Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

Position Title
Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

Location
Queensland (Meanjin/Brisbane preferred with capacity to travel)

Hours
Full time
Flexibility in working outside standard office hours may be required

Employer
Queensland Conservation Council Incorporated (QCC)

Responsible to
The QCC Board through the Chair

Direct Reports
Small staff team

Term of employment
Ongoing, subject to funding and satisfactory performance, with a probationary period.

Remuneration
SCHADS award level 8, plus statutory superannuation and 17.5% holiday leave loading. 

About the Organisation

Queensland Conservation Council is Queensland's peak environmental body, representing a diverse network of member organisations, community groups and stakeholders committed to protecting and enhancing Queensland's natural environment.

Working across policy, advocacy, partnerships and community engagement, the organisation seeks to influence practical solutions that deliver environmental, social and economic outcomes for Queensland.

We work together with our fellow regional conservation councils across Queensland to engage organisations, communities and individuals to defend nature for current and future generations.

Position Purpose

The CEO is responsible for:

• contributing to the development of and delivering on the organisation’s strategic plan
• influencing environmental policy across Queensland and contributing to the national conservation agenda
• maintaining and strengthening relationships with members, governments, industry and philanthropic partners
• fostering a high-performing organisational culture within a professional, values-driven team
• working with the Board to  support robust governance practices
• securing diversified and sustainable revenue streams and managing the organisational budget effectively.

The CEO is expected to balance advocacy excellence, with for-purpose discipline, ensuring the organisation is financially resilient and positioned for long-term impact.

Core Requirements

Leadership

• A collaborative, energetic and inspiring leader with a demonstrated ability to empower, motivate and develop staff and volunteers.
• Proven organisational leadership and management experience, with the capacity to foster a high-performing, values-driven organisational culture.
• Outcome-focused, with a demonstrated ability to translate strategic priorities into measurable results.
• Lead implementation of the strategic plan.
• Demonstrated experience working with or reporting to a Board of Directors

Strategic Influence and External Engagement

• Experience in government relations, public policy, advocacy and stakeholder engagement.
• Demonstrated success in leading or supporting public campaigns, influencing decision-makers and representing an organisation at senior levels.
• Strong relationship-building skills with governments, community organisations, Traditional Owners, philanthropic organisations, industry and other key stakeholders.
• Experience leading a member-based organisation.
• Experience working within the for-purpose sector.
• Understanding of Queensland's environmental policy landscape.

Business and Financial Management

• Demonstrated experience in organisational management, including strategic planning, governance and operational oversight.
• Sound financial management, budgeting and resource allocation skills.
• Relevant qualifications or experience in business, management or a related discipline. 

Personal Attributes

• Ability to lead effectively, communicate clearly and address challenges creatively and professionally in a dynamic environment.
• Relational and collaborative leadership approach, with meaningful experience working respectfully with diverse stakeholder groups.
• Flexible and adaptable, with the ability to respond quickly to changing circumstances and emerging opportunities.
• Demonstrated commitment to the organisation’s vision, mission and values, with the ability to foster these across the organisation.

Other Requirements

• Willingness and ability to undertake occasional travel, including interstate.
• Current Australian driver’s licence.
• Ability to work outside normal business hours when required.

Additional Desirable Requirements

• Experience leading organisational strategy, organisational change and sustainable growth.
• Experience securing funding through government grants, philanthropy and strategic partnerships.
• Excellent media and public communication skills.
• Understanding of the Australian not-for-profit and environmental sectors.
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, including working respectfully with First Nations peoples.
• Strong understanding of governance, risk management and compliance, including Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission requirements.