Chief Executive Officer

As CEO of Rise Above, you'll lead a valuable and respected community organisation, established for 40 years, that plays a vital role in the lives of local families. You'll shape its future through a transformative but stabilising phase, supported by a committed Board, dedicated staff and an engaged volunteer community.

The focus over the next few years is clear: strengthen financial stability, increase fundraising outcomes and streamline internal systems so the organisation can support more people in need without increasing organisational costs.

This role offers real scope to introduce practical tools, continuing to refine processes and smarter ways of working lifting capacity and widening impact while keeping the organisation financially grounded.

You'll help Rise Above support more families across Canberra and Queanbeyan regions while maintaining its core mission of providing financial support to people going through cancer treatments.

This is a genuinely hands‑on leadership role, combining strategic direction, fundraising, partnerships, client services and overall business management. You'll also lead and support a committed team of staff, volunteers, members and community ambassadors.

What you’ll do

Shape strategy, strengthen existing corporate partnerships and form new ones, ensuring programs remain financially sustainable and responsive to local needs. A strong connection to Canberra is essential: you understand the local landscape and can activate networks to lift visibility, partnerships and revenue.

Lead a small team with varied working styles, guiding them through a more collaborative, flatter structure and building capability through refining systems, clearer processes and steady, supportive leadership.

Act as the key spokesperson for the organisation, nurturing donor relationships and championing the needs of people affected by cancer.

What you’ll need

Senior leadership experience, ideally within the not-for-profit sector, which could include Board‑level roles.

Fundraising expertise, ideally in corporate partnerships, and strong Canberra networks, with the credibility and willingness to build and activate local relationships.

Leadership strength and solid financial acumen, with the ability to read the numbers and think strategically about long‑term sustainability.

A natural curiosity and ability to leverage tech tools and systems that streamline work and improve business efficiency.

Empathy and humanity to engage directly with patients, hospitals and community partners.

About Rise Above Rise Above has supported people living with cancer across Canberra and the surrounding region for nearly 40 years. Today, the programs assist roughly 400 local families who could benefit from financial support yet the need is potentially three to four times greater.

Apply Please click the Apply button. Don’t worry if your CV isn’t up to date; send what you have and we will deal with that later. If you have questions, call Jo Shapley at 0400 388 *** or email me at **@turningstones.com.au.

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