Deputy Commissioner - VRA Rescue NSW Location: Hybrid working arrangements apply to this role, with the office located in Homebush NSW . Applicants outside of Sydney are encouraged to apply. Total remuneration package: A competitive senior salary package, with access to Not-For-Profit (NFP) salary packaging benefits, plus access to a fleet vehicle. Tenure: Senior Executive Appointment About the opportunity VRA Rescue NSW is one of Australia's leading volunteer-based rescue agencies, operating 24/7 across regional and rural communities. With a proud history of serving the people of NSW, we deliver specialist rescue services through Road Crash Rescue, General Land Rescue, Vertical Rescue, Flood Rescue, Search and Rescue (including SAR Dogs), Cave Rescue, and Emergency Communications. This is an exceptional leadership opportunity for an experienced executive to drive operational excellence, strategic transformation, and multi-agency coordination across one of the most diverse volunteer rescue organisations in the country. Reporting to the Commissioner and forming part of the Executive Leadership Team, the Deputy Commissioner is accountable for the state-wide operational leadership, capability development, workforce culture, and community impact of VRA Rescue NSW. You will help shape and implement the organisations strategic direction, lead the coordination of major incidents, and play a pivotal role in risk and governance management across the rescue sector. What you will do Lead strategic and operational delivery of rescue services across NSW aligned with the State Rescue Board standards and the SERM Act 1989. Oversee core portfolios including Operations, Corporate Services, and Capability Development. Drive innovation, cultural reform, and continuous improvement across the organisation. Support the Commissioner in representing VRA Rescue NSW in high-level forums and inter-agency coordination bodies, including the State Emergency Management Committee. Lead state-wide training and capability initiatives to ensure national rescue standard compliance and operational readiness. Ensure the safety and wellbeing of all members by embedding robust Work Health & Safety systems and fostering a strong safety culture. Provide expert executive advice on operational risks, strategic foresight, community impact, and volunteer engagement. The ideal candidate You are a values-driven and visionary executive with deep experience in emergency management leadership. You are strategic, resilient, and decisive, with the ability to lead across complex multi-agency environments. Your leadership style promotes innovation, respect, and collaboration. You understand the unique culture and challenges of a volunteer workforce, and you thrive in multi-agency contexts that demand professionalism, diplomacy, and clarity of command. Experience requirements: Significant senior executive experience in emergency management or a related field. Demonstrated success in operational command, inter-agency engagement, and governance leadership A strong understanding of WHS legislation, PCBU obligations, and volunteer risk environments. A genuine appreciation for volunteerism and the role of community-based services in disaster and emergency response. Tertiary qualifications in Emergency Management, Leadership, Public Administration or related fields. Essential requirements Demonstrated senior leadership experience in emergency services or a comparable operational field. Sound understanding of the State Rescue Board (NSW) Policy and SERM Act 1989. Experience with WHS responsibilities under the Work Health and Safety Act 2011. Ability to meet on-call expectations for emergency incidents and state-wide deployments. Travel to regional and rural NSW is a core requirement of this role. Must hold a current Australian driver's licence. Why join VRA Rescue NSW? Be part of a purpose-led organisation that saves lives across regional NSW. Support and empower an exceptional and expanding force of 1,300 volunteers across 40 locations, driving life-saving results across NSW. Directly contribute to the advancement of rural and regional resilience. Access to professional development, salary packaging and a fleet vehicle. Join a leadership team that values respect, transparency and service. How to apply? For further information on the role, download the position description . To apply in this unique opportunity, please submit: A cover letter outlining your experience and how you meet the experience and essential requirements for the role outlined in this advertisement. A detailed CV. Applications close: Close of business Monday 04 August 2025 For a confidential discussion, please contact at the Office of the Commissioner at VRA Rescue NSW via email at careers@vrarescue.org Shortlisted candidates may be required to undertake personality or capability assessments as part of the selection process. We welcome all applicants VRA Rescue NSW embraces diversity and inclusion. We encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, culturally and linguistically diverse communities, women, LGBTIQA individual and people with disability.
