Chief Executive Officer

ReefTO Alliance; Queensland; On-site; AUD 250,000 - 450,000; Full time

Job summary

ReefTO Alliance is seeking an inaugural Chief Executive Officer to lead the new, Traditional Owner–owned alliance in Queensland, Australia, guiding its formative years and setting the direction for Sea Country governance and care.

You will work with the Board, Alliance Members and partners to establish a high-performing organisation, grow programs, and advance self-determination with strong governance and financial oversight.

Qualifications

• 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.

Responsibilities

• Establish and grow a high-performing organisation grounded in the cultural authority and aspirations of Reef Traditional Owners.
• Lead a dedicated team 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.
• Build trusted relationships across Traditional Owner communities, government, industry, research and philanthropy.
• Translate Alliance Members' shared priorities into meaningful action and lasting outcomes for Sea Country.

Skills

Executive leadership

Governance

Stakeholder management

Communication skills

Strategic change

Cultural governance

Job description

• Become the inaugural CEO of a new, Traditional Owner-owned and controlled Alliance.
• Lead a movement more than 30 years in the making.
• Drive meaningful change in how the Great Barrier Reef is governed, managed and cared for.

The Opportunity

For generations, Reef Traditional Owners have cared for Sea Country, carrying cultural knowledge, responsibilities and practices that continue today. For more than 30 years, 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 an historic step forward with the establishment of the ReefTO Alliance.

The ReefTO Alliance is an independent, member-based organisation owned 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.

We are now seeking an exceptional inaugural Chief Executive Officer to lead the Alliance through its formative years and help build a strong, independent and enduring organisation for future generations.

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 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.
• Build trusted relationships across Traditional Owner communities, government, industry, research and philanthropy.
• Translate Alliance Members' shared priorities into meaningful action and lasting outcomes for Sea Country.

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 have the ability to 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, it is essential that the successful applicant is an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person. This is a genuine occupational requirement under section 25 of the Anti Discrimination Act 1991 (QLD). Reef Traditional Owners are strongly encouraged to apply.

Join Us

This is a rare opportunity to shape an organisation of national significance and help realise a vision advanced by Reef Traditional Owners over many decades.

Lead the next chapter. Strengthen self-determination. Deliver lasting outcomes for Sea Country.