Chief Executive Officer

Western Port Biosphere; Hastings; Hybrid; AUD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Western Port Biosphere Foundation on the Mornington Peninsula seeks a Chief Executive Officer to lead development as a trusted regional environmental leader and convener.

Reporting to the Board, you will translate strategy into priorities, build partnerships, and drive sustainable funding while maintaining a values-based culture and governance excellence.

Qualifications

• Leadership of an organisation or significant portfolio in environmental or purpose-led setting.
• Experience building strategic partnerships and influencing government and community stakeholders.
• Track record securing grants, philanthropy or external funding.
• Strong organisational, financial governance and people leadership capability.
• Authentic communication, resilience and commitment to mission.

Responsibilities

• Position the Foundation as a trusted regional environmental leader and convenor.
• Lead and develop a skilled team with strong governance and accountability.
• Maintain enduring relationships with Traditional Owners, local govt, government bodies and community.
• Develop and execute a diversified funding strategy, including unrestricted income.
• Translate strategy into priorities and measurable outcomes with transparent reporting.
• Partner effectively with the Chair and Board to ensure sustainability and risk management.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Partnership development

Governance

Funding

Stakeholder engagement

Financial management

Job description

The Western Port Biosphere Foundation is seeking an exceptional Chief Executive Officer to lead its next phase of development as a trusted regional convenor for environmental leadership, sustainable development and community impact.

Designated under UNESCO's World Biosphere Programme, the Mornington Peninsula and Western Port Biosphere Reserve encompasses internationally significant wetlands, diverse terrestrial and marine ecosystems, and growing communities across five local government areas and French Island. The Foundation connects people, knowledge and resources to address climate change and biodiversity loss through science-based advocacy, partnerships and practical conservation.

The Mandate

This exciting CEO appointment is a great opportunity to build on strong foundations and position the organisation for enduring influence, financial resilience and measurable impact - while preserving the collaborative, values-led culture that makes it distinctive.

The Opportunity

Reporting to the Board through the Chair and leading a small, committed team, the CEO will translate strategy into priorities and outcomes, represent the Foundation externally, build alignment across diverse stakeholders and develop a sustainable investment and partnership

You will

• Position the Foundation as a trusted convenor and independent regional environmental leader.
• Lead and develop an engaged team, strengthening capability, systems and accountability while maintaining agility.
• Maintain enduring relationships with Traditional Owners, Local Government, Victorian and Australian Government, water corporations, research institutions, philanthropy, industry, landholders and community.
• Develop and execute a diversified funding strategy, including compelling investment propositions and stronger unrestricted income.
• Develop the Strategic Plan priorities into investable, measurable action, ready for disciplined delivery and transparent reporting.
• Work closely with the Chair and skills-based Board to ensure strong governance, financial stewardship, risk management and organisational sustainability.

About you

You are a purpose-led executive who combines strategic perspective with the willingness to remain close to delivery. You build trust across organisational and community boundaries, navigate competing priorities with political judgement, and create momentum through clarity, collaboration and follow-through.

You will bring

• Leadership of an organisation or significant portfolio, ideally within environmental, sustainability, government, natural-resource, philanthropic, community, research or another purpose-led setting.
• Demonstrated success building strategic partnerships and influencing government and community stakeholders.
• A track record securing grants, philanthropy, sponsorship, investment or other external funding.
• Strong organisational, financial, governance and people leadership capability.
• Authentic communication, resilience and genuine commitment to the Western Port Biosphere's purpose.
• Lead a respected organisation with a distinctive UNESCO platform and strong regional credibility.
• Bring together partners who cannot achieve these outcomes alone.
• Shape a sustainable organisation capable of delivering impact for the next decade.
• Contribute directly to climate resilience, biodiversity and thriving communities across Western Port.

Our purpose

To inspire a positive future by connecting people and nature today.

This role is available as a 0.8 or FT appointment.

Flexible/hybrid operating environment located at Hastings on the Mornington Peninsula.

Applications Close 18th September, 2026

Applications will be treated in strict confidence.

The successful candidate must hold unrestricted Australian working rights and complete a current National Criminal Records Check.