Chief Executive Officer

The HR Room; South Australia; On-site; AUD 180,000 - 280,000; Full time

Job summary

The National Trust of South Australia (NTSA) is seeking an exceptional Chief Executive Officer to guide governance, fundraising, heritage conservation, tourism and community engagement across the state. This leadership role focuses on growth, sustainability and impact for future generations.

Reporting to Council, the CEO will drive strategic planning, partnerships and revenue diversification, while overseeing branches, volunteers and multi-site operations with a values-driven, high-performing

Qualifications

• Proven track record leading complex organisations through growth and transformation.
• Strong governance experience with Boards, Councils or committees.
• Expertise in budgeting, financial management and revenue diversification.
• Successful grant, sponsorship and philanthropic fundraising experience.
• Experience with stakeholder engagement across government, industry and communities.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic and operational leadership across governance, finance, advocacy and performance.
• Lead delivery of the organisation's Strategic Plan and growth initiatives.
• Build partnerships and diversify revenue streams for sustainability.
• Oversee heritage conservation, tourism, education and community engagement.
• Lead and develop a high-performing, values-driven workforce.
• Ensure strong governance, risk management and accountability.

Skills

Executive leadership

Strategic planning

Governance

Stakeholder engagement

Financial acumen

Fundraising

Public speaking

Change management

People leadership

Education

Tertiary qualifications in Business/Management/Governance/Public Administration/Law

AICD qualification or governance credentials

Job description

Lead the Future of South Australia's Heritage

The National Trust of South Australia (NTSA) is seeking an exceptional and visionary leader to become its next Chief Executive Officer.

This is a rare opportunity to lead one of South Australia's most respected community organisations as it enters an exciting period of growth, renewal and transformation.

Established in 1955, the National Trust of South Australia is the State's largest community-based conservation organisation and custodian of significant heritage properties, museums, collections, nature reserves and cultural landscapes. Through conservation, advocacy, tourism, education and community engagement, NTSA preserves and celebrates the places and stories that define South Australia.

Working alongside passionate staff, volunteers, members and stakeholders, the CEO will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the organisation while ensuring its long-term sustainability, relevance and impact for future generations.

The Opportunity

Reporting directly to Council, the Chief Executive Officer will provide strategic and operational leadership across governance, financial sustainability, fundraising, advocacy, heritage conservation, tourism and organisational performance.

The successful candidate will lead delivery of the Strategic Plan, strengthen organisational capability, build strategic partnerships and revenue streams, support a diverse network of branches and volunteers, and further establish NTSA as a leading voice for heritage conservation and community engagement.

Key Priorities

• Deliver strategic growth and organisational transformation.
• Strengthen financial sustainability and commercial performance.
• Drive fundraising, philanthropy, grants and partnership opportunities.
• Enhance visitor experiences and maximise the potential of NTSA's heritage properties and assets.
• Build strong relationships with government, industry, tourism and community stakeholders.
• Support and empower branches, volunteers and regional operations.
• Champion heritage conservation, advocacy and public engagement.
• Oversee major projects, adaptive re-use initiatives and property development opportunities.
• Lead, inspire and develop a high-performing and values-driven workforce.
• Ensure strong governance, risk management and organisational accountability.

About You

You are an accomplished and inspiring executive leader with a proven track record of successfully leading complex organisations through growth, transformation and change.

You will bring:

• Demonstrated experience as a CEO, Executive Director, General Manager or senior executive within a complex organisation.
• Proven success developing and delivering strategic plans that achieve sustainable organisational growth and measurable outcomes.
• Strong commercial and financial acumen, including budgeting, financial management, revenue diversification and business development.
• Experience driving organisational transformation, leading change initiatives and fostering cultures of innovation and continuous improvement.
• A successful track record securing grants, sponsorships, philanthropy, donations and strategic partnerships.
• Highly developed governance capability, including experience working closely with Boards, Councils, Committees or governing bodies.
• Exceptional stakeholder engagement skills and the ability to build trusted relationships across government, industry, community and member-based environments.
• Demonstrated experience leading, coaching and developing high-performing teams while fostering an inclusive and values-driven culture.
• Outstanding communication, advocacy and public speaking skills, with the ability to represent the organisation confidently in public forums.
• Experience overseeing significant assets, property portfolios, projects or multi-site operations.
• The ability to balance strategic thinking with operational excellence and execution.

Highly Regarded

• Experience within heritage, cultural, tourism, conservation, property, membership or not-for-profit sectors.
• Experience working with volunteer-driven organisations and geographically dispersed teams.
• Relevant tertiary qualifications in Business, Management, Governance, Public Administration, Law or a related discipline.
• Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD) qualification or equivalent governance credentials.

Join Us

This is an opportunity to leave a lasting legacy for South Australia by protecting our heritage, strengthening communities and shaping the future of an iconic organisation.

Protect our past. Shape our future. Lead with purpose.

Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.