About JAFA
JAFA is an award-winning, registered charity dedicated to advocacy and action to address the needs of children and young people with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) and related childhood rheumatic diseases (CRDs), and their families.
JAFA Purpose
JAFA's purpose is to stop pain and disability in kids with arthritis. We lift the consumer voice so children and young people can access the care and support they need, wherever they live in Australia, while accelerating research for better treatments and a cure.
· Vision: A world where kids don't get arthritis
· Mission: Stop pain and disability in kids with arthritis
· Philosophy: Our kids, their voices, their lives
The role of the CEO
The CEO leads JAFA's strategy, partnerships, advocacy and organisational sustainability, delivering the 2026 to 2028 Strategic Plan across five pillars: Community Building, Advocacy and Engagement, Equitable Access to Care, Consumer Driven Research, and Sustainability.
Key outcomes (first 12 to 18 months)
· Build strong relationships with the Board, JAFA community, clinicians, researchers, partners and funders
· Translate the strategic plan into a focused annual plan with clear measures and simple reporting to the Board
· Strengthen sustainable revenue for operations and priority growth, including corporate partnerships, philanthropy and grants
· Advance national advocacy priorities that improve access to timely diagnosis and equitable care for kids with JIA/CRDs and their families
Key responsibilities
· Lead strategy execution and impact measurement, prioritising the small number of initiatives that matter most
· Represent JAFA as the national consumer voice for JIA/CRDs, building influence with governments, health agencies, media, clinicians and researchers
· Secure and steward diversified revenue, including fundraising, partnerships, grants and philanthropy
· Ensure strong financial management, risk management and fit-for-purpose compliance for a small charitable organisation
· Lead and develop a high-performing team of staff, contractors and volunteers, and foster a consumer-led culture
· Lift digital engagement and systems (including leveraging automation and emerging technology) to build community, increase reach, efficiency and access to trusted information
Selection criteria
Essential
· Proven senior leadership in a purpose-driven organisation or comparable environment, preferably in health, community services, advocacy, or public service
· Excellent relationship management skills, with a track record of building trust across diverse stakeholder groups
· Strategic and outcome-focused, preferably with evidence of delivering results in a small, resource-constrained context
· Revenue capability, demonstrated through experience with fundraising, commercial growth, partnerships, grants or philanthropy
· Governance and risk literacy, and an ability to work effectively with a Board
· Clear communicator and credible public representative
Desirable
· Not-for-profit leadership experience and working knowledge of ACNC and Corporations Act requirements
· Experience in health policy, paediatric services, or chronic disease advocacy, and or familiarity with Australia's health system
· Experience supporting consumer involvement in research priorities and projects, and or a personal connection to JAFA's mission
How to apply
· Submit a cover letter (maximum 2 pages) and a current CV to:
· Enquiries: Alex Green, Loom Consulting,
· Loom Consulting is assisting JAFA with this recruitment process on a pro bono basis
· Applications close: 2nd March 2026, First round interviews commencing 5th March 2026