• Exciting opportunity to work for a national, member based organisation
• Senior advisory and secretariat role
• Full-time or part-time (min 4 days) position based in Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane

About Us

The National Council of Churches in Australia (NCCA) is an ecumenical council of member Australian Churches. It has a membership of 18 Christian Churches each with a varied history of place, experience and theology and sharing a common faith.

The operations of NCCA are guided by its 2024-2027 Strategic Direction and is underpinned by its three Purpose Pillars: Deep Listening & Accompaniment, Prophetic Voice (Ecumenical Advocacy) and Ecumenical Formation, Education & Communication.

About the Role

The role of General Secretary is to engage with and listen to the NCCA membership and so encourage active participation in the life of the NCCA, be responsible for the management of the NCCA, and promote the work of the NCCA to the wider community.

As General Secretary, you will work collaboratively with key stakeholders to create meaningful opportunities for member churches to contribute to the life and work of the NCCA. You will promote a collective ecumenical voice in public policy and societal discussions as well as represent and promote the mission and work of the NCCA within the broader community.

Reporting to the Board of NCCA, you will be responsible for developing, implementing, and resourcing strategic programs that respond to the priorities of member churches. You will provide high-level advice to the Board on emerging issues, facilitate discernment on matters of shared concern, and create opportunities for ecumenical gatherings including church leaders’ meetings, consultations, and roundtables.

You will create pathways for members and other groups to contribute to the NCCA, maintain strong relationships with NCCA’s aid agency, Act for Peace, and other ecumenical partners. You will lead a small secretariat, ensuring robust financial, budgetary, and risk management practices that advance the NCCA’s mission.

About You

The General Secretary will ideally possess the following Key Requirements:

• Have a strong and active Christian commitment and be involved in a local congregation
• Tertiary qualifications in an area that is relevant to the role, e.g. Theology, Business, Management
• Management experience in a not-for-profit (ideally faith-based) organisation
• Demonstrated commitment to ecumenism, to working with Indigenous Christian leaders, openness to other faith leaders, an awareness of the circumstances of NCCA member churches and developments in ecumenical thought and activity
• Demonstrated high-level strategic thinking and problem-solving skills, and an ability to research and analyse data, prepare policy recommendations and write reports and briefing papers
• Highly developed oral and written communication skills and excellent negotiation and interpersonal skills
• Experience in overseeing board secretariat services and providing governance advice
• Experience in managing a team to deliver quality services, manage priorities and meet objectives

This position is a full-time role, although a part-time arrangement (minimum 4 days per week) will be considered. The role can be based in Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane. The position will be offered on a contract basis for three years, renewable for a further three years, subject to satisfactory performance. Occasional national and international travel will be required. A willingness and ability to work on weekends and evenings where necessary will also be required.

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

Applications 13 July 2026.

Only candidates with the unrestricted right to work in Australia will be considered.

Preferred candidates must have a Working With Children Check clearance and National Police Check clearance prior to employment.