Chief Executive Officer

Lead with Impact. Build Thriving Regional Communities.

As a not-for-profit organisation established over 50 years ago, Greater Whitsunday Communities (GWC) is deeply committed to strengthening liveability, housing security, social connection, and community voice across the Mackay, Isaac, and Whitsunday regions. GWC's unique impact derives from understanding the Region's communities, advocating for their needs, working to remove barriers and creating self-enablement, while diligently avoiding service delivery which is the remit of most other community organisations and agencies.

We are seeking an experienced, strategic, and values-driven Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to lead the organisation through its next chapter of growth - delivering measurable impact through advocacy, partnerships, and responsive community services.

This is a rare opportunity to lead an organisation with deep regional roots and a strong reputation for community impact. As CEO, you will be responsible for leading GWC in alignment with its mission and strategic goals, while fostering a high-performing, positive workplace culture. You will work closely with the Board, staff, community stakeholders, and partners to ensure GWC remains a respected, innovative, and sustainable organisation.

Your key responsibilities will span across:

Organisational Leadership

• Guide strategic direction and lead the organisation through operational reviews and transformation.
• Build and empower a cohesive, high-performing team aligned with organisational value
• Maintain a strong culture of transparency, communication, and accountability.

Governance & Compliance

• Support the Board through timely reporting, effective governance frameworks, and policy development.
• Ensure compliance with legislative requirements including ACNC, ASIC, WHS, Fair Work, and privacy legislation.

Financial & Strategic Management

• Oversee financial sustainability, budget management, risk oversight, and funding strategies.
• Lead implementation of the strategic plan, track outcomes, and report progress to stakeholders.

Community Engagement & Advocacy

• Represent GWC in government, industry, media, and community forums.
• Drive advocacy strategies that influence regional and policy outcomes.

Partnership & Funding Growth

• Secure and manage funding through grants, sponsorships, and strategic partnerships.
• Lead collaborative partnerships with local councils, the Greater Whitsunday Housing Alliance, and key stakeholders.

Utilising your high-level leadership skills, you will remain future-focused, fostering innovation and leading long-term sustainability within the organisation. You will stand out with your ownership of the role and lead by example in the management of the team whilst promoting the organisation's core values.

Key Selection Criteria

To be considered for this role, you will need:

• Proven success in senior leadership within community, housing, or social services.
• Track record of funding acquisition, stakeholder engagement, and community advocacy.
• Experience managing multi-disciplinary teams and delivering measurable outcomes.
• Ability to engage effectively with government, industry, and sector representatives to influence policy and outcomes.
• A strong understanding of regional and remote community issues, especially in relation to liveability and housing.
• Demonstrated experience in governance, compliance, and organisational sustainability in the NFP sector.
• Ability to align with the core values of Integrity, Respect, Inclusion and Collaboration.

Mandatory Requirements include:

• Current Driver's Licence
• National Police Clearance
• Blue Card (Working with Children)
• Working with Vulnerable People Clearance
• Capacity to maintain a secure remote/home-based workspace
• Flexibility to travel across the Mackay, Isaac, and Whitsunday regions

What We Offer

• A unique opportunity to lead a regionally significant organisation with a powerful social purpose.
• A flexible and supportive working environment.
• Strong backing from a committed Board and passionate team.
• Opportunity to shape the future of community wellbeing in the Greater Whitsunday region.

If you're an inspiring leader who would like to make a difference and is ready to shape the future of regional communities, we'd love to hear from you. To apply please send your lodge your resume and a cover letter addressing the key criteria within the SEEK system. For a position description, please email  or phone

Greater Whitsunday Communities Ltd is an equal opportunity employer

All applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality.