Driving justice access, strategy growth and sector impact.
The Brief
Future Leadership™ was engaged by a justice-focused community organisation to appoint an Executive Director. The organisation, which provides non-legal support and information through a volunteer-led model, sought a leader who could drive strategic growth, strengthen stakeholder engagement, and enhance operational effectiveness.
The appointment came at a pivotal time, with the organisation aiming to expand its reach, modernise its service delivery, and influence justice sector reform. The successful candidate would need to demonstrate values-led leadership, experience in volunteer-based service models, and the ability to navigate complex stakeholder environments.
Candidate net Promote Score
Future Leadership combines truly personalised relationships with innovative technology solutions to ensure an approachable and efficient process for all our Net Promoter Score across clients, successful candidates and unsuccessful candidates is well above industry standard.
Candidates supported every year
We maintain genuine relationships with past candidates and continue to support them with leadership solutions long term, after they land their role.
Senior Women Appointed since 2002
Over half of the executive search assignments undertaken by our team have resulted in the appointment of outstanding female or LGBTQI+ leaders to high profile roles.
Candidate Retention Rate for 12 months since 2002
Our thorough briefing process and ability to engage passive candidates mean that we go to great lengths to find the right person for the role – long term!
The Process
Future Leadership™ undertook a comprehensive search process tailored to the organisation’s needs.
Key steps included:
- Briefing and Strategy Development: Engaged with the Board to understand the organisation’s purpose, strategic priorities, and leadership requirements.
- Targeted Candidate Search: Leveraged national networks, digital advertising, and sector referrals to attract candidates with experience in community services, justice, and volunteer-led organisations.
- Candidate Assessment: Shortlisted six candidates who underwent panel interviews and submitted detailed capability statements aligned to the key selection criteria.
- Final Evaluation: Final candidates presented their strategic vision and leadership approach to the Board, with emphasis on stakeholder engagement, governance, and operational excellence.
The Outcome
The process resulted in the appointment of an experienced executive leader as Executive Director. With over two decades of leadership experience across the not-for-profit and corporate sectors, the appointed candidate brought a proven track record in scaling volunteer-based services, securing multi-year funding, and driving cultural transformation. Previously leading a national grief and loss support organisation, they oversaw its expansion from a small state-based service to a provider supporting over 130,000 people annually. Their leadership style, grounded in emotional intelligence and strategic clarity, aligned strongly with the organisation’s values and mission. This appointment has enabled the organisation to strengthen its strategic direction, enhance stakeholder relationships, and position itself as a thought leader in justice sector reform.
