Chief Stregic Partnerships and Innovion Officer

CQID is experiencing organisational growth across all services and seeking suitable candidates for a range of positions.

CQID is one of the largest employers of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the Central Queensland region. Offering a broad range of service areas, with roles that serve our community across Rockhampton, Emerald, Longreach, Woorabinda, Gladstone, Bundaberg and Hervey Bay

A new organisational structure, designated HR team and the implementation of a new Workforce Strategy. Striving to support employees on their career journey is a priority and contributes us to being an Employer of Choice.

Purpose of the Position

The Chief Strategic Partnerships and Innovation Officer will lead the development and execution of the organisation's partnership and business growth strategy. This executive role oversees high-value collaborations across government, corporate, philanthropic, academic and community sectors to drive sustainable growth, diversify revenue, and embed long-term impact. Operating at the executive level, this position provides leadership in designing evidence-based and innovative partnerships frameworks, identifying strategic opportunities, and positioning the organisation as a leader in its fields.

Responsibilities and Duties

Strategic Partnerships

• Lead the development and implementation of a high-impact Partnerships Strategy aligned with organisational priorities.
• Build and sustain strategic relationships across government, corporate, philanthropic, charitable, academic, and community sectors.
• Negotiate and manage new strategic partnership service and funding agreements, including business enterprise contracts.

Business Innovation & Sustainability

• Identify and capitalise on opportunities for service expansion, mergers, and acquisitions.
• Secure major funding via tenders, grants, and strategic investment initiatives.
• Spearhead initiatives that promote financial sustainability and diversify revenue streams.
• Embed evidence-based frameworks for evaluating partnerships and measuring impact.
• Translate data and insights into compelling business cases to inform decision-making.
• Champion innovative service models and cross-sector collaborations.

Leadership & Influence

• Represent the organisation at senior-level forums, policy roundtables, and international collaboration platforms.
• Provide leadership and direction to partnership, business development, and innovation teams.
• Mentor emerging leaders and build workforce capability in strategy, innovation, and stakeholder engagement.
• Ensure partnerships reflect Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural values and support community self-determination.
• Strengthen Indigenous workforce development and leadership pathways through strategic collaborations.
• Develop international and cross-cultural exchange initiatives that amplify Indigenous leadership globally, including pitching to external stakeholders.

Performance Metrics and Success Indicators

• Achievement of revenue or funding targets (e.g., securing >$5M in grants or investments).
• Number and quality of strategic partnerships established (e.g., new government or philanthropic agreements).
• Growth in diversified revenue streams and measurable improvements in financial sustainability.
• Impact assessment indicators demonstrating long-term outcomes (e.g., community impact, innovation adoption, policy influence).
• Internal leadership and staff development outcomes (e.g., mentoring success, team capability growth).
• Evidence of integration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander values in partnership practices, and measurable progress in Indigenous workforce leadership outcomes.

Selection Criteria

• Proven executive-level experience in building and leading strategic partnerships.
• Demonstrated success in securing significant funding or investments (>$5M).
• Ability to influence and navigate complex government, corporate, and community environments.
• Expertise in designing and implementing evidence-based partnership and impact frameworks.
• Deep understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health, wellbeing, and self-determination principles.
• Exceptional negotiation, communication, and relationship-management skills.
• Postgraduate qualification in social impact, business, leadership, or a related discipline.
• Experience in pipeline partnerships, consortia, or large-scale service expansion.
• Membership in professional or governance bodies related to health, community, or social impact sectors.