Chief Executive Officer - Indigo Shire

Gem Executive; Beechworth; On-site; AUD 250,000 - 360,000; Full time

Job summary

Indigo Shire Council in Victoria's Northeast is seeking an exceptional Chief Executive Officer to lead the region, champion advocacy and build strong government and industry relationships. As Council's principal adviser and advocate, you will guide an energetic Executive Leadership Team, drive governance and outcomes, and steward resources for sustainable growth.

You will engage communities, elevate service delivery and foster a culture of innovation to advance Indigo Shire's priorities and

Qualifications

• Executive leadership experience in local government or similar complex organisation.
• Genuine understanding of regional and rural Councils; Victorian/regional experience valued.
• Strong advocacy skills given reliance on government funding.
• Financial, commercial and asset management expertise.
• Track record of building trust, driving change and fostering innovation.

Responsibilities

• Act as Council's principal adviser, ambassador and advocate to Councillors and community.
• Lead a high-performing Executive Leadership Team and embed a culture of innovation and accountability.
• Drive organisational transformation and financial sustainability through stewardship of Council resources.
• Strengthen social, economic and environmental wellbeing of Indigo Shire.
• Champion Indigo Shire's future-focused agenda with the community.

Skills

Executive leadership

Advocacy & stakeholder engagement

Financial management

Strategic governance

Education

Degree in public administration or related

Job description

Indigo Shire Council is seeking an exceptional Chief Executive Officer to lead this dynamic and highly regarded region in Victoria's Northeast into its next chapter. This is a rare opportunity for a values-driven, strategic leader to champion advocacy, build powerful government and industry relationships, and create a genuine culture of innovation and outcomes across the organisation.

About Indigo Shire

Indigo Shire is one of Victoria's most distinctive rural municipalities, located in the picturesque North East approximately three hours from Melbourne. Home to more than 17,600 residents across the vibrant townships of Beechworth, Rutherglen, Chiltern, Yackandandah, Wahgunyah, Barnawartha, Kiewa-Tangambalanga and Stanley, the Shire combines heritage-rich communities, renowned wine regions, productive agricultural land and outstanding natural landscapes stretching from the Murray River to the foothills of the Victorian Alps. With a diverse and resilient economy valued at more than $1 billion annually and almost 900,000 visitors each year, Indigo Shire offers significant untapped opportunity for the right leader to unlock and backed by a cohesive Council, a strong volunteer culture and an engaged and active community.

The Role

As Council's principal adviser, ambassador and advocate, the CEO works in partnership with Councillors to drive strategic decision-making, exemplary governance and the delivery of Council's priorities.

• Acting as Council's principal advocate, cultivating strong relationships with government, industry and regional partners to unlock funding, investment and opportunities for growth
• Building trusted, collaborative partnerships with Councillors, community and stakeholders that support good governance and shared outcomes
• Leading a high-performing Executive Leadership Team, embedding a culture of innovation, accountability, collaboration and continuous improvement
• Driving organisational transformation and financial sustainability through sound stewardship of Council's resources
• Championing a future-focused agenda that strengthens the social, economic and environmental wellbeing of Indigo Shire

About You

You are an energetic, decisive and strategic leader who thrives on outcomes. You bring:

• Demonstrated executive leadership experience in local government or a similarly complex organisation
• A genuine understanding of regional and rural Councils, with Victorian/regional experience highly valued
• A strong, considered approach to advocacy, given Indigo Shire's reliance on government funding
• Strong financial, commercial and asset management expertise
• A track record of building trust, driving change and fostering an innovative, high-performing culture
• The energy, passion and community focus to embrace Indigo Shire and bring the organisation and community along with you

Why Indigo Shire

• A cohesive, well-regarded Council with no external issues or governance breakdowns
• An outstanding lifestyle, food, wine, arts, culture, sport, mountains, waterways and cycle trails
• Easy access to a regional airport with daily connections to Melbourne and Sydney.
• Excellent local, secondary and tertiary education institutions within the region
• A strong, passionate community ready to back a CEO with energy and vision

Applications close Wednesday 23rd September

If you have the leadership, capability and vision to make a difference, we want to hear from you.