Chief Executive Officer

Luminary; Quilpie Shire; On-site; AUD 300,000 - 420,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive remuneration

Leadership development opportunities

Job summary

Quilpie Shire Council seeks an exceptional Chief Executive Officer to provide strategic leadership, build organisational capability and champion the Shire’s interests. You will lead governance, financial sustainability and outstanding service delivery across all Council operations.

As principal advisor to Council and the public face of the organisation, you will foster trust, partnerships and advocacy with local, state and national levels while pursuing funding and strategic opportunities for

Qualifications

• Proven executive leadership experience in local government or similar complex organisation.
• Strong understanding of governance, policy development and statutory frameworks.
• Track record securing grants and external funding for community outcomes.
• Excellent communication, negotiation and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Demonstrated strategic thinking, financial stewardship and service delivery focus.

Responsibilities

• Lead the implementation of Council's strategic vision and long-term priorities.
• Provide governance, financial management and sustainable service delivery.
• Foster a high‑performing, accountable and transparent workforce culture.
• Build authentic relationships with residents, business groups and stakeholders.
• Advocate for Quilpie Shire at local, state and federal levels.
• Identify and secure grants, investment and partnerships for community value.
• Drive innovation and practical solutions for remote regional challenges.
• Oversee long-term planning and infrastructure to support growth.
• Represent Council with credibility and confident leadership in all forums.
• Champion open communication and community trust across activities.

Skills

Executive leadership

Local government governance

Stakeholder engagement

Grant funding

Strategic planning

Financial management

Advocacy

Communication

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.

This is a genuine opportunity to lead one of Queensland's most distinctive regional Councils and make a lasting contribution to the future of an outback community with an ambitious vision, strong identity and extraordinary potential.

Applications close: Midnight, Sunday 4 October

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