• Hours: 28-30 hours per week (0.8 FTE)
• Remuneration: $105,000 - $130,000 FTE 
• Contract Period: September onwards 
• Reports to: Board Chair 
• Accountable to: Board Chair and Board of Directors

About Landcare ACT: Landcare ACT is a member-based not-for-profit organisation dedicated to supporting community groups and volunteers in conserving, enhancing, and sustainably managing our environment. With our five member organisations we represent, support and promote the approximately 100 community groups and thousands of individuals, who help look after rural areas, urban parklands, nature reserves and waterways of the ACT Region. We work collaboratively with local landholders, government agencies and other stakeholders to foster community-led environmental stewardship.

Position Overview: The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) is responsible for leadership and the overall management and operation of Landcare ACT, ensuring the achievement of its mission, goals, and objectives. The ideal candidate will have a strong commitment to environmental conservation and a track record of successful organisational leadership, ideally in the not-for-profit sector.

Key Responsibilities:

• Leadership and Strategic Planning:
  • Provide leadership and direction to the organisation in accordance with Board decisions and ensure alignment with the strategic plan and organisational values.
  • Work with the Board to develop, maintain and implement Landcare ACT’s strategic plan.
  • Identify and respond to opportunities and challenges in the external environment.
• Stakeholder Engagement and Advocacy
  • Build and maintain strong relationships with members and stakeholders, including community groups, government agencies, and partners.  
  • Enhance the organisation’s profile to influence and be an effective voice to government, business and the wider community including representing Landcare ACT in public forums, media, at National Landcare Network meetings and forums and community events.
• Represent Landcare ACT at meetings, conferences, and events to promote the organisation’s mission and programs.
  • Work with member organisations to ensure that the concerns of community volunteers, landholders and Ngunawal Traditional Custodians are represented in Landcare ACT’s operations. 
• Financial Oversight
  • Manage the financial health of the organisation, including budgeting, financial reporting, and compliance.
  • Oversee grant applications and reporting processes.
  • Identify and develop potential revenue streams to help achieve strategic objectives
• Overall Management of the Organisation: 
  • Ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.
  • Ensure Organisational policies are kept up-dated and reviewed as needed.
  • Provide leadership in creating a safe and productive work environment, giving priority to considering physical and psychosocial risks.
  • Establish HR support systems for the organisation e.g. EAP, coaching.
• Team Leadership and Development:
  • Lead, inspire, and manage the staff team, fostering a positive and collaborative work environment.
  • Work with staff to ensure LACT efficiently and effectively manages resources.
  • Oversee recruitment, development, and performance management of employees.
• Board Support:
  • Advice the Chair and the Board Directors on governance arrangements and ensure arrangements, as agreed by the Board, are implemented.
  • Work closely with the Chair to support the effective functioning of the Board, particularly in planning and preparing for Board meetings, and implementing Board decisions.
  • Ensure Board agendas and papers are prepared and circulated to the Board members in a timely manner.
  • Provide regular updates on organisational performance, strategic initiatives and risks at Board meetings, or as required.
  • Support the Board in fulfilling its governance and fiduciary responsibilities. 
• Program Development and Management:

• Oversee the development and implementation of programs and projects.
• Ensure programs align with the organisation's mission and deliver measurable impact.
• Evaluate program outcomes and implement improvements as needed.

Selection Criteria:

Essential:

• Demonstrated experience in senior leadership role, preferably with a not-for-profit, environmental or community-led sector.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including proven ability to build and maintain relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• Strong strategic thinking, problem solving and organisational skills.
• Demonstrated financial management experience, including budgeting and financial reporting. 
• Commitment to environmental conservation and community engagement.

Desirable:

• An understanding of the environmental, social and institutional context of community environmental management, community volunteering and/or working with Ngunawal Traditional Custodians in the ACT.
• Tertiary qualifications or equivalent experience in natural resource management, environmental conservation, business administration or a related field.
• Experience in engaging with the corporate sector and philanthropic fundraising. in the not-for-profit sector. 
• Demonstrated experience of working with the government, including securing funding and delivering programs.