Chief Executive Officer

ReefTO Alliance; Australia; Hybrid; AUD 250,000 - 380,000; Full time

Job summary

ReefTO Alliance invites an experienced Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander leader to become Chief Executive Officer. You will work with the Board, Alliance Members and partners to shape the future of Traditional Owner leadership across the Great Barrier Reef.

You will establish and grow a high-performing, culturally grounded organisation, lead a small team, drive strategic advocacy, ensure long-term financial sustainability and build trusted relationships across communities, government,

Qualifications

• Proven executive or senior leadership experience.
• Strong governance and financial stewardship capabilities.
• Political acumen and ability to navigate complex stakeholder environments.
• Deep respect for Traditional Owner rights, cultural authority and governance.
• Formal qualifications are valued but not essential.

Responsibilities

• Lead the organisation and build capability as the Alliance expands its programs and influence.
• Drive strategic advocacy and systems change that strengthens Traditional Owner leadership across Reef decision-making.
• Oversee governance and advisory responsibilities of the Board, Elders Council and Youth Council.
• Ensure long-term financial sustainability, including stewardship and growth of the Future Fund.
• Build trusted relationships across Traditional Owner communities, government, industry, research and philanthropy.

Skills

Executive leadership

Governance capability

Stakeholder engagement

Strategic change

Financial stewardship

Job description

A rare opportunity to lead a movement more than three decades in the making.

For more than three decades, Reef Traditional Owners have advocated for greater self-determination and a stronger collective voice in decisions affecting their Sea Country. In September 2026, that vision took a historic step forward with the establishment of ReefTO Alliance.

ReefTO Alliance is an independent, member-based organisation founded and led by Reef Traditional Owners. It exists to strengthen collective voice, uphold cultural authority and self-determination, and advance Traditional Owner priorities for Sea Country.

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.

The opportunity

As inaugural CEO, you will help shape the future of Traditional Owner leadership across the Great Barrier Reef. Working closely with the Board, Alliance Members and partners, you will:

• Establish and grow a high-performing organisation grounded in the cultural authority and aspirations of Reef Traditional Owners
• Lead a dedicated team of around 15 and build capability as the Alliance’s programs and influence expand
• Drive strategic advocacy and systems change that strengthens Traditional Owner leadership in Reef decision-making
• Ensure long-term financial sustainability, including stewardship and growth of the Future Fund
• Build trusted relationships across Traditional Owner communities, government, industry, research and philanthropy
• Support the Board, Elders Council and Youth Council to fulfil their governance and advisory responsibilities

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) will report to the ReefTO Alliance Board, overseeing four direct reports and a team of approximately 15 full-time equivalent employees. The role offers flexible location arrangements, with a preference for candidates based in Queensland and/or those with a strong connection to or presence in the Great Barrier Reef region. Remuneration details are available upon request.

About you

You are an accomplished Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander leader who brings strategic vision, sound judgement and a commitment to self-determination. You understand that the Alliance’s strength comes from its Members, and you lead with integrity, humility and accountability.

You will bring:

• Proven executive or senior leadership experience
• Strong organisational, financial and governance capability
• Political acumen and the ability to navigate complex stakeholder environments
• Exceptional relationship-building and communication skills
• Experience leading strategic change, partnerships and organisational growth
• Deep respect for Traditional Owner rights, cultural authority and governance

Formal qualifications will be highly regarded but are not essential. We recognise the value of cultural knowledge, community leadership, lived experience and demonstrated leadership capability.

To perform this role, the successful applicant must be an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person. This is a genuine occupational requirement under section 25 of Anti-Discrimination Act 1991 (Qld). Reef Traditional Owners are strongly encouraged to apply.

Apply

Full position description and application: Chief Executive Officer - ReefTO

Confidential enquiries:

Will Wilson

Email: [e-mail]