Head of Community Wellbeing and Education

Overview

Animal Welfare League Queensland (AWLQ) is seeking a senior leader to guide its community impact work and help drive a new strategy focused on companion animal and community wellbeing. This permanent full-time role reports to the Chief Executive Officer and sits on the Leadership Team.

The organisation is moving from crisis response to prevention, with a strong emphasis on sustainable, evidence-based approaches that improve outcomes for both people and their companion animals. The role will play a central part in delivering the Community and Companion Animal Wellbeing Strategy 2026–2029.

Key purpose of the role

You will provide strategic direction across community wellbeing, education, prevention and early intervention programs. The aim is to make services more innovative, sustainable and measurable, while creating meaningful social impact.

In this position, you will work across government, health, education, human services, veterinary and community networks to develop partnerships that improve access to support and help families stay together with their pets.

Responsibilities

• Guide the organisation’s community wellbeing and education strategy.
• Lead prevention and early intervention initiatives that are grounded in evidence.
• Support the design of services that are innovative, sustainable and impact-focused.
• Build and maintain partnerships across multiple sectors, including government, health, education, human services, veterinary and community organisations.
• Strengthen access to support for communities and companion animals.
• Contribute as a member of the executive leadership team and report directly to the CEO.

Candidate profile

AWLQ is looking for an experienced strategic leader who is motivated by social impact and community wellbeing. Backgrounds from public health, health promotion, community development, education, human services, local government, social policy, the not-for-profit sector or animal welfare may all be relevant.

The successful candidate will bring strong leadership, a collaborative style and a genuine commitment to improving outcomes for people, animals and communities.

Experience and capabilities required

• Proven success in leading organisational strategy and supporting major change.
• Experience creating and delivering community-based programs or services.
• Ability to develop strategic partnerships across diverse sectors.
• Track record of leading effective teams and strengthening organisational capability.
• Experience managing complex budgets, business planning and sustainable growth.
• Confidence using data, evaluation and evidence to guide decisions and show impact.
• Ability to represent an organisation with credibility in executive, government and community settings.

Why this role stands out

This is a chance to influence a transformational strategy in one of Queensland’s leading animal welfare organisations. The role offers the opportunity to shape new service models, build important partnerships and create lasting change for communities and companion animals.

You will join a values-led team committed to collaboration, continuous improvement and practical impact.

What AWLQ offers

• A senior executive leadership opportunity.
• The chance to lead a significant organisational transformation.
• A supportive, values-driven workplace.
• Flexible working arrangements.
• Professional development and leadership growth opportunities.
• The ability to make measurable social impact across Queensland and beyond.

How to apply

Interested candidates are invited to submit a resume and cover letter by 24 July 2026.

About AWLQ

AWLQ is a major Queensland charity and a national leader in animal welfare and the zero euthanasia movement. It cares for close to 10,000 stray and homeless animals each year and also supports other communities in saving homeless animals.

Alongside shelter operations, the organisation works to keep pets and people together through practical support and resources. Its community programs include community vet clinics, Getting to Zero, Golden Hearts Seniors’ Support Program and the National Desexing Network.

Additional information

This is a not-for-profit, permanent full-time position based onsite in South East Nanango, Queensland, Australia. Reporting line: Chief Executive Officer.

Source text also noted that the role is part of an Executive Leadership Team opportunity and that the organisation is investing in prevention, innovation and evidence-informed practice.

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Terms and conditions

No salary or stipend amount was stated in the source.

No vacancy count, start date, duration, or application link was provided.