Chief Executive Officer – Australian Counselling Association

Windsor Group is proud to partner with the Australian Counselling Association (ACA) in the search for a Chief Executive Officer who will guide one of Australia’s most significant helping professions into its next era of national impact. This is a rare opportunity to lead a thriving organisation at the exact moment the counselling and psychotherapy professions stand on the edge of sweeping, long‑awaited reform.

ACA is seeking a leader who is not only an accomplished executive, but someone who genuinely understands people, community, and the heart of counselling. This role will appeal deeply to those who feel a sense of purpose in elevating human connection, quality care and professional standards in Australia.

The Australian Counselling Association is the largest and most influential peak body for counsellors and psychotherapists in Australia, representing more than 23,000 members nationwide. ACA has carved a respected and independent position in national mental health policy conversations, without reliance on government funding.

ACA’s purpose is rooted in strengthening community wellbeing. It advocates for the recognition of counselling and psychotherapy as essential practice disciplines, champions high professional standards, and supports practitioners across every corner of the country.

Inside ACA, the culture is uniquely human. Staff describe the organisation as a family, a tribe, and a community, a workplace where people feel enriched, respected, connected, and energized. The shift to an open‑plan environment has united teams and fostered real cohesion.

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ACA is at a national inflection point. The Australian Government is preparing to determine the future regulatory structure of the counselling and psychotherapy professions, with potential pathways likely to be complex, politically sensitive, and filled with potential.

Simultaneously, the National Standards for Counsellors and Psychotherapists—approved for development and now in the formal review phase and continue to be advanced under the leadership of ACA’s current CEO. These Standards represent a major milestone for the counselling and psychotherapy profession, providing a unified framework that will guide future development and support consistent practice across the sector.  ACA is already modernised, structurally stable, growing, and well regarded across the sector, in both the professional and political spheres. The next CEO will inherit a strong operational foundation and a profession ready for its next leap forward.

This is not a conventional CEO role. It is a vocation. The incoming CEO will steward critical professional recognition, continue to activate national advocacy, and nurture the human‑centred culture that ACA treasures. This leader will walk confidently between Parliament House, national events, member forums and the ACA office, speaking with authority, compassion and clarity.

This role exists because the counselling and psychotherapy professions are poised to step into the spotlight and ACA needs a CEO who can:

• champion the professions at the national level
• engage deeply and honorably with members
• navigate competing interests with diplomacy
• adapt swiftly as government decisions unfold
• lead the organisation through growth and transformation
• maintain strong connections with staff, Board, and community

Over the first 12 months, the CEO’s impact will be measured through their ability to:

• establish credibility with government and sector partners
• guide ACA through regulatory changes
• co‑design the new strategic plan
• strengthen culture and organisational cohesion
• advance ACA’s national influence with clarity and steadiness

This is hands‑on leadership, visible, approachable, grounded, and deeply connected to people.

Leadership & People

A leader who genuinely likes people, who is described as warm, steady, collaborative and grounded. Someone who leads with openness rather than ego and brings emotional intelligence to every interaction. ACA needs a “respectful influencer,” not a positional authority figure.

Strategy & Planning

Ability to navigate ambiguity, anticipate sector shifts, guide ACA through regulatory change, and contribute to long‑term professional recognition. Strong planning and strategic execution are essential.

Operational & Technical Expertise

A counselling qualification (for credibility with members and government).

Understanding of practice, scope, and professional identity of counsellors.

Experience in not‑for‑profit or member‑based organisations, preferably with governance exposure.

Stakeholder Engagement & Influence

Exceptional advocacy skills. Confident engaging with government, peak bodies, competitors, and members. Able to communicate the value of counselling and psychotherapy with authenticity and clarity.

Values, Integrity & Culture

A commitment to people, community, and ethical leadership. Someone who fits ACA’s culture of warmth, unity, and genuine care.

Download Position Description Here

ACA is seeking a leader who blends professional credibility with personal humanity. You may come from a CEO, executive, clinical, advocacy, or policy background, but your leadership style must be relational, grounded, and compassionate.

You will likely be:

• a qualified counsellor with leadership experience
• a strategic thinker who can read the external landscape
• a calm, resilient presence
• a natural relationship‑builder
• a persuasive advocate who prefers collaboration over conflict
• someone who sees people first, not positions
• someone who feels the privilege of representing 23,000 members across Australia

What will set you apart is your ability to move comfortably between connected world of human services and the strategic world of national advocacy, while carrying ACA’s culture with you.

This is an invitation to shape the future of counselling and psychotherapy in Australia.   The next CEO of ACA will influence how the profession is recognised and how its practitioners are supported.  This is a rare moment to step forward.

Windsor Group and ACA 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)
• Assessments (if required)
• Reference checks

Indicative timeline:

• Weeks 1–3: Screening
• Week 4-5: Windsor Group 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 LFCEOP to apply@windsor-group.com.au. For more information, please contact Nunzia Confessore or Lindy Fentiman on 07 3211 0001.

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

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