• Senior leadership opportunity
• Operations and business management focus
• April 2026 start
• Stanmore, Sydney location and close to public transport

About Us

The Institute of Sisters of Mercy of Australia and Papua New Guinea (Institute) is a Catholic religious institute whose sisters are involved in a variety of ministries including health, education, social welfare, advocacy and environmental sustainability.  Together with lay staff, the Institute seeks to make a positive impact on the lives of others and the planet.

About the Position

The Executive Director provides strong and effective leadership and management of the Institute’s professional services teams, ensuring alignment with delegated authorities and the Institute’s mission. This role involves working closely with the Institute Leader and Council to further the vision and strategic plan of the Institute and promote a cohesive, mission-aligned culture that enhances organisational effectiveness.

A key aspect of the Executive Director’s role is to act as a trusted advisor, offering accurate and timely strategic, operational, legal, and financial advice to the Institute Leader and Council. This includes identifying and assessing issues that may impact the Institute, ensuring compliance with relevant laws and regulations, and maintaining high standards of governance. Working closely with highly-experienced senior managers, the Executive Director has overview of financial operations — including budgeting, investments, and reporting — while ensuring legal compliance, effective risk management, adherence to statutory and canonical obligations and long-term sustainability through sound financial and governance strategies.

The Executive Director ensures that all operational areas function efficiently and effectively to meet organisational goals. By developing clear frameworks, policies, and procedures, the Executive Director ensures that professional services teams align with the Institute’s mission, comply with legislative requirements, and contribute to the continued sustainability of the organisation.

Central to this role will be the Executive Director’s ability to understand and embrace the mission of the Institute, and be willing to actively support the Institute’s purpose, vision and mission.

This position is a three-year full time fixed term contract role, although we are open to a part-time arrangement (minimum 4 days per week) and will be located at the Institute’s office in Stanmore, Sydney. Some national and international travel will be required.

About You

Key Requirements for the role include:

• An understanding of, and an appreciation for, religious life and an openness to embrace the Institute’s mission
• Management skills including project, people and financial management to ensure effective utilisation and management of the team
• Highly developed skills in Governance ideally within a Church environment
• Highly developed interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills
• Excellent negotiation skills
• Knowledge of leadership and management principles as they relate to a faith-based organisation
• Knowledge and understanding of both canonical and civil legislation
• Demonstrated willingness to be flexible and versatile in an evolving work environment while maintaining effectiveness and efficiency
• Ability to think and act strategically and determine objectives and strategies and move services forward by setting action plans and evaluating results

Enquiries and Application Process

For a confidential discussion about this opportunity and to obtain a copy of the Position Description, please contact Anthony Spata at Reach HR on 0402 210 055.

Applications should be sent in confidence directly to [email protected] and include a resume and cover letter. The cover letter must outline your experience and suitability for the role, in particular, how you meet each of the Key Requirements outlined above.

Applications close 28 November 2025.

As this is an ongoing, full-time role, applicants must have an unrestricted right to work in Australia.

Incumbents in this position will be required to consent to a National Criminal History Check prior to the commencement of employment.