• Some leadership opportunities change organisations. This one changes lives.
• Lead one of Australia's most respected women's legal services and help shape the future of access to justice, safety, and support for women across Central Australia.
• Build on a remarkable leadership legacy while creating your own.

About Central Australian Women's Legal Service (CAWLS)

Central Australian Women's Legal Service (CAWLS) is a multidisciplinary legal service delivering holistic, culturally safe, trauma-informed support across Central Australia and the Barkly region.

At CAWLS, we aspire to a future where women and their children are safe, living with dignity and respect. Our purpose is to help women in Central Australia and the Barkly region with their legal matters and interconnected challenges by providing legal assistance, community legal education, specialised support services, and advocacy for those affected by domestic and family violence.

Working across some of Australia's most unique and diverse communities, we are committed to improving access to justice, increasing legal literacy, and advocating for meaningful law and policy reform that benefits the women and communities we serve.

Our culture is built on inclusion, equality, accessibility, cultural safety, innovation, respect, and collaboration. We are proud to be a values-driven organisation where passionate professionals work together to create lasting impact across the region.

For more information, please visit: www.cawls.org.au

Lead the Next Chapter

CAWLS is seeking its next Chief Executive Officer to lead the organisation into its next chapter.

Reporting to the Board, you will lead a multidisciplinary organisation delivering legal services, education, advocacy, and support programs that improve the lives of women across Central Australia and the Barkly region.

This is not a traditional CEO role.

While strategic leadership, governance, and organisational sustainability are important, success in this position will be defined by your ability to build relationships, strengthen culture, and champion the communities CAWLS exists to serve.

Working alongside an experienced leadership team, you will help shape the future of a highly respected organisation while advancing meaningful outcomes for women, families, and communities across the region.

More specifically, your responsibilities will include:

• Leading organisational strategy and future growth
• Supporting the Board through effective governance and risk management
• Overseeing financial sustainability and funding initiatives
• Building strong stakeholder and community partnerships
• Developing and supporting a multidisciplinary workforce
• Fostering a positive and collaborative culture
• Championing advocacy and community impact
• Ensuring the delivery of high-quality, culturally safe services

For the position description, click here.

The Leadership Legacy You'll Build On

For more than 15 years, CAWLS has been led by a respected and highly visible leader who has helped shape a culture built on trust, collaboration, and genuine community connection.

Today, CAWLS is home to a passionate team united by a shared commitment to improving the lives of women across Central Australia.

As the organisation enters its next chapter, we are seeking a leader who can build on these strong foundations while bringing their own vision and leadership style to the role.

This is not about filling someone's shoes.

It's about taking an exceptional organisation forward.

The Kind of Leader This Community Needs

To qualify, you will need legal qualifications relevant to the community legal sector and a current Practising Certificate, or the ability to obtain one. Significant post-admission legal experience and demonstrated senior leadership experience will also be essential.

Additionally, the following experience will be highly regarded:

• Leadership experience within legal, community, government, or not-for-profit environments
• Strong understanding of governance, strategy, and organisational management
• Experience working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and/or remote communities
• Understanding of domestic and family violence, gender inequality, and access to justice issues
• Experience securing funding and managing complex stakeholder relationships
• Strong advocacy, communication, and relationship-building skills

You will be approachable, authentic, and people-focused, with a leadership style built on collaboration, trust, and respect.

Most importantly, you will understand that great leadership is about walking alongside people, not standing above them.

Why Central Australia Changes People

Many people arrive in Central Australia expecting it to be a short chapter in their career.

Many leave describing it as one of the most rewarding.

This is a region where your work is visible, your relationships matter, and your leadership can create tangible outcomes for women, families, and communities.

The people who thrive here don't come because it's easy. They come because they believe in the work, the people, and the opportunity to create meaningful change.

Why You'll Love Leading Here

In recognition of your contribution, CAWLS offers a competitive executive remuneration package negotiated based on your skills and experience, together with a range of benefits designed to support your wellbeing, professional growth, and connection to the community you serve.

These include:

• Competitive executive remuneration package
• 12% employer superannuation
• Remote area benefits
• 6 weeks annual leave
• 12 days personal leave
• Ongoing professional development opportunities
• The opportunity to lead a highly respected organisation with a strong reputation across Central Australia
• A collaborative and values-driven workplace culture
• The chance to influence meaningful social change across the region
• The opportunity to build relationships and create lasting impact within a unique and connected community

Few leadership opportunities offer the chance to shape an organisation, strengthen communities, influence systemic change, and leave a lasting legacy.

If you are looking for a role where your leadership can help create safer futures for women, strengthen communities, and shape the next chapter of a respected and purpose-driven organisation, we encourage you to apply today.