Professional Background
Current Position
Clare Steele is the current Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Compassion Australia, located in Newcastle. She has been in this role since January 2020 and has shown exceptional leadership qualities, particularly in fostering a culture of innovation and creativity within the organization. Clare is recognized for her passion for building a hopeful future for children and communities around the world.
Career Path
Clare's career has been diverse and multifaceted, seamlessly blending corporate and nonprofit experiences:
1. Corporate Sector: Initially, Clare pursued a degree in Mechatronics, a subset of engineering focused on robotics. Post-graduation, she worked in corporate consulting roles, including positions at Accenture and Macquarie Bank.
2. Transition to Ministry: Clare shifted her career trajectory following work in the corporate sector, driven by a desire for meaningful impact. She accepted a position at an Anglican church in Sydney, working as a children’s worker.
3. Christian Ministry: For over a decade, Clare has served in Christian ministry, predominantly focused on child-care and educational roles. Prior to joining Compassion Australia, she worked with Anglican Deaconess Ministries, a foundation dedicated to equipping women for service in ministry roles.
Educational Background
Clare holds a Master of Divinity from Sydney Missionary and Bible College, completed in 2012. Her educational background complements her extensive experience in both corporate and nonprofit sectors, contributing to her holistic approach to leadership and organizational growth.
Leadership at Compassion Australia
Vision and Goals
Clare Steele aims to extend the influence and reach of Compassion Australia by nurturing deeper partnerships with churches and engaging more closely with supporters and sponsors. She seeks to harness the growing organizational capacity to achieve even greater outcomes without losing the personal touch and effectiveness of Compassion’s programs.
Key Areas of Focus
1. Supporter Engagement: Clare prioritizes creating meaningful relationships with sponsors and supporters. She emphasizes the importance of keeping them informed and involved in the work being done.
2. Child and Youth Engagement: Given her background and passion for child-care, she plans to focus on educational partnerships and opportunities aimed at children, youth, and university students.
3. Innovative Processes: Clare is dedicated to implementing innovative processes within the organization to improve efficiency and maximize impact.
Leadership Attributes
Clare is known for her humility and self-awareness, essential traits she believes are crucial for effective Christian leadership. Her leadership style is deeply anchored in her faith, reflecting Jesus’s sacrificial approach to leadership.
Challenges and Opportunities
- Challenges: Managing growth and ensuring that the increasing scale of operations does not dilute the quality and impact of Compassion Australia’s work.
- Opportunities: Expanding collaboration with the broader Australian church network and enhancing the engagement of Christians who do not regularly attend church services.
Overall, Clare Steele’s strategic direction for Compassion Australia is centered on expanding influence through innovative engagement while staying true to the organization's core mission of compassion and care for vulnerable children. Her background in both corporate and ministry roles uniquely positions her to lead Compassion Australia into a new era of growth and deeper impact.
