Watermark Search to Find Next CEO for National Disability Services
September 20, 2021 – Nowhere are leaders and talent more deeply passionate about what they do than in the mission-driven sector. Non-profit, philanthropy and social enterprises are evolving at a rapid pace. According to recruiters, leaders are challenged with doing more with less as they navigate increasing demand. National Disability Services (NDS) recently chose Australian-based recruiters Watermark Search International to lead its hunt for a new CEO. Partner Jennifer D’Arcy-Smith is leading the assignment. The firms said this is an exciting position for someone who thrives on innovation and transformation and enjoys the challenge of leadership in disruptive times.
The CEO must be able to demonstrate a strong commitment to expanding life opportunities for people with disability. Occupying a key leadership role in the Australian disability sector, the CEO will be charged with leading NDS during a period of significant change. Reporting to the board, the CEO must understand the importance of a sustainable disability sector and will be expected to drive robust national representation during this critically important time. “Working in a collaborative environment, the CEO will be supported by a talented and passionate team of professionals who care deeply about delivering meaningful outcomes for members and ultimately consumers of disability services,” said the recruitment firm.
National Disability Services wants a proven strategic leader with strong business acumen and the ability to identify and develop strategies aimed at creating a better service offering, operational and delivery improvement, the search firm said. Candidates should have experience leading a service organization ideally with significant exposure to health, disability services, or related sectors and regulatory environments. They must also have a proven track record for delivering transformational change whilst developing and implementing the framework for future state. Experience at relationship building, stakeholder engagement, influencing and negotiation in highly nuanced settings at senior levels with the sector, business, government and community stakeholders are also required.
National Disability Services is the national industry association and peak voice of disability service providers, representing approximately 1,200 members who consistently deliver services to hundreds of thousands of Australians.
Australian Search Consultants
Watermark Search has provided executive search services in Australia since 1979 and specializes in C-level executive roles for various sectors, including manufacturing; renewable energy; transport; corporate and institutional banking; mining services; local, state, and federal government; utilities; engineering and construction; education; professional services; and not-for-profit sectors.
Ms. D’Arcy-Smith is an experienced search consultant joining the Watermark Search International Melbourne team in 2018 and is a member of the board practice. She focuses on board, CEO and C-suite level searches. With more than a decade in executive search, Ms. D’Arcy-Smith has managed complex board and executive search assignments in both the public and private sectors in a diverse range of organizations that includes government, healthcare, higher education, consumer, agribusiness, community and not for profit in Australia and New Zealand. She has partnered with boards, chief executives, senior leadership, and elected members in the appointment of directors and executives sourced through local and international networks.
Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief; Dale M. Zupsansky, Managing Editor; and Stephen Sawicki, Managing Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media
