The Healing Foundation

Chief Executive Officer
Closing Date
August 23, 2026
Capacity:
Permanent / Full Time
Location:
Canberra or Brisbane preferred. Sydney or Melbourne considered
Lead one of Australia’s most influential Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations, advancing healing, truth-telling and national impact.
  • Lead national strategy, advocacy and organisational leadership
  • Partner with survivors to shape lasting change
  • Build influence, sustainability and long-term impact

The organisation

The Healing Foundation is a national Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisation dedicated to addressing the ongoing impacts of historical and intergenerational trauma experienced by Stolen Generations survivors, their descendants and communities.

Guided by survivor voices and lived experience, the Foundation works across policy, advocacy, research, education, grants and sector development to strengthen healing outcomes and influence the systems that shape people’s lives. It promotes trauma-aware, healing-informed approaches and works alongside Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations, governments, researchers and communities to create lasting change.

Governed by an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Board and Executive, the Foundation has established itself as the national leader in Stolen Generations healing and is entering an exciting new chapter of strategic leadership and impact.
  
The role

Reporting to the Board, the Chief Executive Officer will provide strategic, cultural and organisational leadership, ensuring Stolen Generations survivors, their descendants and communities remain at the centre of the Foundation’s work.

Leading a capable national team, the CEO will work across community, government, policy, advocacy and public leadership to strengthen the Foundation’s national influence and long-term sustainability. The role will build trusted relationships with survivors, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations, governments, partners, researchers, funders and the media, while ensuring the organisation continues to deliver evidence-based advocacy, research and programs that improve healing outcomes across Australia.

This is an identified position. The Healing Foundation invites applications from suitably qualified Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people who bring executive leadership experience, strategic capability, political and cultural acumen, and a genuine commitment to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander healing and wellbeing.

Canberra or Brisbane is the preferred location for this role, however, Sydney or Melbourne will be considered for the right candidate.
  
To apply

People for Purpose is partnering with The Healing Foundation to lead the search for this role.

  1. We invite you to read the Position Description (https://shorturl.at/P7cAp).
  2. To learn more about The Healing Foundation, please visit the organisation’s website at https://healingfoundation.org.au/ and ACNC profile at https://www.acnc.gov.au/charity/charities/80dbf4ea-38af-e811-a95e-000d3ad24c60/profile
  3. Once you have reviewed this information and undertaken your own research, if you have specific questions, please contact us on 0468 625 252 or email [email protected].
  4. Your application should include your CV and a cover letter outlining how your skills and experience align with the role and why you are interested in leading The Healing Foundation. A thoughtful cover letter will form an important part of your application.

Applications close at 5.00pm on Sunday 23rd August 2026.