Chief Executive Officer-Identified

FIRST PEOPLE Recruitment Solutions; Melbourne; Remote; AUD 252,000 - 308,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment agency is seeking a Chief Executive Officer for a newly established clean energy organization aimed at empowering First Nations communities. The ideal candidate will have a senior executive track record in related sectors and expertise in the Australian energy market. This full-time role offers the opportunity to drive significant social and economic outcomes for Traditional Owners, with a total package of $280,000 plus superannuation.

Qualifications

• Identify as an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person.
• Senior executive track record in clean energy or finance.
• Strong grasp of the Australian energy market.

Responsibilities

• Lead the strategic plan with the Board.
• Establish the organisation’s structure.
• Build relationships with First Nations communities.

Skills

Negotiation skills

Relationship building

Cultural awareness

Education

Tertiary qualifications in business, finance, law, or engineering

Job description

Base pay range

$280,000.00/yr - $280,000.00/yr

Direct message the job poster from FIRST PEOPLE Recruitment Solutions

Chief Executive Officer (Identified) —First Nations-Led Clean Energy Organisation

Chief Executive Officer (Identified) —First Nations-Led Clean Energy Organisation

Location: Flexible within Australia

Package: $280,000 + superannuation

Identified Role: Open only to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander applicants

The CEO will lead an organisation dedicated to empowering First Nations communities, through clean-energy project development and investment

The opportunity

FPRS is privileged to partner with a newly established profit-for-purpose organisation, to appoint their inaugural CEO. The CEO will lead an organisation dedicated to empowering First Nations communities, through clean-energy project development and investment. They will build the organisation (an initiative of Original Power and the First Nations Clean Energy Network) from the ground up, aiming to secure meaningful equity participation for Traditional Owners and deliver enduring economic and social outcomes.

Initial 2-year contract guaranteed (plus 3 years subject to budget).

What you’ll lead

• Strategy & growth: Co-design and execute the strategic plan with the Board; position the organisation as a trusted First Nations project developer and advisor.
• Operations: Establish the organisation’s structure, systems and policies; recruit and mentor a high-performing team; drive a culture of innovation and accountability.
• Finance: Own budgets and forecasting; steward revenue models spanning advisory fees, equity returns and investment income.
• Stakeholders: Build trusted relationships with First Nations communities, project developers, investors, governments and market operators; act as a respected public voice when required.
• Projects & investment: Originate, assess and negotiate clean-energy projects on Country; develop repeatable ownership and financing structures that attract private capital and deliver community value.

About you

• Identify as an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person (Identified position).
• Senior executive track record in clean energy, major projects, finance, infrastructure or adjacent sectors.
• Strong grasp of the Australian energy market, renewables, and project finance.
• Proven success building organisations/large programs from inception and delivering measurable outcomes.
• Exceptional relationship building, negotiation and communication skills, with deep cultural awareness and experience working with First Nations communities.
• Tertiary qualifications in business, finance, engineering, law or related discipline (or equivalent experience).
• Shape a First Nations-led organisation at a pivotal moment for Australia’s energy transition.
• Deliver tangible economic participation and long-term benefits for communities.
• Work with mission-driven partners in a rapidly growing, high-impact sector.

How to apply

If you are an entrepreneurial executive with a proven track record in building sustainable organisations and ready to shape the future of First Nations involvement in the clean energy sector, we want to hear from you.

Please submit your CV and cover letter outlining your relevant leadership impact, achievements and your connection to community outcomes.

For a confidential discussion or to request the detailed brief, contact Shane Kennelly at [e-mail].

Applications for this position will close midnight, Friday 3rd October 2025.

FIRST PEOPLE Recruitment Solutions is a majority Aboriginal owned agency providing permanent recruitment solutions to Government and Corporate Australia.

FIRST PEOPLE Recruitment Solutions acknowledges the traditional owners of country throughout Australia and recognises their continuing connection to land, waters and community. We pay our respect to them and their cultures; and to elders past, present and emerging.

Seniority level

• Executive

Employment type

• Full-time

Job function

• Business Development and Sales

Industries

• Investment Management
• Strategic Management Services
• Financial Services

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