Chief Executive Officer

Luminary Partners; Quilpie Shire; On-site; AUD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Quilpie Shire Council is seeking an exceptional Chief Executive Officer to provide strategic leadership, build organisational capability and champion local interests across government and industry.

The CEO will report to the Mayor, lead Council operations, ensure governance and financial sustainability, and inspire a high-performing workforce in a remote region.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated executive leadership experience within local government or another complex, community-focused organisation.
• Strong knowledge of local government governance and legislative frameworks, or ability to establish credibility quickly.

Responsibilities

• Lead the implementation of Council's strategic vision and long-term priorities in partnership with the Mayor and Councillors.
• Provide strong stewardship of the organisation, ensuring effective governance, financial management and sustainable service delivery.
• Foster a high-performing and engaged workforce culture built on accountability, trust, transparency and collaboration.
• Build authentic relationships with residents, businesses, community groups and regional stakeholders.
• Serve as a visible and influential advocate for Quilpie Shire at local, state and federal levels.
• Identify and secure grant funding, investment opportunities and strategic partnerships to maximise value.
• Drive innovation and continuous improvement in a remote regional environment.
• Lead long-term planning and infrastructure initiatives for the next 10–15 years of growth.
• Represent Council with credibility and confidence to decision-makers.

Skills

Executive leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Strategic planning

Governance knowledge

Grant funding

Job description

About Quilpie Shire Council

Located in the heart of South West Queensland, Quilpie Shire is a uniquely Australian region where community spirit, resilience and opportunity combine. Encompassing the townships of Quilpie, Eromanga, Adavale, Cheepie and Toompine, the Shire covers a vast expanse of outback Queensland and is home to some of Australia's most remarkable natural landscapes, rich agricultural enterprises, tourism attractions and energy opportunities.

Known as the home of the boulder opal and gateway to iconic experiences such as Eromanga's dinosaur discoveries, Quilpie Shire is a region that consistently turns challenges into opportunities. Its communities are innovative, resourceful and deeply connected, supported by a Council committed to delivering quality services, sustainable infrastructure and long-term prosperity.

Quilpie Shire Council plays a critical role in ensuring the region remains a great place to live, work, visit and invest. Through strong governance, responsible stewardship and effective advocacy, Council continues to pursue opportunities that enhance liveability, strengthen economic development and position the region for future growth.

As the organisation looks ahead to the next decade and beyond, Council is seeking an exceptional Chief Executive Officer to provide strategic leadership, build organisational capability and champion the interests of the Shire at local, state and national levels.

About the Role

Reporting directly to the Mayor and working closely with Councillors, the Chief Executive Officer will lead the organisation across all aspects of Council operations while ensuring strong governance, financial sustainability and outstanding service delivery.

This is a highly visible leadership opportunity requiring an executive who is equally comfortable in the boardroom, the Council chamber and the community. As the principal advisor to Council and the public face of the organisation, the CEO will be responsible for building trust, fostering collaboration and representing the interests of Quilpie Shire across all levels of government and industry.

Success in this role will be underpinned by an ability to think creatively, identify solutions within constrained environments and leverage opportunities that create lasting value for the region. The CEO will actively pursue funding, investment and strategic partnerships while ensuring Council remains responsive, transparent and connected to the community it serves.

As Chief Executive Officer, you will:

• Lead the implementation of Council's strategic vision and long-term priorities in partnership with the Mayor and Councillors.
• Provide strong stewardship of the organisation, ensuring effective governance, financial management and sustainable service delivery.
• Foster a high-performing and engaged workforce culture built on accountability, trust, transparency and collaboration.
• Build authentic relationships with residents, businesses, community groups and regional stakeholders.
• Serve as a visible and influential advocate for Quilpie Shire at local, state and federal levels.
• Identify and secure grant funding, investment opportunities and strategic partnerships that maximise value for the community.
• Drive innovation and continuous improvement, finding practical solutions to complex challenges in a remote regional environment.
• Lead long-term planning and infrastructure initiatives that position the Shire for the next 10-15 years of growth and prosperity.
• Represent Council with credibility and confidence, ensuring the region's opportunities, needs and aspirations remain front of mind for key decision-makers.
• Champion open communication, transparency and community trust across all Council activities.

About You

Quilpie Shire Council is seeking a courageous, authentic and community-focused executive leader who understands that successful regional leadership is built through visibility, relationships and advocacy.

You are a strategic thinker and practical problem solver who can navigate complexity while maintaining a strong focus on outcomes. You understand that remote communities require innovative approaches and that limited resources often demand creativity, collaboration and persistence.

Most importantly, you are passionate about regional Australia and motivated by the opportunity to make a tangible difference to the future of a community and organisation.

Additionally, you will bring:

• Demonstrated executive leadership experience within local government or another complex, community-focused organisation.
• Strong knowledge of local government governance and legislative frameworks, or the ability to quickly establish credibility within the sector.
• Proven ability to build productive relationships with elected representatives, government agencies, industry and community stakeholders.
• Experience securing grants, external funding and investment opportunities to deliver strategic community outcomes.
• Outstanding communication, advocacy and stakeholder engagement skills.
• A track record of leading organisational improvement, workforce engagement and cultural development.
• Strong commercial, financial and strategic planning capability.
• Genuine commitment to transparency, integrity and public value.
• The confidence and presence to be a prominent advocate for the Shire and its future.

Applications close: Midnight, Sunday 4 October

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