Chief Operations Officer

Lead MDAS to deliver culturally strong, community driven services that empower families and strengthen wellbeing across the Mallee region.

• Lead an ACCO delivering meaningful impact across the Mallee region
• Shape strategy, culture, and partnerships grounded in self determination
• Strengthen governance, services, and community wellbeing outcomes

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
The Chief Operations Officer (COO) is a key executive leader responsible for driving MDAS’ strategic objectives through the effective oversight of organisational operations. Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer and as a member of the Executive Leadership Team, the COO leads cross-functional service delivery through senior leadership, including Family & Community Services, Health & Clinical Services, and Operations.

This role is instrumental in translating MDAS’ vision into practical, culturally grounded operational strategies, ensuring services are efficient, effective and aligned to community needs. The COO provides leadership in developing and embedding operational frameworks, policies and performance measures, while fostering a positive, high-performing organisational culture. Through continuous improvement, resource optimisation and strong governance, the COO ensures the delivery of high-quality services and sustainable organisational growth.


Key Responsibilities

• Lead and deliver MDAS’ strategic plan through effective operational execution across all services.
• Strengthen organisational performance, ensuring efficient, responsive and high-quality service delivery.
• Embed MDAS values, cultural integrity and self-determination across all operations and programs.
• Identify and progress growth opportunities, partnerships and service innovation aligned to MDAS’ vision.
• Ensure strong governance, compliance, risk management and accountability across all service areas.
• Drive continuous improvement, capability uplift and organisational effectiveness.
• Build strong relationships with internal leaders, staff, community and external stakeholders.
• Support a cohesive, high-performing Executive Leadership Team that is culturally grounded and future focused.
• Promote transparency, collaboration and consistency across all MDAS teams and services.

Culture of the Business
MDAS is built on cultural strength, community leadership, and respect for Lore. Our workplace is inclusive, accountable, and connected, where culture and community come first. We value integrity, humility, courage, and resilience. We support our people to grow, contribute, and lead in ways that honour our history and strengthen our future.


Skills, Knowledge and Experience

• Proven executive leadership experience delivering operational outcomes within complex health, community services or ACCO environments.
• Strong experience in operational and business planning, translating strategy into effective service delivery.
• Demonstrated success leading organisational performance, systems improvement, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Experience building and maintaining productive relationships with community, funding bodies and key stakeholders to support sustainable growth.
• Highly developed communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate across all levels of the organisation.
• Deep understanding of Aboriginal community control, self-determination, cultural safety, and the ongoing impacts of colonisation.
• Demonstrated ability to lead culturally informed, community-led services that are safe, responsive and effective.
• Relevant tertiary qualifications in business, management or a related discipline (or equivalent experience).

Other Requirements

• Current Driver’s Licence
• Working with Children Check
• National Police Check
• Willingness to travel across the region
• MDAS is a child-safe organisation and all appointments are subject to appropriate screening

We strongly encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to apply.


For more information, please contact Bianca Holmes on Bianca.Holmes@harrisonmcmillan.com.au