Chief Operating Officer

About the Catholic Development Fund

Catholic Development Fund (CDF) are a values-based financial institution that provides funding and support across its footprint of Catholic organisations, including parishes, primary and secondary schools, healthcare, aged care, and social services providers.

Our work enables real impact: from hospital wings for the sick, safe havens for the homeless, and classrooms for the young – we support our customers to grow their mission. Through our expertise and commitment, we help Catholic organisations put their faith into action and contribute to a fairer, more cohesive society.

About the Role

The Chief Operating Officer (COO) supports the CEO and Executive Leadership Team in delivering CDF’s strategic and operational priorities.

The COO drives the strategic agenda and operational excellence across CDF’s operations, finance and strategic initiatives, supporting the CEO and Executive Leadership Team in delivering CDF’s mission and financial sustainability.

Key purposes include:

• Strategic Leadership – Drives the development and execution of CDF’s operational and financial strategy in partnership with the Executive Leadership Team.
• Program Design and Delivery – Leads the design and execution of strategic programs that support Finance objectives, with clear KPIs to measure colleague and customer outcomes.
• Strategic Partnerships & Community Alignment – Identify opportunities to strengthen financial support for parishes, schools and ministries across the Archdiocese.
• AI Transformation – Lead the adoption of AI in support of customer obsession, colleague enablement and operational efficiency.
• Ensure strategic initiatives across CDF are aligned with Executive Leadership Team priorities and appropriate governance structures.
• Align with the CDF Executive team for strategic objective deliveries.
• Align with CDF Executive Team on coaching and developing an overall CDF High Performance team and client centric culture aligned with the CDF Mission.

Key Accountabilities

• Lead the design, delivery and coordination of critical priorities ensuring alignment with enterprise objectives.
• Stakeholder engagement and challenge — provide constructive challenge to senior stakeholders to ensure timely delivery and strategic alignment of initiatives.
• Mentor the leadership team and set firm expectations of the executive managers on the timely delivery of key priorities.
• Identify and coordinate opportunities for AI application to deliver efficiencies, develop plans to deploy at scale where appropriate.
• Develop and coordinate high-quality content to articulate CDF strategy to colleagues and stakeholders.
• Convert strategy into execution plans and oversee implementation with partners.
• Executive reporting – deliver regular updates to Executive Leadership Team highlighting progress, risks and decisions required.
• Develop and oversee the CDF Front Door prioritising and coordinating requests for new and existing strategy initiatives and managing runway for transformation and BAU delivery.
• Coordinate a relevant management dashboard pack for identification of business performance and relevant trends.
• Engage and challenge senior stakeholders to drive fast-paced customer outcomes.
• Lead, develop and inspire high-performing teams, fostering a culture of accountability, continuous improvement and strategic execution.
• Promote a culture of flexibility, iterative and cross-functional collaboration through coaching, instruction and role modelling.
• Provide strategic and operational support to the Executive Leadership Team, coordinating key priorities, initiatives and workstreams to ensure alignment and effective delivery.
• Accountable for coordinating the CDF strategic Blueprint, the architecture and systems that underpin the program of work. COO responsible for coordinating efforts and establishing a clear execution plan outlining what will be delivered and by when(Milestones, progress, operating rhythm, performance against agreed metrics).
• Maintain key relationships with CAM and represent CDF at relevant stakeholder meetings, forums and events.
• Oversee the preparation and coordination of Board and key stakeholder interactions, including stakeholder engagement and management. Ensure clear communication of CDF initiatives, activities and key risks.
• Build and maintain relationships with peers in equivalent roles across other CDFs to strengthen collaboration and share insights.
• Oversee organisational transformation initiatives, including change management activities and the management of associated risks.
• Develop high quality content articulating CDF strategy, prioritisation, execution plan, progress, efficiency initiatives for key stakeholders, committees and Board.

• Work with CDF Executive team on key transformation initiatives, execution pathway that result in stronger colleague engagement and client experience.

Key Decisions…working with relevant CDFLT members:

• Recommend strategy, priorities and investment allocation.
• Recommend investment allocation across people, processes and technology.
• Recommend resource prioritisation – support the effective allocation of resources to ensure delivery against strategic priorities.
• Decide and implement improvements and initiatives.
• Recommend business performance targets.

Key Performance Indicators

• Manage budgets and achievement of efficiency targets.
• Finance growth.
• NPS.
• Colleague engagement.
• Risk metrics

What You Bring

Essential

• Tertiary qualified with a relevant degree and preference for postgraduate qualifications.
• Extensive banking and finance experience with deep expertise in strategic development, execution and program delivery.
• Strong experience in strategy formulation and execution that aligns with the strategic priorities of the organisation.
• Strong ability to anticipate change and ability to adopt strategy to that change.
• Ability to align cross team strategies to deliver CDF priorities “Killer Initiatives”
• Ability to promote collaborative problem solving across teams.
• Proven track record leading complex initiatives and building strong cross-enterprise partnerships.
• Strong knowledge of CDF markets nationally.
• Experienced people leader with demonstrated ability to motivate, develop and manage high-performing teams.
• Strong understanding of financial services risk, control frameworks and regulatory obligations.
• Commitment to fostering a culture of continuous improvement, learning and innovation.
• Skilled communicator with the ability to influence and engage stakeholders at all levels.
• Known for identifying critical issues and driving effective, outcome-focused solutions.
• Passionate about aligning work with CDF’s strategy and values and delivering positive social and economic impact.

Desirable

Customer Focus

• Clearly communicates customer’s importance.
• Secures resources to meet customer’s needs.

Strategic Mindset

• Creates long-term plans and aligns strategies across the organisation.
• Anticipates market shifts and adapts strategy.

Change & Transformation Leadership

• Aligns cross-team strategies with regional goals and priorities.
• Leads strategic planning, transformation and change initiatives.
• Awareness of regulatory and risk frameworks.

Commercial and Operational Acumen

• Applies knowledge of operations, funding and global workforce to strategic decisions.

Decision and Data Quality

• Promotes collaborative problem solving and teamwork.
• Encourages data-driven decisions.

Other Capabilities

• Drives Engagement
• Collaborates
• Relationship Building & Influence
• Communication & Analysis

Why work for us?

• Generous salary package – that recognises your skills, experience, and contributions.
• Professional Environment – join a dedicated team of professionals committed to fostering an agile and inspiring work environment.
• Meaningful Work – be part of a values, driven organisation that makes a difference in the community.
• Hybrid Flexibility – we offer a hybrid working model (3 days in the office per week), plus a modern workspace in tranquil East Melbourne.

How to apply

If you’re looking for a role where you can make a real impact, we want to hear from you!

To submit an application, please click apply and provide a copy of your current resume and a cover letter.

Please note: We will be reviewing applications on a rolling basis, if you believe this role might be for you, please apply as soon as possible.

Employment is subject to satisfactory background checks which include a National Police Check, Working with Children Check and Reference Checks. To be successful in this role you must hold valid working rights in Australia.

The Archdiocese is committed to the safety, wellbeing, and dignity of all children and vulnerable adults.