• Seeking a Chief Executive Officer
• Freelance Contract till 30 June 2025 - with possibility of extension
• O.5 FTE $60,0000 (pro-rata of $120,000) pa plus Superannuation
• Hybrid
• Flexible Hours

About the Institute

In 2000, over one million hectares of the Greater Blue Mountains was declared a World Heritage Area by UNESCO in recognition of its outstanding natural values.

In 2004, the Blue Mountains World Heritage Institute was established to meet the need for an independent centre dedicated to the protection of this area through research, education, innovation and advocacy.

Today, the Institute builds essential knowledge and the evidence base that leads change to deliver on landscape-scale conservation and protected area management.

We are an established social, environmental and scientific enterprise built upon a strong foundation of research, education and community engagement, with a successful history of delivering a wide range of projects and events.

About the Position

We are seeking an entrepreneurial and innovative Chief Executive Officer to lead the organisation at a time when vast biodiverse landscapes such as the Blue Mountains are facing unprecedented pressure from climate change, species loss, bushfire, landslide, industrial and urban development and other impacts.

Your focus will be to strengthen a vital and self-sustaining organisation that remains relevant to local and global environmental issues, and makes effective use of new business models and partnerships.

This is an ideal opportunity for someone interested in working with a diverse knowledge network that takes an action-oriented and evidence-based approach to environmental issues and that addresses their ecological, socio-cultural and economic dimensions.

This position reports to and works closely with the Board and Chair.

Your support network includes:

• A well-connected, dedicated, highly experienced Board of Directors
• The Blue Mountains City Council and the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service
• A Research and Partnerships Committee, Marketing and Fundraising Committee and a Finance, Audit and Risk Committee
• Access to a network of scientists and conservation professionals
• A part time team that includes a Research Program Manager and Marketing and Communications Manager

You will be responsible for:

Strategy, Planning and Operations

• Oversee and report on the operating plan that supports the strategic direction set by the board and correlates with annual budgets.
• Collaborate with the board to define and articulate the organisation’s vision, mission and to develop a strategy for achieving that vision. Our current Strategy finishes in 2025.
• Oversee the operations of the organisation and ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.
• Lead the organisation’s strategic programs to achieve its mission, ensuring strategic alignment and maximising the use of energy and investment

Financial Sustainability

• Maintain existing strong relationships with current funders
• Develop new funding networks with foundations, individual philanthropists and smaller donors and grantmakers
• Drive the development and growth of our new regular donation initiative, The Blue Mountains Guardian and Business Guardians Program
• Identify and implement revenue earning initiatives to ensure our long-term financial viability.
• Strengthening the financial sustainability of the Institute in alignment with the operating plan.

People and Culture

• Provide leadership to the team and manage the people and cultural resources of the organisation, including hiring, managing and developing team members
• Set KPIs and performance reviews for the team in accordance with strategic priorities

Communications and key relationships

• Act as primary liaison with First Nations Communities, funders, government, research partners and other relevant partner organisations.
• Oversee development and delivery of all communications and campaigns materials (including, for example, member communications, media releases, digital, and marketing collateral)

Governance and Risk

• Operate as secretariat to the Board and Committees.
• Manage the affairs of the Institute in accordance with agreed objectives and policies.
• Continue to build an independent, ethical and innovative organisation that conducts itself with integrity, with appropriate regard to corporate, structural and governance standards.
• Develop and manage a risk management plan for the organisation.

Selection Criteria:

We are looking for someone who is keen to lead change and work with the wider community and businesses, who has the following strengths:

• A successful track record of:
  • organisational leadership and team management experience.
  • securing funding and developing revenue streams.
  • creating and managing partnerships.
• A broad understanding of environmental issues and a commitment to addressing them.
• Demonstrated ability to engage with emerging economies relating to nature and for purpose initiatives.
• A substantial network of contacts and the capacity to engage across society and organisations at local, national and international levels.
• A Master's degree or equivalent experience, with a background in either business, environmental research, conservation, or natural resource management.
• Demonstrated skills in public advocacy.

Optional/desired criteria:

• Successful track record of organisational transition, growth and development including business model development.
• Successful track record of managing multiple stakeholder projects.

Other position details

• 0.5 FTE equates to 19 hours a week or 76 hours per month.
• As a freelance contract you will require an Australian ABN and to provide your own computer.
• We offer flexible, hybrid hours aiming for at least 1 day in the Katoomba office.
• Board Meetings are held quarterly and will require your in person attendance.
• Interviews will be held June 19 and 20 in the Katoomba Office. 

Learn More: visit www.bmwhi.org to learn more about our organisation and review our 2023/2024Annual Report.

Enquiries are welcome to [email protected] using the subject line: Chief Executive Officer enquiry via EthicalJobs.