• Canberra based or location suitable for frequent travel
• Full time 
• Fixed term 2-year contract, possibility to extend

The Company

Our client NRM Regions Australia is the peak body for the nation’s 54 regional Natural Resource Management (NRM) organisations working across the whole country. For more than two decades, the unique Australian model of integrated land and resource management has delivered long‑term environmental, agricultural and community benefits.

Working in partnership with First Nations Australians, landholders, communities, industry, conservation groups and government, regional NRM organisations deliver the essential service of restoring and sustaining Australia’s biodiversity and productive landscapes. As the national voice for the sector, NRM Regions Australia provides leadership through advocacy, capability‑building, innovation, and strategic influence to strengthen policy, investment and on‑ground outcomes

The Role

NRM Regions Australia is seeking a values‑driven, strategic and collaborative CEO to guide the organisation through its next phase of growth and national influence. As the sector’s leader and chief advocate, the CEO will strengthen partnerships, shape policy, and champion the regional NRM model on the national stage.

Externally, the CEO represents regional NRM organisations on national committees and works closely with government, First Nations partners, industry, research bodies and peak organisations to secure enduring investment and drive systemic change. Internally, the CEO ensures strong governance, operational excellence, risk management and organisational resilience while supporting a small, high‑performing team and a diverse national membership. The role includes leading implementation of the 2030 Strategic Plan and ensuring the organisation’s continued influence and impact.

Key Roles and Responsibilities

• Lead the 2030 Strategy, translating Board direction into national influence, sector outcomes and organisational performance.
• Drive national recognition of the regional NRM model and its impact.
• Strengthening advocacy to influence Commonwealth and State policy, programs and investment across environment, climate, biodiversity and sustainable agriculture.
• Drive action to secure, diversify and consolidate sustainable funding for NRM Regions Australia and the sector.
• Represent the sector nationally, providing authoritative leadership across committees, forums, research bodies and policy platforms.
• Strengthen collaboration, capability and innovation across regional NRM organisations.
• Deepen partnerships with First Nations organisations, championing Indigenous leadership, knowledge and land/sea management.
• Anticipate and coordinate responses to emerging NRM issues, risks and opportunities.
• Advise the Board on policy, NRM issues, and strategic direction.
• Oversee governance, WHS, HR, budgeting, compliance and organisational risk.
• Lead a small central team and manage contractors to deliver organisational functions and strategic initiatives.
• Coordinate national initiatives (submissions, briefings, key forums, National Conference) and enhance communications during scale‑up.

About You

You are a purpose‑driven, trusted leader who brings humility, clarity and strategic perspective. You thrive in complex stakeholder environments and are skilled at building consensus, navigating policy, and driving national outcomes. You balance commercial insight with deep care for people, and confidently operate with Boards, senior leaders and diverse communities.

An experienced executive (CEO or senior leader), you set clear direction, communicate with influence, and empower teams and membership networks. You stay focused on the big picture while enabling delivery through others. Resilient, collaborative and future‑focused, you are motivated by national impact, systems‑level change and purposeful leadership.

Required Skills and Proficiencies

• Recognised strategic leader able to influence the NRM sector and deliver impact.
• Strong understanding of purpose‑led organisations and environmental, social, and economic contexts.
• Familiarity with environmental stewardship, sustainable agriculture, climate resilience, land use, and integrated management (or commitment to develop).
• Skilled in building partnerships across government, industry, research, community, and with First Nations organisations.
• Strong negotiation capability in complex stakeholder environments.
• Experience securing funding, negotiating agreements, and enabling innovative investment pathways.
• Senior management experience leading multi‑disciplinary teams, with capability in strategy, governance, risk, compliance, and financial oversight.
• Excellent written and verbal communication; confident public and media representative.
• Current driver’s licence.

The Rewards and Culture

NRM Regions Australia fosters a collaborative, community‑focused culture grounded in respect for First Nations custodians, with a strong emphasis on partnership, shared knowledge and working together for stronger environmental outcomes. They embody values such as learning, accountability, kindness, and openness, contributing to a supportive and purpose‑driven workplace environment.

Stepping into this role places you at the forefront of Australia’s NRM sector representing a respected national organisation on the global stage, contribute to major environmental summits, and speak at influential forums alongside leaders in land management, climate, and sustainability. You will build partnerships across environment, agriculture and energy, lead the sector’s bi‑annual national conference, and spend time in the field with regional organisations seeing the impact of NRM delivery firsthand. It is a role with genuine influence, visibility, and purpose.

Next Steps

Apply by clicking on "Apply Now" and submitting your current CV and cover letter (in Word format) via our online application process. To review the information pack or for a confidential discussion please contact Claire Black on 0407 821 086 or via [email protected] using the subject line: Chief Executive Officer - NRM Regions Australia enquiry via EthicalJobs.

To be eligible to apply, you must have unrestricted rights to work in Australia.

Applications will be reviewed as they are received so, please don’t delay in applying.

Talent Nation encourages applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and people of all cultures, abilities, sex, and genders. Applicants can request a reasonable adjustment at any stage during the recruitment process, please contact us so we can provide adjustments for you.

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