MacKillop Family Services seeks an exceptional financial and business leader to drive strategic transformation during a pivotal period of organisational growth and evolution. As a national leader in child and family services, MacKillop is expanding rapidly across Australia with a projected budget of $400 million and are seeking a transformational leader to strengthen their financial stewardship and business systems, to position themselves as a benchmark for not-for-profit excellence.

About MacKillop Family Services

MacKillop Family Services transforms the lives of vulnerable children, young people and families across Australia. They support 16,000+ families annually through foster care, residential care, family support, education and homelessness services across five states, employing over 2300 staff with a budget of $335m (growing to $400m+). Founded on Catholic social justice principles, they are committed to trauma-informed, culturally safe practice, child safety, and Aboriginal self-determination.

The Role

Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, the Group Director Corporate Services provides strategic leadership ensuring MacKillop's financial sustainability, operational excellence, and effective governance. This pivotal role follows a 28-year tenure and represents an opportunity to strengthen the financial and business systems while building on institutional strengths. You will lead a talented team of approximately 98 staff across Finance, IT, Property, Fleet, Risk, Legal, Procurement and Project Management, providing strategic leadership across multiple jurisdictions and complex funding environments.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement strategic financial frameworks to drive growth from $335m to $400m+ budget while maintaining rigorous financial discipline
• Lead comprehensive financial oversight and reporting to government funding bodies, donors, regulators and the Board, ensuring transparency and accountability
• Enhance organisational governance and work collaboratively with Board committees to strengthen financial stewardship
• Provide business enablement leadership across corporate services functions, driving continuous improvement and leveraging technology and AI to enhance efficiency
• Manage financial and operational risk, ensuring compliance with ACNC requirements, child protection frameworks, and regulatory standards across five jurisdictions
• Build and mentor a high-performing Finance and Business Services team aligned with MacKillop's values and mission

Who We're Seeking

We're seeking an experienced, visionary financial leader with proven success in not-for-profit settings, particularly community services. You will bring strong financial expertise, strategic business acumen, and a genuine commitment to child safety and social justice. Values alignment is essential – you will be deeply committed to MacKillop’s mission of trauma-informed, culturally safe service delivery.

Essential Capabilities

• Senior financial leadership experience (Director of Finance, CFO or equivalent) in not-for-profit organisations with strong track record of strategic planning and growth
• CPA, CA or equivalent professional accounting qualification
• Deep understanding of government funding models and not-for-profit compliance requirements
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with Boards and executive teams to influence strategy and governance
• Exceptional leadership capability in building high-performance teams and fostering cultures of excellence and innovation
• Commitment to child safety, diversity, inclusion and Aboriginal self-determination

Desirable Capabilities

• Experience with mergers, acquisitions or significant organisational restructuring
• Knowledge of child protection frameworks
• Understanding of property and asset management at scale, or experience implementing AI and automation for efficiency

Why This Is An Exceptional Opportunity

• Make meaningful impact on vulnerable children and families through financial leadership that directly enables service delivery to 16,000+ families annually
• Lead organisational transformation – strengthen financial and business systems, implement AI-driven efficiency, and position MacKillop as a benchmark for not-for-profit excellence
• Build financial frameworks to support strategic growth from $335m to $400m+ budget across multiple jurisdictions
• Mentor a talented, experienced team committed to the organisation's mission in a collaborative, values-aligned culture
• Work in a mission-driven environment where child safety, trauma-informed practice and social justice are embedded in everything MacKillop does 
• Represent MacKillop externally – contribute to peak body committees and government engagement as a thought leader in not-for-profit finance

How To Apply

Before applying, download an Information Pack by entering your details below and pressing the 'Submit' button. Please note that the pack will load into your browser for you to download. After reading the Information Pack, contact Michael Holdway, Searchlight Group with any further questions on 0400 006 513 or email michael@searchlightgroup.com.au. All third party and unsolicited CV’s will be referred to Searchlight Group. 

Recruitment Timeline

We encourage candidates to apply as soon as possible. Applications close: 30^th January 2026

Note: All third-party and unsolicited CVs will be referred to Searchlight Group. MacKillop Family Services is committed to creating a workplace that welcomes and celebrates diversity. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and encourage Aboriginal people, Torres Strait Islander people, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, people with disability, and LGBTIQA+ people to apply.