Executive Director, Evidence Based Practice. Permanent Full Time - Flexible location

Executive Director, Evidence Based Practice

We are seeking an inspiring and values-driven leader to lead the development, expansion and activation of evidence-informed practice across our Child, Youth & Family Services portfolio. This is an opportunity to influence practice at scale, strengthen service quality, and champion innovative approaches that create meaningful and lasting impact.

About the Organisation

At Life Without Barriers, we deliver inclusive, trauma-informed services that support children, young people, families, and carers to thrive.

From foster care, family support, residential care and youth programs, we work alongside communities to create safe, supportive environments where every child and young person can reach their potential.

Join us to discover a purpose you can wrap your heart around!

About the Role

Employment type : Permanent Full Time

Location: Flexible, anywhere in Australia

Reporting to the Deputy Chief Executive – Child, Youth & Family, the Executive Director – Evidence Based Practice will lead strategic practice development, implementation of evidence-based frameworks, and professional capability uplift across a large and diverse national service environment.

This executive role is responsible for driving a culture of reflective, evidence-informed practice that improves outcomes for children, young people, families, and carers within Life Without Barriers and the sector more broadly.

Providing strategic leadership across practice design, implementation, evaluation, and continuous improvement, ensuring services are aligned to contemporary research, the CARE model, and Life Without Barriers’ Practice Framework.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading the implementation and embedding of evidence-informed practice models across Child, Youth & Family Services
• Designing and developing innovative, client-centred practice approaches and service initiatives
• Providing expert guidance and support on complex practice matters and case reviews
• Building workforce capability through professional development, supervision, and practice leadership
• Partnering with internal and external stakeholders including researchers, peak bodies, government, and sector partners
• Contributing to policy development, service innovation, tenders, and strategic organisational initiatives
• Representing Life Without Barriers at conferences, sector forums, and public events

About You

You are a respected and experienced executive leader with deep expertise in child protection, out-of-home care, family support, or related human services sectors.

You bring a strong practice lens, exceptional stakeholder engagement capability, and a demonstrated ability to lead evidence-informed change across large, multidisciplinary environments.

To be successful, you will have:

• Postgraduate qualifications in Social Work, Psychology, or a related discipline
• Significant senior leadership experience within Child, Youth & Family Services
• Demonstrated experience leading evidence-informed practice in complex organisations
• Strong stakeholder engagement and leadership capability
• Experience driving practice improvement, workforce development, and quality outcomes
• Excellent communication and public speaking skills
• A collaborative and values-led leadership style

Please review the full position description at the bottom of the advert for more information. 

Why Join Life Without Barriers?

At Life Without Barriers, our purpose is to partner with people to change lives for the better. We are committed to creating positive, lasting outcomes for the people and communities we support.

We offer:

• An opportunity to shape practice and influence outcomes nationally
• A values-led culture committed to innovation, inclusion, and continuous improvement
• Executive leadership opportunity within one of Australia’s leading social purpose organisations
• Flexible and supportive working arrangements
• The chance to work alongside passionate and purpose-driven professionals

How to Apply

Include your resume and cover letter in one document, click ‘Apply’ and follow the prompts. For any enquiries relating to the position, contact tracy.dallas@lwb.org.au

We will not accept emailed applications, please follow the prompts to apply.

Candidates with disabilities who require adjustments to the recruitment process or the application form in an alternate format can visit https://www.lwb.org.au/careers/ for information on our access and inclusion work and how to contact us directly.

Application closing date is midnight Tuesday 9th of June 2026.

We want to employ people who reflect the diversity of our clients to ensure we can support each client's individual needs and wants. We encourage people of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander background and people with disability to apply. 

 Executive Director Evidenced Based Practice - PD.pdf