Chief Executive Officer

• 3-year fixed term contract with possible extension
• Townsville based with frequent travel
• Relocation support provided

The Company
Our client, NQ Dry Tropics, is an independent, not-for-profit organisation dedicated to restoring the health and productivity of landscapes across the Burdekin region of North Queensland.

Since 2002, NQ Dry Tropics has been a trusted partner to landholders, Traditional Owners, industry, government and the research sector, delivering science-based, high-impact programs that sustain our natural and cultural environment, build landscape and climate resilience, and support sustainable production and regional livelihoods.

Since its establishment, NQ Dry Tropics has worked with hundreds of organisations and partners, and thousands of farmers and land managers to develop and implement almost $300M worth of projects across the Burdekin region.

The Role
This role will lead a highly respected organisation into its next phase of growth and impact. Reporting to the Board, the CEO provides strategic and operational leadership to strengthen capability, sustainability and regional influence. The role leads the team, builds partnerships and oversees delivery across government, industry, research, community and Traditional Owner stakeholders.

In addition to strengthening systems to support delivery at scale, the CEO will oversee priorities such as implementing a project management system, refining budget and cost models, and exploring the use of emerging technology (including AI) to improve effectiveness and sustain impact. The role requires commercial discipline, an understanding of purpose-driven organisations, strong stakeholder engagement and steady leadership to support organisational change while maintaining trusted relationships.

Key Roles and Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership in partnership with the Board, shaping future direction and organisational growth.
• Lead and develop a high-performing, values-driven team and organisational culture.
• Oversee financial sustainability, operational performance, and delivery of strategic and business plans, including evolving budget and cost models.
• Lead organisational improvement and change initiatives, strengthening systems and processes.
• Secure funding, negotiate agreements, and drive innovative investment pathways.
• Ensure strong governance, risk management, and compliance frameworks.
• Build, reset where needed, and maintain influential relationships across government, industry, research, community and Traditional Owner stakeholders.
• Represent NQ Dry Tropics in public forums, advocacy, and stakeholder engagement.
• Champion meaningful engagement with Traditional Owners and support the Reconciliation Action Plan.

About You
You are a strategic, values-led executive with a passion for environmental sustainability and regional communities. You thrive in complex environments, bringing a collaborative and inclusive leadership style, and a strong commitment to working alongside local communities. You are comfortable balancing purpose and performance, and are motivated to deliver meaningful, long-term impact.

Required Experience, Skills and Proficiencies

• Relevant qualifications in Agricultural Science, Environmental Science, Natural Resource Management, or related fields.
• Proven senior executive leadership experience, including reporting to a Board.
• Experience in natural resource management, agriculture or a related sector.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and partnership-building capability.
• Demonstrated strategic thinking and foresight, including the ability to identify and progress new opportunities in a changing funding and stakeholder landscape.
• Strong financial acumen, including experience managing budgets and complex funding agreements, and building fit-for-purpose cost and reporting models.
• Excellent communication, advocacy, and public speaking skills
• Proven capability to lead organisational change and scale operations, strengthening systems, processes and workforce planning in a period of growth.
• Strong governance and risk management expertise.

Highly Desirable

• Business or management qualifications.
• Cultural awareness and experience working with or alongside First Nations communities.
• Understanding of contemporary natural resource management issues relevant to NQ Dry Tropics.
• Extensive experience in the Not-For-Profit sector and a strong understanding of purpose-led organisations.
• A strong practical understanding of current environmental and sustainability frameworks (e.g. Natural Capital Accounting, environmental markets, circular economies, etc).

The Rewards and Culture
The role offers the opportunity to lead NQ Dry Tropics through a period of growth, working with an experienced Board, an established stakeholder network and a multidisciplinary team delivering programs across the Burdekin region. It is also an opportunity to live in Townsville, which combines a relaxed tropical pace with many of the services and amenities associated with larger cities. Often referred to as Queensland’s ‘second capital’, Townsville offers a mix of lifestyle and economic activity. As a major regional hub, it provides access to a range of quality education options, leading healthcare services, comparatively affordable housing, retail and dining precincts, major events and entertainment, and extensive outdoor recreation. With more than 300 days of sunshine each year, the city supports an active, outdoor-oriented way of life.

Additional benefits include:

• 5 weeks of annual leave with 17.5% leave loading
• 15% superannuation
• Provision of vehicle for personal and work use
• Professional development budget
• Annual inflation adjusted salary

How to Apply
For a confidential discussion or to review the information pack and full PD please contact Claire Black on 0407 821 086 or via claire@talentnation.com.au

Apply now by submitting your current CV and cover letter addressing the required skills and proficiencies (including highly desirable section), (in Word format) via our online application process. Please note applications will be assessed as they are received so please do not delay in applying. Applications will close 5pm AEST Friday 5th June 2026.

To be eligible to apply, you must have unrestricted rights to work in Australia. Applicants may also be required to complete psychometric and background assessments.

Talent Nation encourages applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and people of all cultures, abilities, sex, and genders. Applicants can request a reasonable adjustment at any stage during the recruitment process, please contact us so we can provide adjustments for you.