Program Director Strategy And Business Development

Permanent, full-time position Hybrid environment across Mackay or Proserpine, QLD Collaborate with passionate professionals committed to NRM The Company Our client, Reef Catchments Limited, is a not-for-profit organisation committed to the sustainable management, protection, and restoration of natural resources in the Mackay, Whitsunday, and Isaac regions of Queensland.
Through strong partnerships with Traditional Owners, landholders, government, industry, research institutions, and local communities, Reef Catchments delivers place-based, collaborative solutions to environmental challenges.
Its work spans waterway and coastal health, biodiversity, pest and weed control, sustainable agriculture, and ecosystem restoration—driving resilient outcomes where community, environment, and economy can thrive together.
The Role Reporting to the CEO, the Program Director – Strategy & Business Development is responsible for driving Reef Catchments' strategic direction and business development portfolio, identifying and securing funding opportunities, fostering key partnerships, and ensuring the organisation remains adaptive and forward-looking in response to regional NRM challenges.
This role is instrumental in ensuring financial sustainability, influence, and programmatic alignment with Reef Catchments' long-term goals.
Key Roles and Responsibilities Strategic Leadership: Guide the organisation's strategic and operational planning to deliver impactful natural resource management outcomes.
Business Development: Identify and secure funding opportunities through grants, tenders, and partnerships, aligning proposals with regional priorities.
Program Oversight: Lead the delivery of multi-stream programs, ensuring effective planning, budgeting, and alignment with organisational goals.
Stakeholder Engagement: Build and maintain strong relationships with government, industry, Traditional Owners, and community partners to co-design regional solutions.
Team Leadership: Mentor a high-performing team, fostering an inclusive, values-driven culture and supporting professional development.
Governance and Risk: Ensure organisational compliance, manage risk, and provide strategic input into executive and Board-level processes.
About You You are driven by purpose, not just process, and are motivated by the chance to innovate within the natural resource management space, finding creative ways to connect environmental goals with industry priorities and funding opportunities.
Additionally, you bring a thoughtful and strategic mindset, balancing big-picture vision with attention to detail.
Working autonomously, you take initiative and adapt with resilience in a values-driven, collaborative environment.
Above all, you want your work to contribute to a healthier, more resilient landscape—one that supports both nature and the people who depend on it.
Required Skills and Proficiencies Proven leadership experience (10+ years) in natural resource management, environmental science, regional development, or a related field.
Demonstrated success in strategic planning, business development, and aligning program delivery with long-term organisational goals.
Strong track record in securing investment through grants, tenders, and fee-for-service opportunities.
Experience developing high-quality proposals and business cases, integrating economic modelling, data analysis, and impactful communication.
Proven ability to lead multi-stream programs, ensuring effective planning, budgeting, delivery, and performance reporting.
Strong capability in stakeholder engagement across government, industry, research, traditional owners, and community sectors.
Experience leading co-design processes to develop regionally relevant NRM projects and solutions.
Demonstrated ability to lead, mentor, and manage high-performing teams in a values-led and collaborative workplace.
Familiarity with governance, compliance, and risk management frameworks, including reporting to executive leadership and/or Boards.
Skilled in using data and storytelling to communicate organisational value, outcomes, and impact.
The Rewards and Culture Reef Catchments offers a fulfilling career path with excellent work-life balance, including flexible work arrangements, five weeks of annual leave, a $2,000 per annum professional development budget for all staff, and opportunities for career development.
Proud of a culture that values its team, Reef Catchments believes "Our people are our strength." With a commitment to diversity and inclusion, the organisation builds teams from varied backgrounds, understanding that diverse perspectives and skills are essential for creating resilient ecosystems and an engaged community.
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