Are you seeking:

• A unique and exciting opportunity to make a difference in a dynamic, fast-changing setting?
• An opportunity to drive strategy whilst leading a high performing team to deliver operational excellence?
• Do you have the desire and capacity to bring innovation and leadership to our emerging mission?

The Sisters of Saint Joseph of the Sacred Heart (SOSJ) is a Catholic religious congregation, founded in South Australia in 1866, by Saint Mary MacKillop and Reverend Julian Tenison Woods.

There are around 630 Sisters living and ministering throughout Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, Peru, Brazil and Timor-Leste, continuing God’s mission by immersing themselves in the midst of life, working for justice, empowering others and bringing hope to those in need.

For the past 150 years, the Congregation has evolved to meet changing and emerging needs locally and across the globe.  Today is no different and this gives rise to this exciting role for the incoming General Manager, as the senior lay executive in SOSJ, to be a key agent in the change of this dynamic setting and partner with the leadership team to deliver on the Congregation’s purpose through:

– Exploring future mission and growth opportunities

– Sustaining a strong and accountable organisation

– Enhancing the culture of care, diversity and inclusion

– Strengthening internal and external organisational relationships

– Promoting and preserving the unique heritage and story of Saint Mary Mackillop

– Enlivening the spirit, mission and charism of the Congregation

Further Information

Additional information can be viewed by visiting the SOSJ website located at https://www.sosj.org.au/

Applicants are also encouraged to read our Child Safeguarding Commitment Statement which is contained on the SOSJ website under the heading of ‘Safeguarding’.

Position Overview

Position Title: General Manager

Reports to: Congregational Leader through the Congregational Leadership Team (CLT) delegate (Stewardship)

Position Purpose

The General Manager (GM), as the senior lay executive in SOSJ, is responsible for the leadership of all administrative services and the alignment of operations within SOSJ’s strategic direction in accordance with the spirit, mission and charism of the Congregation.  There are 3 pillars to this role:

• Strategic Development of the administrative and service functions within a strongly focused mission directed enterprise;
• Operational Management through assessing and prioritising needs, flexibly developing solutions and methodically implementing them;
• Team Leadership through encouraging, supporting and building capacity within a motivated and engaged team.

Key Focus Areas

The GM oversees SOSJ’s administrative services including the ongoing development and implementation of business relationships, policies and processes. Critical to this role is the integration, implementation and management of all operational areas to drive continuous improvement.

Areas of specific focus for this role are:

• Support to the Mission and Ministry – central to the religious life of SOSJ is a commitment to Mission and Ministry.
• Business Services – The SOSJ business operations provide the professional services that support the lives of the Sisters and their ministry work.
• Investments and Property – SOSJ holds a substantial managed investment portfolio and a significant self-managed property portfolio that provides Sister accommodation and resources for ministry and business operations.
• Capital Expenditure Projects – that include works associated with landmark sites such as the North Sydney site.
• Developing the financial management strategy and, in collaboration with the CLT, contributes to the development of SOSJ’s strategic goals.

At a later stage in this  process you will be provided a full position description; and the success criteria/priorities for the first 12 months in the role.

Key Relationships

The role reports to the Congregational Leader through the Congregational Leadership Team delegate (Stewardship). It has 7 Direct Reports, another 10 Indirect Reports and in total a team of approx. 27 people are engaged in Congregational Administration Services in North Sydney.

The role works in collaboration with the canonically appointed Congregational Financial Administrator.

An organisation chart will be provided at a later stage in this project.

Location and Travel

The role is located within the Congregational Administration Centre, 12 Mount Street, North Sydney.

Travel within Australia and, occasionally, New Zealand should be anticipated.

Conditions of  Employment

• The remuneration package will be discussed as we move through this process.
• Salary packaging is available.
• An annual appraisal process occurs.
• There is a standard 6-month probationary period.
• Applicants will require a current Drivers Licence to fulfil the requirements of the role.
• Prior to appointment the successful applicant will be required to possess a current approved Working With Children Check and to complete a successful National Criminal History Check.

Selection Criteria

We invite expressions of interest from people who align with the following:

• A strong affinity with the mission of the Sisters of Saint Joseph, combined with the capability, desire and willingness to work within the Josephite ethos and spirit.
• Experience in a senior management role, gained in a complex setting, evidenced by:
  • Commercial acumen and financial management skills;
  • Project management success in facilitating organisational change;
  • Impact at both strategic and operational levels;
  • System focused, innovative and future oriented in problem solving.
• A collaborative and proactive team leader who can build capacity within a diverse team, ideally having experience managing people geographically dispersed.
• A strong communicator who is visible, approachable and a good listener and can work collaboratively and collegially with all stakeholders.
• High levels of emotional intelligence with the ability to balance a forthright approach with a respectful, diplomatic manner.
• Relevant qualifications with a record of continuing professional development.

We are seeking a person with the desire and capacity to bring leadership and innovation to ‘mission’.  We particularly encourage people with exposure to a values-based setting; the not-for-profit sector; education or professional services to explore this opportunity.

Are you Interested in this Opportunity?

If you are interested in this role, simply complete the ‘Express Your Interest’ panel on this page; or email jobs@traksearch.com quoting ref number TS1478. Please provide a brief resume and contact (mobile) telephone number. If you are NOT interested in this role but would like to be advised of future leadership positions, click here to register for our job alerts.

Questions can be directed to either (a) Director John Chesher (0417 068 220) or (b) email to jobs@traksearch.com.

The timeline and details for this project are outlined below. All emails and applications are acknowledged within 48 hours.

The Selection Process

Key dates as follows:

Trak Search has been instructed to provide a process that is welcoming for people interested in this role. Significant aspects include:

• Trak Search is available for confidential enquiries. They will also provide additional information to allow you to explore how this role aligns with your expectations and interests.
• Closing is 5.00pm on the date shown above. However, a late application could be accepted, providing it does not adversely impact other applications or the SOSJ schedule.
• We expect to contact one work-related referee prior to shortlisting, with additional references completed later in the process; which includes the second before interview.
• The SOSJ will provide an option of a video interview in circumstances where a person is unable to attend for a face-to-face meeting.
• All information provided to Trak Search will be made available prior to shortlisting, in confidence, to the Congregational Leadership Team or nominee unless you instruct Trak Search otherwise.
• To obtain a more comprehensive understanding of the Trak Search methodology, including our screening process, click here to access the ‘Frequently Asked Questions’
• Only people with the unrestricted right to work in Australia may apply for this role.

Trak Search is committed to working with client organisations in the safeguarding of children and young people. Applicants should be aware that in addition to the Working with Children and National Police History Checks required by our client, Trak Search screening processes, interview questions and reference checking will also reflect this commitment.

 Trak Search strongly supports the principles of equal employment opportunities in the workplace. We support our clients in recruiting a diverse range of people and a diverse range of talents. We are committed to adapting our recruitment processes to accommodate neurodiverse candidates, or people with different physical abilities.

You are also encouraged to view our Collection Statement which provides details on the manner in which we collect and use information obtained from you during your engagement with Trak Search.