Lead an organisation changing the lives of vulnerable young people.

For 2 decades, BackTrack has been transforming outcomes for young people who are facing significant disadvantage, creating pathways to education, employment, independence and hope. Built on a belief that every young person deserves someone in their corner, BackTrack has become one of Australia's most respected youth-focused social enterprises and community organisations.

BackTrack is now seeking an exceptional Chief Executive Officer to lead the organisation through its next stage of growth, impact and organisational maturity.

This is a rare opportunity to lead an organisation with a national reputation and a profound social mission.

Working closely with Founder Bernie Shakeshaft, the Board and a deeply committed team, the CEO will help shape the future of BackTrack while preserving the authenticity, values and culture that sit at the heart of the organisation.

The organisation has reached an exciting point in its evolution. Having grown from a founder-led initiative into an established and highly respected organisation, BackTrack now has the opportunity to further strengthen its systems, leadership capability and organisational infrastructure while continuing to deliver outstanding outcomes for young people.

The successful candidate will play a critical role in bringing greater cohesion, alignment and consistency across the organisation, ensuring that the exceptional work already occurring on the ground is supported by the structures, processes and leadership required for long-term sustainability and growth.

As CEO, you will:

• Build the systems, infrastructure and operational foundations required to support the next phase of organisational growth.

• Create greater connectivity across programs, ensuring a seamless experience for young people as they engage with different aspects of the BackTrack model.

• Strengthen communication, collaboration and alignment across teams and functions.

• Develop organisational capability and leadership capacity across a diverse workforce.

• Enhance reporting, data management, governance and performance frameworks to support decision-making and demonstrate impact.

• Partner closely with Bernie Shakeshaft as a visible and trusted organisational leader.

• Ensure BackTrack remains firmly grounded in its values while positioning the organisation for a sustainable future.

The CEO is expected to maintain a strong and visible presence in Armidale, embedding themselves within the organisation and community it serves.

 Leading a team of managers, youth workers, tradespeople, educators and support staff, the CEO will oversee all aspects of organisational leadership, performance and operations.

We are looking for someone who can successfully balance strategic thinking with operational execution. You will help translate vision into practical action, ensuring that organisational priorities are delivered effectively while remaining focused on the needs of young people.

A key focus will be strengthening the organisation's leadership capability and developing a highly aligned leadership team. You will create clarity around priorities, foster accountability and support the continued professional growth of staff across the organisation.

The role will also involve strengthening the systems and organisational disciplines that enable BackTrack to measure impact, manage risk effectively, maintain high standards of safety and care, and respond confidently to future growth opportunities.

BackTrack is seeking an accomplished and values-driven executive who combines strong leadership capability with a genuine commitment to improving outcomes for young people.

You will bring:

• Proven executive leadership experience in a complex, people-centred organisation.

• Demonstrated experience leading organisational growth, transformation or operational improvement initiatives.

• Strong commercial, operational and financial acumen.

• Experience building organisational capability, systems and processes while maintaining culture and values.

• The ability to unite diverse teams around a shared vision and purpose.

• Experience developing leaders and building high-performing leadership teams.

• Exceptional stakeholder engagement and relationship management skills.

• Sound judgement and resilience in dynamic and fast-moving environments.

Most importantly, you will be a leader who listens first, builds trust, communicates with authenticity and leads with empathy. Success in this role will depend as much on your ability to connect with people, foster collaboration and build credibility as it will on your technical leadership experience.

This is more than a leadership role.

It is an opportunity to help transform the lives of young people and influence outcomes that genuinely matter.

Whether it is helping a young person improve their literacy and numeracy, obtain a driver's licence, complete vocational qualifications, secure employment, find stable accommodation or simply remain safe, connected and hopeful, BackTrack's impact is tangible and life changing.

The successful candidate will have the opportunity to shape these outcomes at scale while working alongside a passionate and committed team united by a shared belief in the potential of every young person.

Success in the role will be measured by your ability to create greater clarity and cohesion across the organisation, strengthen the foundations that support frontline delivery, develop leadership capability, and position BackTrack for sustainable growth while remaining true to the values and mission that make it such a remarkable organisation.

For a confidential discussion and copy of the position description, please contact Courtenay Atwell from Korn Ferry at Courtenay.atwell@kornferry.com 

Applications close 19th September 2026. To apply, please submit a copy of your CV and brief covering letter to Courtenay.atwell@kornferry.com