Chief Executive Officer
Candidate Information Pack
About ReefTO Alliance
The ReefTO Alliance is an independent, member-based organisation owned and led by Reef Traditional Owners.
Established to strengthen the collective voice of Reef Traditional Owners, the Alliance brings together Traditional Owner groups from across the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area to advance shared priorities and strengthen Traditional Owner leadership in decisions affecting Sea Country and about how the Great Barrier Reef is governed, managed, and protected.
Guided by its Members, the Alliance works to uphold cultural authority, strengthen self-determination, and support healthy Sea Country and thriving communities.
Further Reading:
Shape the next chapter of Traditional Owner leadership across the Great Barrier Reef
The Opportunity
Title | Chief Executive Officer (CEO) |
Reports To | ReefTO Alliance Board |
Direct Reports & FTEs | 4 Direct Reports & 15 FTEs |
Location | Flexible, preferably Queensland-Based and/or with a strong connection to or presence in the Great Barrier Reef region |
Remuneration | Provide on request |
This is a rare opportunity to lead a movement more than three decades in the making.
As the inaugural Chief Executive Officer of the ReefTO Alliance, you will help shape the future of Traditional Owner leadership across the Great Barrier Reef. Guided by the cultural authority, aspirations and priorities of Reef Traditional Owners, you will establish and lead a strong and independent organisation that advances self-determination, strengthens collective influence, and delivers lasting outcomes for Sea Country and future generations.
This role is about more than organisational leadership. It is an opportunity to build an institution of significance; one that supports Reef Traditional Owners to speak with a stronger collective voice, influence decision-making, and create meaningful change in how the Reef is governed, managed and protected.
Working closely with the Board, Alliance Members, Elders, young leaders, partners and stakeholders, you will translate a shared vision into action, establish organisational foundations, build capability and culture, and position the Alliance for long-term success.
For a visionary and values-driven leader, this is a career-defining opportunity to help realise a vision championed by Reef Traditional Owners for generations.
Role Purpose
As the inaugural Chief Executive Officer (CEO), you will lead the establishment and growth of a strong, independent and enduring ReefTO Alliance grounded in the cultural authority and collective aspirations of Reef Traditional Owners.
Reporting to the Board, you will provide strategic and operational leadership across governance, organisational development, financial sustainability, advocacy, partnerships and Member engagement. You will build the systems, capability and culture required for long-term success while ensuring the organisation remains accountable to its Members and purpose.
Leading a team of approximately 15 staff, with responsibility for growing organisational capability as required, you will translate Members' shared priorities into meaningful action, strengthen Traditional Owner influence in decision-making, and deliver lasting outcomes for Reef Traditional Owners and Sea Country.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead the strategic direction of the Alliance in alignment with Board direction and Member priorities.
- Establish and grow a strong, sustainable and high-performing organisation.
- Identify and respond to emerging opportunities, challenges and priorities affecting Reef Traditional Owners and Sea Country.
- Drive innovation, partnerships and initiatives that advance the Alliance's purpose and strategic objectives.
- Support the Board, Elders Council and Youth Council to fulfil their governance and advisory responsibilities.
- Ensure effective governance, accountability, compliance and risk management.
- Foster a culture grounded in cultural integrity, collaboration, accountability and excellence.
- Lead workforce development, succession planning and growth in organisational capability.
- Ensure the long-term financial sustainability of the Alliance.
- Oversee financial planning, budgeting, reporting and organisational performance.
- Support the stewardship and growth of the Future Fund.
- Secure and strengthen funding, investment and partnership opportunities that align with Member priorities.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with Alliance Members across the Reef.
- Ensure Members have meaningful opportunities to inform strategic systems, change priorities and initiatives that support the aspirations of Reef Traditional Owners.
- Strengthen Member engagement, participation and collective ownership of the Alliance.
- Maintain trust through transparent, respectful and culturally informed leadership.
- Serve as the principal spokesperson and public representative of the Alliance.
- Advocate for Traditional Owner rights, interests and self-determination.
- Build productive relationships across government, industry, research, philanthropic and community sectors.
- Strengthen the influence, profile and standing of the Alliance regionally, nationally and internationally.
Key Selection Criteria
Essential Requirements
This position is identified and it is a genuine occupational requirement that the successful applicant be an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person under the relevant provisions of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1991 (QLD).
Reef Traditional Owners are strongly encouraged to apply.
Desirable Requirements
- Sound understanding of the Great Barrier Reef’s governance, policy and management landscape, including Traditional Owner rights and interests, conservation frameworks and key stakeholders.
- Formal qualifications or recognised expertise in Indigenous governance, community development, public administration, environmental management, finance or investment management.
Candidate Profile
We are seeking an accomplished Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander leader with the vision, integrity, judgement and commitment to establish and lead an organisation that is positioned to have lasting significance and impact for Reef Traditional Owners for generations to come.
The successful candidate will demonstrate the following selection criteria:
Cultural Leadership
- Deep respect for and understanding of cultural authority, Traditional Owner governance and self-determination.
- Demonstrated experience working with and alongside Traditional Owner communities, organisations and leaders.
Executive Leadership
- Significant senior executive experience leading complex organisations, programs or partnerships.
- Proven ability to lead organisational growth, change and transformation.
Strategic Influence and Partnerships
- Exceptional relationship-building skills and the ability to work effectively across diverse stakeholder groups.
- Demonstrated success establishing strategic partnerships and influencing outcomes in complex environments.
Governance and Financial Stewardship
- Strong experience supporting Boards and governance structures.
- Demonstrated oversight of organisational performance, financial sustainability, risk and accountability.
Advocacy and Public Leadership
- Outstanding communication, advocacy and representation skills.
- Experience influencing policy, strategic reform and organisational outcomes.
Institution Building
- Proven ability to establish, strengthen or transform organisations, teams, systems and culture.
- Experience building organisational capability and creating conditions for long-term success.
Leadership Attributes
The successful CEO will be recognised for their:
- Integrity and authenticity
- Humility and cultural intelligence
- Strategic thinking and sound judgement
- Political acumen and influence
- Courage, resilience and adaptability
- Collaborative and inclusive leadership
- Accountability and commitment to outcomes
Compensation & Benefits
- Competitive Remuneration Package
- Flexible and Remote Working - Flexibility to work remotely
- Regional Public Holidays - In addition to national and state public holidays, enjoy designated regional public holidays that recognise the communities we live in and work with
- Parental Leave -Support for yourself and your family during parenthood
- Values Leave - Additional paid leave that focuses on your values and purpose, especially being part of a values-led workplace
- Cultural Leave - Dedicated cultural leave for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander employees, honouring cultural responsibilities and connection to community
- Professional Development - Opportunities to build skills, grow and develop capabilities through learning and development
- Employee Assistance Program - Access to confidential support and counselling
Ready to Apply?
Please click the button below to complete the application form and upload your resume and a 2-page covering letter.
Contact Information
If you require further information about the opportunities or the application process, please contact:
Will Wilson, Partner, Watermark
Mobile: 0499 920 848
Email: will.wilson@watermarksearch.com.au
Alison Myatt, Head of Research, Watermark
Mobile: 0412 630 817
Email: alison.myatt@watermarksearch.com.au