CEO

Location: Australia (Sydney or Melbourne, with national travel) Type: Full-time, ongoing (Flexible working arrangements considered) Salary: Competitive NFP executive package, commensurate with experience Reports to: Young Change Agents Board. Size of organisation: 8 FTE staff + contractors + volunteers Young Change Agents (YCA) is a national not-for-profit social enterprise on a mission to equip young people with the entrepreneurial mindset, skillset, and toolset to create their own futures. Over the past 10 years, we have grown from a grassroots idea into a leading force in purpose-driven entrepreneurial education, reaching over 208,000 young people across Australia and internationally. As we celebrate our 10-year anniversary, we are entering a bold new chapter. We are inviting applications for our first externally appointed Chief Executive Officer to provide strategic leadership, revenue generation, and continue to build our partnerships. With a strong foundation (1750 schools across Australia), talented team, and national reputation, we are now poised to scale our reach to 2 million young people and beyond. Our Founder, Margaret O'Brien, is stepping up into a Non-Executive Director role on our Board to support the new CEO and help guide Young Change Agents through its next phase of growth and scale. At the same time, our long-time senior leader, Dr. Renae Jones, who has served as Interim CEO in 2025, will take on a pivotal strategic position as Project Director for our flagship two-year initiative, Entrepreneurial Schools funded by the Vincent Fairfax Family and in partnership with the Australian Secondary Principals Association. We believe this systems change project is a genuine game-changer for the sector and a cornerstone of our next decade of impact. Additionally, to support the new CEO and our plans for growth and impact we have reinvigorated and deepened the Board's expertise by appointing education specialists, school leaders, entrepreneurs and venture capitalists. With a strong foundation, talented team, and national reputation, we are ready to scale our impact to 2 million young people and beyond . This is a role for a courageous leader. It sits at the intersection of education, innovation, entrepreneurship, youth futures, impact, and systems change. It requires ambition, creativity, influence, and a deep belief in the potential of young people. If you are someone who thrives in an emerging space, loves building new partnerships, and can see possibilities where others see challenges, you may be the leader we are looking for. The Opportunity The CEO of Young Change Agents will lead the organisation into its next decade of growth and innovation. You will steer a values-led team that is deeply committed to empowering young people and transforming how schools, systems, and communities nurture entrepreneurial capability. Your focus will be on: Vision and strategy - shaping and executing the roadmap for national and global scale. Funding and Partnerships - building the revenue and relationships that ensure sustainability and growth. Advocacy and influence - representing YCA as a national voice for entrepreneurial education and youth agency. Leadership - empowering a skilled team and strengthening YCA's culture of innovation, impact, and collaboration. You do not need to be an educator. You need to be an exceptional connector, storyteller, strategic operator, and champion for education innovation. You will work closely with a highly engaged Board (including our Founder) and a strong delivery and growth team. Key Responsibilities Strategic Leadership Lead the development, refinement, and implementation of YCA's organisational strategy. Identify and pursue high-impact opportunities for scale, partnerships, and innovation. Guide the organisation through change, ensuring readiness for continued national and international expansion. Growth, Revenue and Partnerships Drive revenue generation through government partnerships, philanthropy, corporate relationships, and earned income. Actively grow the YCA partner ecosystem, including schools, universities, industry partners, investors, and community organisations. Serve as a compelling spokesperson to attract new supporters and champions. Financial Management and Governance Ensure long-term financial sustainability and smart resource allocation. Create and manage budgets and reporting to the Board. Oversight of all governance areas (risk, child protection, technology etc). Advocacy and Sector Influence Be a visible national leader in entrepreneurial education, future skills, and youth empowerment. Represent Young Change Agents at key events, roundtables, conferences, and media opportunities. Strengthen Young Change Agents' voice in policy and systems change initiatives. Organisational Leadership and Culture Inspire and mentor a values-driven, high-performing team. Lead and manage organisations with a minimum team size of 8-25 staff. Foster a culture of creativity, collaboration, and continuous improvement. Ensure excellent governance, compliance, and operational oversight in partnership with the Board and leadership team. What You Bring A visionary leader who can think big, act strategically, and execute effectively. Minimum 3-5 years of CEO or executive leadership experience. A master networker with a proven ability to build relationships across government, corporate, philanthropic, education, and community sectors. Revenue-generation experience and a track record of securing significant funding or partnerships. Proven track record of generating annual revenue between $2M-$5M+. Exceptional communicator and storyteller able to inspire diverse stakeholders. Experience in innovation, entrepreneurship, education, youth, or social impact sectors (formal teaching experience not required). High comfort with ambiguity and an ability to thrive in a fast-evolving environment. Authentic passion for young people and future-focused education . Australian work authorisation is required at the time of application. If you are someone who sees opportunity everywhere, loves building momentum, and wants to shape the future of education in Australia and beyond, this role was made for you. Why Join Us? Lead a national social enterprise with a decade of trust, reputation, and proven impact. Work closely with a Board and team deeply committed to innovation and youth empowerment. Take the baton from the Founder to usher Young Change Agents into its next era of strategic growth. Contribute to a social enterprise that changes lives and communities. Join us at a milestone moment as we scale our impact and celebrate 10 years. How to Apply Please submit your CV and a cover letter outlining your strategic experience, partnership success, and vision for the future of entrepreneurial education in Australia. Any enquiries please contact and applications close January 16th 2026. Your application will include the following questions: Which of the following statements best describes your right to work in Australia? How many years of business management experience do you have? Have you worked in a role where you were responsible for budget management & forecasting? Have you completed a qualification in management? Australian work authorisation is required at the time of application. #J-18808-Ljbffr