Group Chief Executive Officer
Melbourne City Mission
Lead with Purpose. Drive Social Innovation. Transform Lives.
Established in 1854, MCM is a leading non-profit community service organisation in Victoria that uplifts and empowers the most vulnerable and disadvantaged members of the community through a broad range of support in: homelessness, disability, mental health, secondary level education, child and family services, and palliative care. MCM has a turnover of $140 million per annum and more than 19,000 clients.
MCM is comprised of MCM Services, the Hester Hornbrook Academy, MCM Housing and Quantum Support Services all working together to disrupt disadvantage and create positive change for Victoria’s most vulnerable. MCM does this by addressing the needs of the whole person through a holistic, healing-oriented approach to drive lasting systematic change in their lives. MCM’ services, presence, and advocacy efforts across Victoria continue to expand, as they continue to explore ways to dismantle barriers, address gaps, promote social justice, and foster equal opportunities for all. MCM has a particular focus on supporting young people.
On behalf of MCM, Watermark Search is seeking a visionary and values-driven Group Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to lead this iconic Melbourne organisation into its next chapter of growth, innovation, and impact.
About the Role:
As CEO, you will be the executive leader and public face of MCM, accountable to the Board for delivering strategic and operational outcomes across four operating divisions: MCM, MCM Housing, Hester Hornbrook Academy, and Quantum Support Services. You will lead a workforce of over 970 employees and 400 volunteers, supported by a strong executive team and shared services.
This is a rare opportunity to influence systemic change, shape public discourse, and deliver measurable social impact at scale.
Key Responsibilities:
Lead the development and execution of MCM’s strategic plan in alignment with Board direction.
Ensure operational excellence, financial sustainability, and a culture of accountability.
Represent MCM in public forums, media, and with government, philanthropic, and community stakeholders.
Drive innovation in service delivery, informed by research and community development principles.
Build organisational capacity, succession planning, and future readiness.
Uphold the highest standards of governance, compliance, and risk management.
About You:
You're an accomplished leader who thrives on creating meaningful impact in complex, purpose-driven environments. You understand that exceptional outcomes require both strategic vision and operational excellence—and you've consistently delivered both.
Your experience includes:
Executive leadership credentials: Proven success as a CEO within community, local government, health, education, or human services organisations
Strategic and commercial expertise: Demonstrated ability to navigate multi-stream funding models while driving sustainable growth and operational excellence at scale
Influential communication: Natural ability to engage, influence, and build coalitions across diverse stakeholders, from government and funders to community members and staff
Authentic commitment to equity: Deep-seated passion for advancing social justice, inclusion, and the rights of disadvantaged and marginalized communities
Transformational leadership style: You lead with integrity and purpose, building cultures of trust, innovation, and high performance that bring out the best in your teams
Why Join MCM?
Be part of an organisation with the vision and courage to challenge disadvantage at its roots
Lead a significant and diverse portfolio of services creating impact across Victoria
Work alongside a purpose-driven Board and executive team in a values-driven culture
Shape innovative solutions that will define the future of community wellbeing
For a confidential discussion and the Candidate Brief please call Bronwen Kerr, Engagement Manager on 02 9233 1200 or Jen D’Arcy-Smith, Partner on 0449 967 781
To express interest, please send your application quoting Ref No A006140 to Watermark Search International at search@watermarksearch.com.au. We will reply to the email address used for your application.
Closing date: 11:59PM AEDT on 13 November 2025