Introduction National Disability Services (NDS) is Australia's peak body for disability service organisations. We are Australia’s biggest and most diverse network of disability service providers. Our valued members collectively operate several thousand services for more than 300,000 Australians with disability and employ a workforce of more than 100,000 people. NDS has a strong and influential presence in every state and territory across Australia. Our core functions are to advocate to government for sector-wide changes and improvements, to inform our members about issues that impact them, and to provide resources and services that assist them to deliver sustainable high quality support services for people with disability. NDS employees have the passion to make a difference, are driven to deliver the highest quality support and services to our members and thrive in an environment of positive change and continuous improvement. To find out more about NDS, please visit our website at https://nds.org.au Description About the Role: Location: Adelaide Hours Per Week: Full-time, 38 hours, 5 days per week Status: Permanent and hybrid working Industrial Agreement: Non award NDS, as a national organisation, has members of our team based in all capital cities. The State/Territory Manager’s role is focused on ensuring that NDS continues to advocate for and support our members based in their particular state. This includes developing and driving programs and services that directly address sector needs, making a positive difference to the sector and NDS, and identifying new opportunities for a sustainable and future-focused NDS and sector. The State/Territory Manager is a senior position providing leadership at a state/territory in influencing public policy (at both state and national levels), developing and disseminating information and identifying, leading and facilitating networking opportunities that support NDS members in their work to deliver high quality sustainable support and life opportunities for people with disability. A strong understanding of, and ability to advocate on operational and wider policy issues concerning workforce, the NDIS, quality and safeguards, disability employment and other current and emerging issues relevant to NDS members and the sector are critical to success in this role. The State/Territory Manager will work as part of a cohesive national organisation to grow membership and member services revenue, delivering value to members which includes seeking sector wide funding opportunities to build knowledge, skills and relationships in the broader disability sector. Key Responsibilities: Demonstrate values driven leadership to the State/Territory Office team and to the wider NDS team Drive membership and member services growth and retention in conjunction with the Director of Membership Services; and provide high quality information to members Demonstrate strong understanding of workforce, the NDIS, quality and safeguarding, disability employment issues and other relevant issues impacting members and the sector; identify and provide leadership to the sector on emerging issues Contribute to the development of national policy and advocacy initiatives, key projects and member support and sector initiatives Develop, lead and coordinate local policy and advocacy initiatives, core funding, member support, and sector initiatives Generate revenue growth from multiple channels – membership fees, membership services, government and other sources Manage the operations of the State Office Other Responsibilities (applicable for all NDS employees): Perform other duties and responsibilities as required by manager/supervisor from time to time Comply with NDS’s policies and procedures at all times, including (but not limited to) HR, Quality, Work Health & Safety (WHS), IT, Security, and Data Privacy Respond to reasonable contact from NDS outside standard work hours if required as part of role responsibilities. Develop accessible versions of documents for internal and external distribution. Demonstrate the NDS values of Build respectful relationships, Lead change, Deliver clarity & impact, Support and develop others and Embrace diversity. Skills And Experiences Skills & Experience: Demonstrated experience leading teams and working collaboratively within a team environment Capacity to lead state-focussed initiatives that ensure sustainable outcomes aligned to state or territory priorities and issues, legislation and aligned with NDS’s purpose and strategic direction High level consultation, communication and interpersonal skills with the demonstrated capacity to build relationships, engage with a range of internal and external stakeholders and navigate different and competing interests Capability to contribute at a local and national level to ensure sustainable outcomes aligned to national policies, legislation and NDS’s strategic direction Demonstrated knowledge and a contemporary understanding of the disability sector including workforce, the NDIS, industrial relations, disability human rights and the barriers/ opportunities to community inclusion and employment for people with disability. An understanding of public policy processes, with knowledge of wider disability policy and allied areas of human service policy, workforce policy and industrial relations would be highly desirable. Innovative thinking and problem solving skills to implement solutions aligned to NDS’ strategic direction Demonstrated evidence of adaptability and resilience in a changing business context Computer literacy, including Microsoft Office suite A tertiary qualification in a social sciences / social policy discipline is desirable but not essential Capacity to undertake regular travel within the state or territory, and nationally as needed What We Offer: Flexible working opportunities Salary packaging benefits Employee Assistance Program Staff Rewards & Discounts program Learning and development opportunities To Apply: We welcome candidates from all backgrounds and value diversity and inclusion in our workplace. We encourage all applicants, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with disability, LGBTIQA and culturally diverse communities to join NDS. NDS is committed to supporting equal employment opportunities for individuals with disability and will provide reasonable workplace adjustments. We encourage potential applicants with lived experience to contact NDS to discuss any questions regarding individual workplace adjustments. NDS also provides adjustments throughout the recruitment process. If you identify as a person with disability and require adjustments to the application, recruitment, selection and/or assessment process, please advise via recruitment@nds.org.au or 02 9256 3141 and indicate your preferred method of communication (email or phone). Applications close: 4th March 2026 . Please send your CV and a cover letter outlining your Skills & Experience in the areas listed above by clicking on the Apply button. For further information please contact recruitment@nds.org.au. Please do not send your application to this email address, as it's for enquiries only. The successful applicant must be prepared to undertake a pre-employment police check. No agencies please.
