Chief Executive Officer

McArthur; Adelaide; Hybrid; AUD 260,000 - 360,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Prospect is seeking an experienced Chief Executive Officer to guide the Council through a period of growth and change from a strong strategic position. The CEO will align the organisation with community priorities, build strong relationships with Council Members, staff, business and government, and ensure decisions translate into action and outcomes.

The role requires political awareness, sound judgement and the ability to navigate complex issues while maintaining financial discipline

Qualifications

• Significant executive leadership experience in a complex private or public organisation.
• Strong leadership and people management with high emotional intelligence.
• Political acumen and sound judgement for diverse stakeholders.
• Sound decision-making and creative problem-solving skills.
• Ability to provide clear, practical and well-considered advice on complex matters.
• Well-developed commercial and financial capability, including financial planning and asset management.
• Proven record of delivering outcomes and strong organisational performance.
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain effective relationships across Council, staff, community, business and government.
• Sound understanding of governance and legislative responsibilities.
• Relevant tertiary qualifications or substantial equivalent experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and implementation of Council's Strategic Plan, Annual Business Plan and key priorities.
• Ensure Council decisions and agreed actions are implemented in a timely and effective manner.
• Lead the Executive team and oversee the performance and effective management of the organisation.
• Ensure Council's financial and asset management supports long-term sustainability.
• Oversee the delivery of major projects, services and operations, with clear accountability for time, budget and outcomes.
• Identify and progress investment and economic development opportunities for the City of Prospect.
• Provide clear, accurate and timely advice to the Mayor and Council Members.
• Maintain effective communication and working relationships between Council and the Administration.
• Ensure Council meets its governance, risk and compliance obligations.
• Maintain a strong customer service culture and ensure Council remains responsive to its community.
• Represent Council and maintain effective relationships with community, businesses and government.
• Continue to improve Council’s systems.

Skills

Executive leadership

People management

Political acumen

Decision making

Advising

Finance

Delivery track record

Stakeholder relationships

Governance knowledge

Qualifications or equivalent

Education

Tertiary qualifications

Job description

Lead a connected Council with a strong record of delivery and a clear vision for the future.

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• Strong leader with a proven record of delivery
• Commercially minded with good judgement and political awareness
• Build strong relationships across Council and the community

About City of Prospect…

Located just minutes from Adelaide's CBD, City of Prospect is a diverse and growing community with established neighbourhoods, vibrant main streets, thriving local businesses and a strong community identity.

City of Prospect has the close connections of a smaller Council, with a strong record of delivery and an outlook that extends well beyond its size.

The city continues to grow and change, creating opportunities around development, investment, infrastructure and local business, while retaining the character and community connections that make Prospect a great place to live and work.

About the role…

This is an opportunity to lead City of Prospect at an important time for the organisation and community. Council is looking for an experienced and inspired leader who can provide clear direction, build rapport and work effectively with Council Members and ensure decisions and priorities result in action and outcomes.

The CEO will be a key link between Council and the Administration, providing considered advice and ensuring Council Members have the information they need to make informed decisions. The role requires political awareness, sound judgement and the ability to work through complex issues while developing and maintaining effective relationships across Council.

The role has significant responsibility for Council's financial and operational performance, including long‑term financial and asset planning, major projects and the effective use of Council resources. The CEO will also identify and progress opportunities for investment and economic growth, ensuring opportunities are well considered, financially sound and aligned with Council and community priorities.

The CEO will provide strong and visible leadership across the organisation, with clear expectations of performance, accountability and delivery. They will work closely with the established and high performing Executive team and build strong relationships with staff, Council Members, community, businesses, state and federal government and other key stakeholders.

What you will do…

• Lead the development and implementation of Council's Strategic Plan, Annual Business Plan and key priorities.
• Ensure Council decisions and agreed actions are implemented in a timely and effective manner.
• Lead the Executive team and oversee the performance and effective management of the organisation.
• Ensure Council's financial and asset management supports long‑term sustainability.
• Oversee the delivery of major projects, services and operations, with clear accountability for time, budget and outcomes.
• Identify and progress investment and economic development opportunities for the City of Prospect.
• Provide clear, accurate and timely advice to the Mayor and Council Members.
• Maintain effective communication and working relationships between Council and the Administration.
• Ensure Council meets its governance, risk and compliance obligations.
• Maintain a strong customer service culture and ensure Council remains responsive to its community.
• Represent Council and maintain effective relationships with community, businesses and government.
• Continue to improve Council’s systems … ....…. ....…. ..… ... 剂.

What Council is looking for…

• Significant executive leadership experience in a complex private or public organisation
• Strong leadership and people management skills, with high emotional intelligence and clear expectations around accountability and performance.
• Political acumen and sound judgement, with the ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders.
• Sound decision-making and creative problem‑solving skills, with the confidence to make decisions and follow through.
• The ability to provide clear, practical and well‑considered advice, particularly on complex or sensitive matters.
• Well‑developed commercial and financial capability, including financial planning, asset management and major projects.
• A proven record of delivering outcomes and achieving strong organisational performance.
• A demonstrated ability to build and maintain effective relationships across Council, staff, community, business and government.
• A sound understanding of governance and legislative responsibilities, with a commitment to responsive services and positive community outcomes.
• Relevant tertiary qualifications and/or substantial equivalent experience.

Bring your leadership, judgement and track record of delivery to a Council where you can make a visible and lasting difference - Lead with purpose. Deliver with impact to help shape the future of the City of Prospect.

Applications close at 9am Monday 26 th October 2026.

Confidential enquiries can be directed at Rebecca Hunt or Teresa Nilsson on [phone].