Chief Operating Officer — Global Reef Growth & Impact

Citizens of the Reef; Cairns Regional; On-site; AUD 250,000 - 320,000; Full time

Job summary

Citizens of the Reef is seeking a Chief Operating Officer to partner with the CEO in driving operational and commercial performance as we scale our conservation impact. You will have line management responsibility for major departments and lead cross-functional teams across finance, operations, programs, technology and engagement.

We seek a senior executive with a proven track record in P&L, revenue growth, governance and risk management, able to build systems and revenue streams in a

Qualifications

• Experience as COO or equivalent senior executive with proven mandate.
• Hands-on deal‑making: negotiating contracts and partnerships.
• Ability to manage multiple departments with cross‑functional accountability.
• 10+ years of senior executive leadership, including P&L.
• Proven track record in commercial growth and scaling.
• Strong financial literacy and budgeting experience.
• Experience building operating systems, processes, controls.
• Experience with board-level reporting and risk governance.
• Proven people leadership with high‑performing teams.
• Excellent stakeholder management and executive communication.
• High integrity and strategic judgement.

Responsibilities

• This role supports the CEO in driving operational and commercial performance as we scale.
• Lead line management for major departments across the organisation.
• Develop and execute the organisation's commercial strategy and growth plans.
• Oversee budgeting, forecasting and financial planning across programs and functions.
• Represent the organisation at senior external forums and with key partners.
• Scale operations and governance to support a global reef conservation network.

Skills

COO/Executive leadership

Commercial deal-making

Cross-functional leadership

P&L management

Strategic planning

Budget management

Financial modelling

Board/exec governance

Stakeholder management

Team leadership

Job description

Citizens of the Reef is seeking a Chief Operating Officer to partner with the CEO in driving operational and commercial performance as we scale our conservation impact. You will have line management responsibility for major departments and lead cross-functional teams across finance, operations, programs, technology and engagement.

We seek a senior executive with a proven track record in P&L, revenue growth, governance and risk management, able to build systems and revenue streams in a