Chief Executive Officer - Safe Steps

The organisation Safe Steps is Victoria’s 24/7 statewide family violence response centre, providing crisis support, specialist interventions, and accommodation for victim‑survivors and their children. Combining trauma‑informed practice with evidence‑based approaches, Safe Steps enhances safety and recovery while advocating for systemic change.

Operating as an independent entity within Anglicare Victoria Group, Safe Steps can leverage strong governance, compliance, and operational infrastructure. This allows the incoming CEO to focus on strategic leadership, advocacy, and innovation. Guided by its vision of safety, support, and respect for all, Safe Steps leverages research, advocacy, and the lived experience of clients to inform their work and role within the specialist family Violence sector.

Each year, Safe Steps responds to over 130,000 contacts, providing urgent advice, safety planning, referrals, and crisis accommodation. Its programs support thousands of women, and children. Through its evidence‑based approach and sector leadership, Safe Steps not only delivers immediate support but also drives policy reform, system improvements, and advocacy for victim survivors and their children.

The opportunity This is a defining executive role at a pivotal time for the specialist family violence sector. Reporting to the CEO of Anglicare Victoria and the Safe Steps Board, the incoming CEO will:

Lead Victoria’s 24/7 specialist family violence response service

Shape strategic direction, advocacy and reform initiatives

Establish effective relationships with government, sector and community partners to contribute to and influence policy and service delivery.

Drive organisation capability, sustainability, and growth

About you The ideal candidate will combine operational nous, policy understanding and executive experience with a deep commitment to family violence support services. You will have:

Proven track record in family violence policy, practice and sector reform

Experience leading or scaling complex human services organisations, including government‑funded programs

Track record delivering strategy, operational management, performance and financial oversight

Proven interpersonal and communication skills at a senior level

Commitment to trauma‑informed, feminist, and inclusive practice

What’s on offer

Lead a highly regarded, statewide specialist family violence service at a pivotal moment

Lead Safe Steps in practice policy and innovation for victims and survivors of family violence

Ability to influence and contribute to Family Violence Policy and Growth

Make a tangible difference in the lives of victim‑survivors and their families

How to Apply For a confidential discussion or role related questions, please contact Georgie or Nick of The Orchard Talent Group on 0468 022 817 or email safesteps@orchardtalent.com.au.

To apply please submit your current CV via the link. Please note applicants must have a legal right to work in Australia.

The Orchard Talent Group acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we work. We pay our respect to their Elders past, present and emerging, for they hold the memories, traditions, culture and hopes of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

#J-18808-Ljbffr