• Competitive base salary of $200,000 per annum plus superannuation.
• Opportunity to make a meaningful impact in a Traditional Owner organisation, supporting culture and community.
• Accommodation or relocation arrangements may be negotiated with the successful candidate.
• A company vehicle (including registration, insurance and fuel) is provided with negotiated private use.

Ballardong is a community owned and community governed organisation representing Ballardong Noongar Traditional Owners and managing their cultural, heritage, and native title rights and obligations.

We are seeking an experienced and dedicated Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to lead the organisation, ensuring strong governance, operational excellence, and culturally informed decision-making that reflects the aspirations of Traditional Owners.

About the Role

Reporting to the Board, the CEO will provide strategic leadership and oversee all aspects of organisational operations, including governance, compliance, financial management, strategic planning, resource allocation, stakeholder engagement, and organisational development. The CEO will represent the organisation in key forums and maintain strong relationships with government agencies, funding bodies, regulators, community stakeholders and Traditional Owners.

The role leads a small team, fosters organisational capability, and promotes a culturally safe, high performing workplace. Cultural awareness, respect, and relationship building are essential to success in this position.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide leadership across governance, compliance, risk management, strategic and operational planning and implementation.
• Manage financial planning, budgeting, reporting, and resource allocation with integrity.
• To lead all activities related to the land estate and settlement agreement including: communications, meetings, discussions and negotiations with the Trustee, local, state and federal government bodies, funders and investors, land/business development partners and collaborators.
• Oversee program delivery and ensure reporting obligations to funding partners are met.
• Build and maintain partnerships with community, government, and industry stakeholders.
• Represent the organisation in public, community, industry, and regulatory forums.
• Promote a culturally safe workplace and support workforce development.

About You

You are an experienced senior leader with a background in community services, not for profit, government, or Aboriginal community-controlled organisations. You bring strong skills in governance, strategy, financial management, and operations, and understand the responsibilities of a Traditional Owner organisation within a regulatory framework.

You have a proven ability to build strong relationships with government agencies, regulators, community organisations, and Traditional Owners. You lead with respect, clarity, and cultural awareness, and are committed to strengthening organisational capability with integrity.

You will excel in people, culture and team management, bringing staff together to achieve the organisation’s Strategic and Operational Plans.

Relevant qualifications in business, finance, community services, or a related field, native title understanding and at least 10 years’ experience leading at a senior level are essential.

First Nations leaders are strongly encouraged to apply.

Location

This role is based in Northam (minimum 3 days per week).

See the position description attached below for further information about this role.