Director of Lived Experience

Wellways celebrates diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued, respected and empowered to contribute. We warmly welcome applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with lived experience of mental health challenges or disability, people from multicultural backgrounds, and people who identify as LGBTIQA+. We recognise that diverse experiences and perspectives strengthen our workforce and the communities we support.

• Are you a passionate lived experience leader ready to influence change at an executive level?
• Lead the implementation of the Lived Experience Strategy across Wellways – centering lived and living experience voices in the work we do.
• Drive sector-wide change by continuing to elevate lived experience leadership and improve outcomes for participants and the workforce.
• 5 year executive contract

At Wellways, we believe lived experience is more than a perspective, it is expertise, leadership and a catalyst for meaningful change.

We are seeking a visionary Director of Lived Experience to continue to drive our bold agenda that transforms how lived experience is recognised, valued and embedded across both our organisation and the broader mental health and wellbeing sector.

This is a pivotal leadership opportunity for someone ready to challenge traditional ways of thinking, influence organisational strategy and ensure the voices of people with lived experience, families and carers have genuine power in shaping the services, systems and decisions that affect their lives.

About the opportunity

The Director Lived Experience ensures that the voices of lived and living experience are central to our strategy, governance, operations, workforce, business development, recruitment, quality and evaluation.

The opportunity to lead change

• Drive systemic change by embedding the lived experience strategy to strengthen organisational strategy, governance, service design and decision making.
• Create authentic influence by creating opportunities for people with lived experience, families and carers to shape the future of mental health and wellbeing services.
• Lead with purpose and conviction by challenging tokenistic approaches, breaking down barriers and advocating for a culture grounded in recovery, inclusion, human rights and self determination.
• Build a powerful movement for change by strengthening partnerships, elevating lived experience voices and influencing practice across Wellways and the wider sector.

Some key deliverables and responsibilities of the role include:

• Lived Experience Strategy Execution
• Change Management
• Stakeholder Engagement
• Coproduction and Codesign Processes
• Inform Peer Workforce Development
• Leadership
• Project Management

What you bring to this leadership role:

• You have publicly disclosed personal lived experience of mental health challenges, with demonstrated lived experience expertise suitable for an executive role.
• Demonstrated senior leadership experience in complex organisation
• Able to lead self and others through periods of significant change
• Provide examples of your leadership experience within an executive team, particularly in periods of significant organisational change.
• Demonstrate your understanding of discrimination and importance of the inclusion of a diverse range of voices.
• Desirable - relevant tertiary qualification

The role is based at Fairfield (Victoria) however location is flexible for the right person.

Other essential requirements:

• Right to work within Australia
• Current valid Driver’s Licence and the ability to undertake some travel
• NDIS Worker Orientation Module Certificate
• Satisfactory National Police Records Check
• NDIS Worker Screening Check and Working with Children's Check

Why Wellways?

We know that real change happens when people are heard, respected and empowered to lead their own journeys. Our commitment to connection, compassion, respect and inclusion is reflected in our determination to create communities where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

• A purpose driven culture where people can thrive, everyone is respected, and differences are valued
• An equitable, diverse, and socially inclusive work environment
• Salary packaging up to $15,899 enables you to spend a portion of your salary before it is taxed to pay for things like rent, mortgage repayments, car leasing
• Meal and Entertainment allowance via salary packaging up to $2,650 per annum
• Receive 17.5% leave loading every time you take annual leave
• Paid parental leave after 12 months of ongoing employment
• Paid Cultural Leave (where applicable)
• Access for you and your family to our Employee Assistance Program 

To view the full Position Description and submit your application with Resume and Cover Letter, click APPLY.

Wellways is not just offering a job, we're inviting you to be a part of an inclusive, supportive and purpose driven community where your wellbeing and success matter most. If you are ready to turn lived experience into leadership, influence into action and purpose into lasting change, we want to hear from you.

For a confidential discussion about the role, please contact Nicole Kondogiannis, Director People & Culture via email at: [email protected].  Please include the job title in the subject line.

Wellways is committed to the safeguarding of children and vulnerable people. Successful applicants must undergo a comprehensive screening process prior to their commencement.

Job Description Summary

This is your opportunity to change the system, challenge the status quo and put lived experience at the centre of everything we do.

Contract End Date

01/01/2032

Culture

We’re passionate about our work, which is enjoyable, challenging and rewarding.All ofourteams work to ensure everyone can imagine and achieve their hopes and potential. We know that people are unique and the experts on their life and are not defined by impairments, diagnosis or labels. We aim to specifically promote safety and inclusivity for LGBTIQ+ and First Nations communities.

How to Apply

Applications Close

27/11/2026