Chief Executive Officer
- Lead a new national specialist service tackling men’s use of family violence
- Build the operating foundation of a demerged organisation
- A rare CEO mandate: funded services and an experienced team
The organisation
Men’s Family Violence Services Australia (MFVSA) is a new, independent national organisation established by No to Violence (NTV), the national peak body for ending men’s use of family violence. Following a strategic review, NTV resolved to demerge its direct service delivery into MFVSA, a separate organisation with its own Board, governance and leadership, enabling its specialist intervention services to grow with dedicated focus. MFVSA will commence with live, funded services and established referral pathways, and is targeted to be fully operational in late 2026.
The opportunity
Reporting to the MFVSA Board, the CEO leads a team of around 40 experienced staff transitioning from NTV and a $7 million organisation with strong growth potential. Service continuity will be overseen by an experienced senior leader / GM National Services and Business Development who is transitioning from NTV. A new General Manager, Corporate Services / Company Secretary will be appointed to support operations. A transitional Board is in place; the ongoing Chair is being appointed concurrently and will sit on the CEO selection panel. This is a rare opportunity: build something new that matters, without starting from scratch. Priorities include protecting continuity of service, leading the workforce transition with care, building the corporate systems of a standalone entity, growing the funding base, and establishing MFVSA’s positioning as a trusted, evidence-led service.
About you
- An accomplished service delivery executive. Substantial executive leadership of complex human or community services, with strong operational and financial command and experience leading organisations through transition, establishment or growth while maintaining safe, high-quality frontline services.
- Purpose-led and genuinely committed. A genuine understanding of the gendered nature and drivers of men’s use of family violence, and deep respect for victim-survivor safety, with sound risk judgement under pressure.
- A trusted, senior voice. Demonstrated credibility with government funders and the capacity to build trusted relationships across the sector, work collaboratively with partners and represent MFVSA effectively at senior levels.
- A partner to the Chair and Board. The maturity to build a trusted, accountable relationship with the Chair and Board, and to support the establishment of good governance from the executive side.
Prior CEO experience is highly regarded but not essential; an effective, entrepreneurial senior executive with significant operational responsibility will also be considered. MFVSA encourages applications from people of all backgrounds, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and warmly welcomes applicants with lived experience.
More Information
Download a comprehensive briefing pack from the right-hand side of this page.
How to Apply
Searchlight Group is assisting MFVSA with this appointment. To apply, please upload a cover letter addressing your relevant skills and experience, together with a current CV, via this webpage.
For a confidential discussion, contact Michael Holdway on 0400 006 513. Applications close: midnight on 6th September 2026.
Contact
Michael Holdway · Managing Director, Searchlight Group Mobile: 0400 006 513 Email: michael@searchlightgroup.com.au
Closing Date: September 11, 2026