Jesuit Social Services is a social change organisation working to build a just society where all people can live to their full potential. We reflect on the critical factors shaping our contemporary world; the social, political and economic contexts, and we adapt our practice to work with those most in need.
Since 1977, Jesuit Social Services has provided services to some of the most disadvantaged in our community. We place a high priority on advocacy and are a leader in policy development and research.
About the program
Justice Project
The newly established Justice Project seeks to consolidate Jesuit Social Services’ practice, research and advocacy so our practice, research and advocacy mutually inform one another. The Justice Project will have both a local and national perspective and will maintain and build international relationships through Jesuit and other networks. Through this work, we want to change the public conversation, demonstrate new ways to break the cycle of offending, and build justice systems that work for the entire community.
Justice Programs
Justice programs provide holistic support service for people involved in the justice system who are assessed as high risk/need, with limited social and family networks, limited accommodation and support options and experiencing multiple and complex health problems. Staff deliver quality programs in a manner that reflects the social justice principles of participation, equity, access and respect.
Job Description
Executive Director Justice
The criminal justice system is failing, causing harm to those caught up in it, as well as to victims and the community more broadly. More people are being locked up, costs are increasing dramatically, and First Nations children and adults are unacceptably overrepresented in the system.
Building on nearly 50 years of experience working with people involved in the justice system, Jesuit Social Services is working to change the conversation and seek new opportunities to improve individual and community outcomes.
The Executive Director Justice will lead this important work. This role will have responsibility for leading our justice programs and advocacy, and in developing and implementing new solutions across practice, programs and policy.
In this role, you will lead a team of passionate and experienced professionals. This work will have both a local and national focus and will maintain and also build international relationships through Jesuit and other networks. We are seeking a thought leader who can build the work and profile of Jesuit Social Services as a leader in promoting just and humane policy and practice transformation within the criminal justice system across all jurisdictions.
As a member of Jesuit Social Services executive, you will model and uphold our organisational values of being welcoming, discerning and courageous. You will build relationships and connect people from across our organisation and the wider community, bringing to life our social change approach which involves both doing (our grounded work with people and communities) and influencing.
Attractive salary and salary packaging is offered together with ongoing professional and career development. This is a full-time position based in inner Melbourne
What Jesuit Social Services can offer you:
An organisation that lives its values, through its day to day work
A welcoming and supportive relational environment
A comprehensive Induction and Orientation program
Ongoing training and development related to your role
Employee assistance program
A competitive salary plus salary packaging benefits
Generous leave
Desired Skills and Experience
What we are seeking
This role will suit a candidate with the following skills and experience:
Tertiary qualification/s and/or experience in the criminal justice field.
Significant senior leadership experience within the criminal justice sector and/or social change organisations.
Demonstrated capacity to lead the design and implementation of innovative program and/or advocacy initiatives.
Experience in leading and contributing to strategic thinking, policy development and advocacy, with the ability to work proactively and innovatively.
Superior interpersonal and stakeholder engagement skills with experience in building relationships with a range of types of stakeholders.
Demonstrated capacity to translate ‘big ideas’ into practice, and build broad based coalitions for change.
Understanding of, and alignment with, the approach Jesuit Social Services takes to criminal justice system reform.
How to apply
Upload your resume and cover letter incorporating your responses to the Key Selection Criteria from then Position Description
For further information please contact our Chief Operating Officer, Michael Livingstone at Michael.Livingstone@jss.org.au or 0401 752 170
Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis and the closing date may be subject to change without notice.
Jesuit Social Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to providing a working environment that embraces and values diversity and inclusion. We celebrate and welcome all people regardless of ethnicity, cultural background, age, gender, sexuality, disability or religious affiliation.
We strongly encourage applications from all community members including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, members of the LGBTIQA+ community, people with a disability, people of culturally diverse backgrounds and working parents.
Jesuit Social Services is a Child Safe organisation and is committed to protecting children and young people from harm. We require all applicants to undergo an extensive screening process prior to appointment.