As Chief People Officer, you will lead enterprise-wide people and culture initiatives, strengthen organisational capability, and help position MDAS as an employer of choice within the Aboriginal health and community services sector.
About the Company
Mallee District Aboriginal Services (MDAS) is a proud Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation committed to healing, supporting, serving, and protecting Aboriginal communities across the Mallee. Guided by our Elders and grounded in Lore, MDAS exists to strengthen the resilience, independence, and wellbeing of our Mob.
We walk alongside individuals and families through every stage of life — caring, empowering, educating, and advocating so people can be their very best selves. Our programs span health, wellbeing, family services, community support, and culture. With deep community roots and strong regional presence, MDAS is moving confidently towards becoming a sector-leading ACCO known for its cultural authority and practical, life?changing outcomes.
At MDAS, culture guides action, and community voice shapes our future.
Role Overview
Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer, the Chief People Officer (CPO) is a key member of the Executive Leadership Team responsible for leading MDAS’ People, Culture & Inclusion portfolio.
Acting as a trusted advisor to the CEO and Executive team, the CPO will provide strategic leadership across workforce planning, organisational capability, leadership development, wellbeing and cultural safety.
This role is critical in shaping a high-performing, values-led and culturally safe workplace that supports both employee experience and community outcomes. Working collaboratively across the organisation, the CPO will drive workforce strategy, strengthen leadership capability, enhance employee engagement and embed contemporary people practices that support sustainable organisational growth.
Executive Benefits
- Competitive executive remuneration package
- Relocation assistance available
- Vehicle allowance provided
- Executive leadership opportunity with meaningful community impact
Located in the heart of the Mallee region, Mildura offers an exceptional regional lifestyle with excellent schools, a vibrant food and wine culture, and access to the Murray River and surrounding natural attractions.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead MDAS’ people and workforce strategy aligned to organisational priorities
- Strengthen organisational culture through inclusive and values-based leadership
- Provide executive oversight across HR, workforce capability, learning and wellbeing
- Partner with leaders to drive workforce planning, engagement and performance outcomes
- Lead organisational development, leadership capability and change initiatives
- Ensure compliance with employment legislation, policy and governance frameworks
- Embed contemporary people practices that support sustainable organisational growth
- Foster collaborative relationships across community, government and key stakeholders
- Promote innovation, accountability and continuous improvement across the organisation
- Contribute strategically as a member of the Executive Leadership Team
Culture of the Business
MDAS is built on cultural strength, respect, accountability and community leadership. The organisation values people who lead with integrity, work collaboratively and are committed to improving outcomes for Aboriginal communities.
Employees are supported to grow professionally within an inclusive workplace where culture, wellbeing and community remain at the forefront.
Skills, Knowledge and Experience
- Demonstrated executive leadership experience across people and culture, HR or organisational development
- Proven capability leading workforce strategy within complex health, community services or ACCO environments
- Strong understanding of workforce planning, employee relations, leadership development and organisational change
- Experience building high-performing, inclusive and culturally safe workplace cultures
- Highly developed stakeholder engagement and influencing skills across all organisational levels
- Demonstrated understanding of Aboriginal community control, cultural safety and self-determination
- Proven ability to build collaborative relationships with community, government and external stakeholders
- Relevant tertiary qualifications in Human Resources, Business, Management or a related discipline
Other Requirements
- Current Driver’s Licence
- Working with Children Check
- National Police Check
- Willingness to travel across the region
- All appointments are subject to appropriate screening requirements
MDAS strongly encourages applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and is committed to fostering a culturally safe and inclusive workplace.
For a confidential discussion and further information, please contact Sam Narcis on sam.narcis@harrisonmcmillan.com.au
