic foresight, policy and research, organisational development, workforce planning, leadership and governance, intergenerational infrastructure, service design, and intergovernmental relations and advocacy.

The MAV is leading a bold transformation, positioning the sector to meet the complexities and opportunities ahead.

Strengthening the MAV’s capacity to influence and steward the sector, the Chief Operating Officer (COO) connects strategy to execution across the organisation. Reporting to the CEO, the COO drives performance, financial sustainability, operational integration, and cultural transformation across finance, planning and performance, IT and digital enablement, customer and business services and MAV Insurance. The COO embeds accountability and strengthens governance and compliance frameworks, including ASIC-regulated activities, and is accountable for enterprise planning, impact measurement, commercial stewardship and sector engagement.


To be considered, you will bring proven executive experience leading complex operations, organisational transformation, and financial sustainability in multi-stakeholder environments. You will demonstrate a deep understanding of local government and/or transferable experience from state government, insurance schemes or commercial enterprises operating in regulated settings. Strong systems thinking, organisational design capability, and commercial acumen are essential, along with expertise in enterprise planning, performance measurement, impact reporting, and scaled shared services.


CPA or CA qualifications are highly regarded, particularly given oversight of long-term financial planning and regulated financial activities. Above all, you lead with empathy and clarity, champion inclusive and purpose-driven change, and cultivate leadership maturity, psychological safety, and accountability to deliver measurable value to the sector and the communities it serves.


To view the Success Profile for this opportunity, please copy and paste the following link into your browser: https://tinyurl.com/4pj2fh4u


To apply, please click ‘apply now’ and upload your CV and Cover Letter. For any questions not outlined in the PD and for a confidential discussion, please contact Vanessa Huxley on 0417 708 112 or Kate Chase on 0412 254 802.


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.