The Y Queensland is one of the state's most trusted and respected community organisations, serving Queenslanders for more than 161 years. Each fortnight, the Y supports over 8,000 young people and delivers more than 82,000 incidents of care across a growing network of services.
The Y Queensland's reputation has been built on quality, consistency, and a deeply held belief in the power of inspired young people to transform communities for the better.
This is a significant leadership opportunity within a high performing, growth‐oriented, deeply purpose‐driven organisation. Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, you will hold accountability for a large, multi‐site family services portfolio (800 staff caring for around 8,000 children). You will lead experienced regional and centre leaders, drive performance and innovation, and ensure every service delivers a safe, compliant and exceptional experience for children and families.
The Y Queensland is operating in a dynamic, highly regulated environment and is on a clear trajectory of growth and modernisation. This role will be pivotal in strengthening operational discipline, building leadership capability, and embedding systems that support both scale and quality. Best‐in‐breed systems have been implemented and the organisation is set up for success.
For this exciting new role we are seeking a seasoned executive who has led large, dispersed service delivery environments. While experience in early childhood or education is welcome, it is not essential. You may come from human services, health, disability, aged care or another high‐volume, compliance‐driven sector. What matters is your ability to lead at scale, develop high‐performing teams, manage risk with rigour and balance commercial acumen with purpose.
Safety and safeguarding are absolute priorities. This is a child‐facing executive role with delegated Approved Provider responsibilities and direct accountability for ensuring strong governance, risk management, and compliance across every site. You will champion a culture where safeguarding is not simply policy driven but deeply embedded in leadership behaviours, workforce capability and daily practice.
Commercially, you will bring strong financial stewardship and a growth mindset. You will oversee budgets, monitor performance through data‐led insights, take decisive corrective action when required and contribute to strategic expansion and retention of services. You will understand that sustainable social impact rests on operational excellence and disciplined execution.
Culturally, you will be an inspiring leader who develops others. You will coach senior leaders, align teams behind a shared purpose, and foster an environment where innovation, accountability and care coexist. You will represent the Y with credibility across government, regulators and community stakeholders, protecting and enhancing a brand that holds deep trust across Queensland.
The successful candidate will combine:
* Executive leadership across complex, multi‐site operations
* Deep connection to purpose and the role of complementary care services to the lives of children, families and schools
* Demonstrated capability in regulated, risk‐accountable environments
* Exceptional stakeholder management capability
* Strong financial and commercial acumen
* Proven ability to lead change and modernise systems and processes
* A clear commitment to safeguarding, cultural safety and values‐led leadership
The Y Queensland offers more than a role. It offers the opportunity to lead a service that strengthens families, supports communities and believes in the extraordinary potential of young people. This is a rare opportunity to blend commercial scale with genuine social purpose in an organisation whose impact is felt every day.
Please provide a cover letter that outlines your fit for the role as well as your resume. For a confidential discussion, please contact Natasha Olsson‐Seeto or Jay Baxter at OnTalent on 07 3305 5800.
For further information and to apply, please visit our microsite: www.ontalent.com.au/the-y
Applications close midnight, 9 March 2026.
#J-18808-Ljbffr