General Manager – Mary MacKillop Place, North Sydney

The Sisters of Saint Joseph of the Sacred Heart (SOSJ) is a Catholic religious congregation, founded in South Australia in 1866, by Saint Mary MacKillop and Reverend Julian Tenison Woods.

There are around 630 Sisters living and ministering throughout Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, Peru, Brazil and Timor-Leste, continuing God’s mission by immersing themselves in the midst of life, working for justice, empowering others and bringing hope to those in need.

Mary MacKillop was an ordinary woman who lived an extraordinary and unconventional life. As a woman of faith, courage and hope, she triumphed over adversity and obstacles, responding to the needs of her time.

Following in Mary MacKillop’s footsteps, Mary MacKillop Place (MMP) is an oasis in the midst of the business district of North Sydney – a place of pilgrimage, inclusion, warmth and welcome. It offers a Chapel, Museum, Cafe and Gift Shop as well as Accommodation and Conference facilities.

A place of spirituality, education and hospitality, MMP is unique in Australia. It is a sacred place of welcome, encounter and journey.

Further Information

Additional information can be viewed by visiting the MMP website located at https://www.marymackillopplace.org.au/

We acknowledge the First Nations peoples of Australia, the traditional custodians of the land, seas, skies and waterways on which we reside, work, travel and meet. We pay our respect to First Nations elders past, present, and emerging, and support the Uluru Statement From The Heart.

 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people should be aware that this website may contain images, voices or names of deceased persons in photographs, video or audio recordings.

Position Overview

Position Title: General Manager, Mary MacKillop Place (MMP)

Reports to: MMP Board

Role Context

Mary MacKillop Place is a sacred place of welcome, encounter and journey. It is integral to the Mission of the Sisters of Saint Joseph.

Mary MacKillop Place (MMP):

• participates in the Mission of God, tells the story of Mary MacKillop and her Sisters, and calls all to a radical Gospel living.
• offers a gathering place for all to experience healing and hospitality in a peaceful oasis.
• fosters relationships built on respect, love and mutuality.
• affirms and reimagines the Pilgrim experience.
• nurtures an expansive church, celebrating and connecting the heart of the Gospel to the lives of the People of God.

 MMP is now poised for the next stage of its journey. The MMP Board is seeking a leader to further develop the SOSJ Mission Focus based around the themes of Mission; Pilgrimage; Welcome; Heart-Centered Church; Education; and Sustainability.

Role Purpose

MMP is currently comprised of five components:

• Accommodation & catering
• Conference facilities
• Chapel
• Museum
• Café and retail

The purpose of this leadership role is to foster and grow the Mission of MMP in accordance with the vision, values and charism of the SOSJ.

At a later stage in this project you will be provided a full position description; and the success criteria for the first 12 months in the role.

Key Relationships

This position reports to the MMP Board. The total MMP team ranges from 40 to 50 people.

The full organisation structure will be outlined at a later stage in this project.

Location

MMP is located in Mount Street, North Sydney.

Conditions of Employment

• The remuneration package will be discussed as we move through this process.
• Salary packaging is available.
• The nature of this executive appointment means flexibility in working hours is required.
• An annual appraisal process occurs.
• The initial contract term is five years, with a standard 6-month probationary period.
• Applicants will have evidence of full vaccination against COVID-19 or the provision of a medical exemption as per clinical advice from the Australian Department of Health.
• Prior to appointment the successful applicant will be required to possess a current approved Working With Children Check and to complete a successful National Criminal History Check.

Selection Criteria

The MMP Board invites expressions of interest from people who align with the following:

• A personal commitment to the Catholic faith with the desire to develop an appreciation for the mission of the Sisters of Saint Joseph.
• The vision, imagination and creativity to see a future for this sacred space, within the context of the mission and strategic plan; combined with the ability to thrive in an ever-changing, complex setting.
• Personally ‘live’ the attributes of welcome, warmth and hospitality, which are embedded in the fabric of MMP.
• Senior management experience in a not-for-profit organisation. This experience will be evidenced by:
  • A relational leader who has developed people and built cohesive, collaborative teams.
  • The commercial acumen to ensure a “sacred place of welcome” balances mission with the need for financial sustainability.
  • Understanding of governance and working to support a shared vision the Board and SOSJ.
• A visible, social and accessible leader with the ability to create and sustain positive and influential relationships and partnerships with a broad range of people.
• Strong communicational skills, both written and verbal.
• Relevant qualifications with a record of continuing professional development and growth.

MMP is seeking a person with the desire and capacity to bring leadership to ‘mission’.  We encourage applications from people with senior level experience, ideally in sectors such as Education, Hospitality, Health, Aged Care, Allied Health; or leadership of a Catholic Church agency.

Are You Interested?

If you are interested in this role, please use the ‘Express Your Interest’ panel on this webpage; or email jobs@traksearch.com quoting ref number TS1487. All we require at the outset is a resume,  email address and mobile telephone number. No other documentation is required from you to express your interest. All emails and resumes are acknowledged within 48 hours. Please contact us again if this does not occur.

Questions can be directed to John Chesher (0417 068 220) or by email to jobs@traksearch.com

If you are NOT interested in this role but would like to be advised of future leadership positions, click here to register for our weekly email alerts.

The Selection Process

The timeline for this project is as follows:

We have been instructed to provide a process that is transparent and welcoming.

• We are available for your confidential enquiries. We will also provide additional information to allow you to explore how the role aligns with your expectations and interests.
• Closing is 5.00pm on the date shown above. However, a late application could be accepted, providing it does not adversely impact other applications or the MMP schedule.
• We expect to complete a work-related reference prior to shortlisting. We anticipate speaking with another one or two work-related referee between shortlisting and interviews. Final references are completed after MMP interviews. No referee will be contacted without your express consent
• The selection committee will provide an option of a video interview in circumstances where a person is unable to attend for a face-to-face meeting.
• Please be aware our standard practice utilises the services of an external specialist in pre-employment screening. This service includes employment history verification; National Police Check; and academic qualifications and professional memberships verification.
• All information provided to Trak Search will be made available, in confidence, to the MMP Board Chair, or his nominee, unless you instruct Trak Search otherwise.
• To obtain a more comprehensive understanding of the Trak Search methodology, including our screening process, click here to access the ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.
• Only people with the unrestricted right to work in Australia may apply for this role.

Trak Search is committed to working with client organisations in the safeguarding of children and young people. Applicants should be aware that in addition to the Working with Children and National Police History Checks required by our client, Trak Search screening processes, interview questions and reference checking will also reflect this commitment.

 Trak Search strongly supports the principles of equal employment opportunities in the workplace. We support our clients in recruiting a diverse range of people and a diverse range of talents.

You are also encouraged to view our Collection Statement which provides details on the manner in which we collect and use information obtained from you during your engagement with Trak Search.