About the Organisation 

Established 45 years ago, the Sunshine Coast Environment Council (SCEC) is the peak environmental advocacy body for the region. It exists on behalf of member groups and individuals who share a commitment to preserve the natural environment and quality of life on the beautiful Sunshine Coast. 

Position Overview 

The Sunshine Coast Environment Council (SCEC) is determined to ensure our why: “Protecting what matters — nature, people, and place — for the future we all share”, is achieved in relevant and collaborative ways. SCEC, like many charity based organisations, operates in an increasingly complex and challenging economic, social, cultural and environmental landscape. 

The SCEC CEO is a dynamic and hands-on leader responsible for guiding the organisation through its next phase of evolution while honouring its proud legacy. Positioning SCEC for future impact and sustainability, the CEO provides strategic, operational, and organisational leadership, ensuring SCEC continues to thrive as a respected, independent, and values-driven environmental advocacy organisation. 

SCEC offers flexible work arrangements with an office in Nambour and potential for working from home. While the position is full time, the Management Committee is happy to negotiate with the right candidate.

Role Purpose 

As SCEC’s visionary leader, you will implement an ambitious five-year strategic plan to significantly increase SCEC’s resources, build sustainable funding sources, and expand our advocacy and engagement through partnerships. Working with a committed staff, volunteers, Management Committee, and a wider network of members and stakeholders, you will undertake innovative initiatives to preserve the region’s unique environmental heritage, motivating and inspiring collective action while fostering community resilience. This is an exceptional opportunity to advance SCEC’s impact. 

Key Responsibilities 

As with most non-profit organisations, financial stability, strong relationships, independent knowledge and integrity will form the basis of organisational success. SCEC is looking for a CEO to:

• Drive the 2024-2029 Strategic Plan, ensuring alignment with SCEC’s goals in environmental protection, community engagement, and advocacy, while strengthening SCEC’s position across the region as a leading for-impact organisation. 
• Develop and execute a diversified fundraising strategy, securing resources through grants, donations, corporate partnerships, and philanthropy to sustain SCEC’s programs, while ensuring thorough, timely, and compliant reporting and acquittal of all funding received.
• Provide strategic oversight to ensure advocacy efforts align with SCEC’s mission, values, and priorities, working in collaboration with the Advocacy and Engagement Manager.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with policymakers, government agencies, Members, and Member Groups, while strengthening SCEC’s influence and credibility as a trusted voice for the environment.
• Provide strategic leadership in stakeholder engagement by developing high-level partnerships and relationships that advance SCEC’s mission, while complementing and strengthening the engagement efforts led by the Advocacy and Engagement Manager.
• Provide organisational leadership and hold accountability for internal operations, structure, and performance, ensuring effective delivery of SCEC’s strategic and operational objectives.
• Report to and work closely with the Management Committee to support good governance, financial sustainability, and risk management, while ensuring internal alignment with the Committee’s strategic direction and decisions.
• Lead internal planning, reporting, financial management and workplace health and safety to meet regulatory obligations and reflect best-practice standards.
• Champion SCEC’s strategic representation in the community through media, events, and public forums, while supporting and amplifying the outreach and engagement initiatives led by the Advocacy and Engagement Manager.
• Working closely with the Advocacy and Engagement Manager, develop, prioritise and implement programs that address biodiversity conservation, climate action, and sustainable development, in the Sunshine Coast Region ensuring alignment with SCEC’s mission and priorities to maximise regional impact.
• Guide and support staff and volunteers in the development of advocacy positions and the implementation of SCEC’s strategic goals.
• Guide and support strategic program development to ensure alignment with SCEC’s mission and goals, with implementation led by relevant program staff and volunteers.

Skills and Experience 

SCEC is looking for an outstanding candidate with: 

1. Demonstrated leadership in environmental or sustainability sectors with experience managing teams and executing strategic plans. 
2. Proven ability to secure funding from diverse sources, including grants, donations, and partnerships. 
3. Experience working with governance bodies and managing organisational finances. Knowledge of regulatory bodies such as ACNC, ASIC, and ATO is advantageous. 
4. Experience in policy advocacy, with a proven track record of engaging with membership groups and government, academic and community stakeholders. 
5. Strong communication skills with an understanding of marketing and media. 
6. Ability to coordinate with and support a diverse membership of environmental groups, foster community involvement and support grassroots movements. 

Preferred Qualifications 

A successful candidate will have leadership experience in building and managing multi-stakeholder environmental programs and institutions. 

Formal qualifications in environmental science, natural resource management, management, fundraising, communications, or a related field will be highly regarded.