Acting Chief Executive Officer (Parental Leave Cover)

Museum of Fire; Penrith; Hybrid; AUD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

The Museum of Fire in Penrith, NSW, seeks an experienced Acting CEO to provide strategic and operational leadership during a parental leave cover period. The role focuses on preserving firefighting history while guiding staff and volunteers to deliver high-quality visitor experiences.

You will work with the Board to ensure financial sustainability, plan strategically, and strengthen stakeholder relationships, exhibitions and community engagement.

Qualifications

• Experience leading organisations with strategic and operational oversight.
• Ability to manage finances, budgeting and reporting in a not-for-profit setting.
• Proven ability to engage stakeholders and donors, and build partnerships.

Responsibilities

• Report to the Board of Directors and provide strategic and operational leadership during parental leave.
• Oversee day-to-day operations, volunteers and staff while ensuring financial sustainability.
• Lead governance, exhibitions, visitor services, fundraising and community engagement to support the museum's priorities.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic planning

Financial management

Not-for-profit experience

Stakeholder engagement

Communication skills

Operational oversight

Customer focus

History & heritage passion

Xero payroll knowledge

Education

Postgraduate heritage studies

Job description

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced leader to take the helm of a unique, community-focused organisation dedicated to preserving history

02nd November, 2026

• Lead the operations, people and strategic direction of the Museum of Fire in Penrith
• Play a pivotal role in preserving and promoting Australia's firefighting history and heritage
• Full-time, fixed-term leadership opportunity for approximately 14 months (parental leave cover)

02nd November, 2026

• Lead the operations, people and strategic direction of the Museum of Fire in Penrith
• Play a pivotal role in preserving and promoting Australia's firefighting history and heritage
• Full-time, fixed-term leadership opportunity for approximately 14 months (parental leave cover)

Our client, the Museum of Fire, is seeking an experienced, collaborative and capable leader to take on the role of Acting Chief Executive Officer, providing strategic and operational leadership during a period of parental leave.

About the Opportunity… This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced leader to take the helm of a unique, community-focused organisation dedicated to preserving history, educating the public and celebrating Australia's firefighting heritage.

Reporting directly to the Board of Directors, the Acting CEO will oversee the day-to-day operations of the Museum, providing leadership to its employees and volunteers while ensuring the organisation remains financially sustainable, well-managed and focused on its strategic priorities.

The role encompasses strategic planning, financial management, people leadership, governance, exhibitions, visitor services, fundraising and community engagement. You'll work closely with the Board, staff, volunteers and external stakeholders to maintain quality operations, strengthen relationships and support the Museum's ongoing success.

The details…

• Full-time, fixed-term appointment (parental leave cover)
• Anticipated commencement January 2027
• Approximately 14 months, anticipated to conclude in March 2028
• 37.5 hours per week
• Based in Penrith, NSW (with regular travel required)

About the organisation…

The Museum of Fire is a unique cultural and heritage organisation located in Penrith, NSW, dedicated to preserving and sharing the history of firefighting and fire services. Through its collection of historic firefighting vehicles, equipment, artefacts and exhibitions, the Museum plays an important role in protecting Australia's firefighting heritage and making it accessible to the community.

Supported by a dedicated team of employees and volunteers, the Museum provides educational experiences, exhibitions, tours and community activities that connect visitors with the history and ongoing significance of firefighting. The Museum also relies on strong community relationships, memberships, fundraising, sponsorships and grants to support its ongoing operations and preservation activities.

If you're passionate about leading a purpose-driven organisation where history, education and community come together, we'd love to hear from you.

What you'll need to succeed…

This role will suit an experienced and adaptable leader who brings a strong combination of strategic thinking, operational management, financial capability and people leadership. You'll be comfortable working closely with a Board of Directors, managing competing priorities and leading a diverse team of employees and volunteers. You'll also bring a genuine appreciation for history, heritage and community engagement, along with the ability to maintain organisational stability and momentum during a temporary leadership appointment. Experience in the not-for-profit, museum, heritage or cultural sector would be particularly valuable.

Selection Criteria…

• Tertiary qualification in museum studies, history, cultural studies or a related field, preferably at postgraduate level
• Demonstrated leadership and management skills, including the ability to lead, support and motivate employees and volunteers
• Strong strategic planning and operational management capabilities, with the ability to translate organisational objectives into practical outcomes
• Sound financial and business management skills, including budgeting, financial reporting and financial oversight
• Experience working within a not-for-profit organisation, with an understanding of its unique operational, financial and stakeholder challenges
• Demonstrated experience in fundraising, grant applications, sponsorships and developing partnerships to support organisational sustainability
• Excellent stakeholder engagement and relationship management skills, including the ability to work collaboratively with a Board of Directors, community partners and external stakeholders
• Be familiar with the accounting platform Xero and be able to process payroll regularly, as well as be able to perform other daily accounting tasks as required
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including report writing, public speaking and representing an organisation in community and professional settings
• Demonstrated ability to oversee multiple operational functions, manage competing priorities and make sound decisions
• Strong customer service focus and commitment to delivering positive visitor and community experiences
• A genuine passion for history, heritage preservation and community education
• Knowledge or understanding of firefighting history or the fire services sector would be advantageous, but is not essential

Why join the Museum of Fire?

• Opportunity to lead a unique and respected heritage organisation
• Meaningful work preserving and sharing Australia's firefighting history
• Work alongside passionate employees, volunteers and Board members
• Diverse leadership role spanning strategy, operations, people and community engagement
• Opportunity to make a genuine contribution during an important period of organisational transition

Closing date: COB (5pm) Monday 16th November 2026

All applicants will be required to provide current clearance of an NSW Working with Children Check and undergo a Police Check.