Governance, Risk, Finance and Leadership Director – Deaf Connect

Windsor Group has been appointed by Deaf Connect to manage this executive search. As a purpose-driven organisation, Deaf Connect is seeking to strengthen its governance capability through the appointment of two experienced Directors who can contribute strategic oversight, financial stewardship, risk governance and leadership capability as the organisation continues its national growth journey.  

These appointments form part of a deliberate succession strategy designed to ensure the Board remains equipped with the governance capability required to oversee Australia’s largest, & significant social impact organisations serving Deaf, deafblind and hard of hearing communities.  

The opportunities will appeal to accomplished board directors who enjoy contributing to organisations with both social purpose and commercial complexity, and who are motivated by the opportunity to help shape the future direction of a nationally recognised organisation with growing influence and impact. 

Deaf Connect is Australia’s leading provider of whole-of-life services for Deaf, deafblind and hard of hearing individuals. Operating nationally, the organisation delivers a broad range of services spanning community engagement, interpreting services, education, allied health therapy services, NDIS supports and aged care. Its work is deeply connected to Australian Sign Language (Auslan), Deaf culture and community empowerment.  

As a social impact organisation, Deaf Connect works beyond service delivery to influence policy, strengthen accessibility, advocate for equity and remove barriers experienced by Deaf Australians. The organisation partners closely with government and industry stakeholders while maintaining a strong commitment to grassroots community engagement.  

Today, Deaf Connect has evolved into one of the largest Deaf organisations in the world, operating nationally, managing significant government contracts, employing a substantial workforce and serving communities across Australia. The organisation continues to grow its reputation as a sector leader while remaining committed to the cultural values and community connection that underpin its purpose.  

The organisation also operates the Deaf Lottery, a highly successful fundraising initiative that generates vital revenue to support services beyond those funded through government contracts and service agreements. 

Links
Website
ACNC Profile
Strategic Plan

Deaf Connect enters this recruitment process from a position of strength. The organisation has experienced significant national growth, maintains strong financial stewardship and has established itself as a leading provider of services across multiple states and territories. The organisation is now operating at a scale approaching $74 million in annual operations and holds a varied number of government contracts within its sector.   

As part of the Board’s commitment to good governance and succession planning, Deaf Connect is proactively preparing for several anticipated director transitions over the coming years. These appointments are intended to complement the existing strengths of the Board, broaden the available governance capability and ensure future Boards continue to have access to the leadership, financial and risk expertise required to support the organisation’s ongoing growth and success.   

The Board has identified several strategic priorities over the next three to five years including: 

• Maintaining strong governance over a rapidly growing national organisation 
• Managing emerging risks associated with NDIS reforms, aged care reforms and increasingly complex regulatory frameworks 
• Exploring national and international partnership opportunities 
• Supporting innovation in technology, including the future impacts of AI and sign-language technologies 
• Diversifying revenue streams and ensuring sustainable long-term financial performance  
• Maintaining strong community connection while continuing to grow nationally 

The Board seeks leaders who understand that the future environment will require innovation, agility and commercial acumen balanced by robust governance, mission alignment and community accountability. 

These appointments represent a strategic investment in Deaf Connect’s future governance capability. 

The Board is seeking two experienced Directors who bring substantial governance experience, strong financial and risk oversight capability, and the leadership maturity required to contribute meaningfully at board level. While no future leadership positions are guaranteed, the Board is intentionally seeking directors who could, over time, contribute to leadership succession and potentially step into committee chair or board chair responsibilities should future circumstances align.  

The successful candidates will contribute to: 

• Strategic governance and organisational oversight 
• Financial stewardship and sustainability 
• Enterprise risk management 
• Board succession and leadership development 
• Governance of innovation and organisational growth 
• Constructive support and challenge of executive leadership 
• Long-term strategic decision making 

Importantly, Deaf Connect is not seeking directors who merely bring technical expertise. The Board places significant value on collaboration, emotional intelligence, curiosity and an ability to engage respectfully within a diverse board environment that reflects the Deaf community it serves.

Leadership & People 

Demonstrated leadership experience through board, executive or committee leadership roles. The successful candidate will possess the maturity to mentor emerging leaders, contribute to succession planning and foster productive board dynamics while supporting an inclusive and collaborative culture.  

Strategy & Planning 

Experience contributing to organisational strategy within complex organisations undergoing growth, transformation or sector change. The ability to think beyond current operations and provide future-focused governance insight will be highly valued.  

Technical Expertise 

One or more of the following areas will be highly regarded: 

• Financial governance 
• Audit and assurance 
• Enterprise risk management 
• Funds management 
• Regulatory compliance 
• Government contracting 
• Commercial partnerships 
• Technology and innovation governance 
• Large-scale organisational leadership 
• Nonprofit governance 

Previous board and committee experience within organisations of significant scale and complexity will be favourably considered. 

Digital Literacy  

Director’s should possess a high level of digital literacy and be capable of operating effectively in a technology-enabled governance environment. As the majority of Board engagement occurs online, they must be comfortable using virtual meeting platforms, digital document management systems, and other technology tools to participate fully and contribute meaningfully to Board discussions and decision-making. 

Stakeholder Engagement & Influence 

An understanding of community-based service delivery and the ability to contribute to discussions that influence positive outcomes for Deaf, deafblind and hard of hearing Australians. 

The successful candidate will bring an appreciation of stakeholder engagement within complex service environments and demonstrate the ability to engage respectfully and effectively with diverse communities, government agencies, regulators, service partners and sector stakeholders. 

Experience navigating government-funded programs, public policy settings and relationships within regulated sectors will be advantageous. 

Values, Integrity & Cultural Alignment 

Candidates must demonstrate integrity, sound judgement and a genuine willingness to understand Deaf culture and community perspectives. Success in this environment requires humility, empathy and respect for diverse forms of communication and lived experience. Deaf Connect values diversity in all its forms and encourages applications from individuals with varied backgrounds, experiences and perspectives, including diversity of gender, culture, ethnicity, age and lived experience. 

The ideal candidate will be an experienced Non-Executive Director, Board Chair, Committee Chair, CEO or senior executive who has successfully operated within complex, highly regulated environments. They will bring strong governance credentials, commercial acumen and demonstrated experience overseeing strategy, finance and risk.  

Beyond technical capability, they will be recognised for their emotional intelligence, collaborative leadership style and ability to build trusted relationships.  

Experience within the nonprofit, government-funded, health, community services, aged care, disability, education, professional services or corporate sectors will be welcomed.  

Candidates who can bring complementary strengths such as commercial partnerships, government relations, innovation, technology or transformation experience may be particularly attractive. Experience working with the Deaf community, an understanding of Deaf culture, or proficiency in Australian Sign Language (Auslan) would be highly regarded. Most importantly, they will value purpose-driven work and demonstrate a genuine commitment to supporting the Deaf community and Deaf Connect’s ongoing success. 

Windsor Group and Deaf Connect are committed to equal opportunity employment practices. Applications will be assessed on merit, and shortlisted candidates will be invited to interview. An offer of appointment will be made to the applicant whose written application and interview performance best demonstrate their ability to meet the requirements of the role. 

Windsor Group will review applications as they are received. We encourage early applications, as screening begins immediately. Process steps: 

• Initial screening by Windsor Group. 
• Consultant interview 
• Client panel interview(s) 
• Informal engagement with Board representatives 
• Board observation and meeting attendance process 
• Governance and compliance checks 
• Reference checks 

Indicative timeline: 

• Weeks 1-5: Candidate sourcing and screening 
• Weeks 6-7: Windsor Group interviews 
• Week 8: Client interviews 

We will keep candidates updated throughout each stage. 

When submitting your application, ensure your application includes: 

• An up-to-date resume (in Word format) 

• A covering letter (in Word format) outlining your interest and expertise relevant to the role 

Submit your application quoting reference number MCGRFL to apply@windsor-group.com.au. For more information, please contact Mike Conroy on 07 3211 0001.  

Your application will be acknowledged by email within one business day.

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