The organisation
The Department of Families, Seniors, Disability Services and Child Safety is a large and complex Queensland Government agency delivering critical human services across the state. With a workforce of over 6,000 and a significant investment in community services, the department works in partnership with funded organisations, government agencies and communities to support the safety, wellbeing and inclusion of children, young people, families, seniors and people with disability.
Its child and family programs play a vital role in preventing harm, strengthening families and providing protection where needed. The department is committed to building an inclusive, culturally capable and high-performing public service that empowers people and communities to thrive.
The opportunity
This is a rare and career-defining opportunity to lead frontline child and family service delivery in Queensland during a period of significant reform, transformation and public focus. With increased visibility comes the chance to influence real and lasting change in how services are delivered, governed and experienced by vulnerable children, families and communities.
The Department is seeking a Deputy Director-General / Chief Operating Officer to lead its Service Delivery – Child and Family division through this pivotal time. Reporting to the Director-General and leading a broad team across six regions and central office functions, this role is responsible for driving integrated, high-quality service delivery and practice across child protection, family support, and related programs statewide.
Key responsibilities:
* Lead strategic and operational delivery of services across Queensland, including reform and continuous improvement initiatives.
* Build capability and performance across internal teams and funded services, ensuring alignment with government priorities.
* Provide trusted advice to the Minister and Director-General on practice, investment, and systems reform.
* Foster a high-performing, inclusive and culturally capable workforce and service system.
About you
You are a proven executive leader with experience in large-scale human services delivery, ideally within government and in child protection or family support. You bring strong strategic, operational and stakeholder management skills, and a track record of leading reform in complex, high-impact environments. You demonstrate a deep commitment to cultural capability, service excellence, and achieving better outcomes for vulnerable Queenslanders.
Relevant tertiary qualifications will be highly regarded.
What's on Offer
* Work for an employer that helps vulnerable people within our community
* Senior Executive Service (SES4 High) contract up to five years
* Total fixed remuneration of $353,824 - $386,465
* Lead critical human services reforms impacting communities statewide
* Supportive, values-led leadership and inclusive workplace culture
* Flexible working arrangements and professional development
How to Apply
For a confidential discussion or role related questions, please contact Sarah Curran or Adam Dent of The Orchard Talent Group by email To apply please submit your current CV via the link. Please note applicants must have a legal right to work in Australia.
Applications close 11:55pm Sunday 31 August
The Orchard Talent Group acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we work. We pay our respect to their Elders past, present and emerging, for they hold the memories, traditions, culture and hopes of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.