Executive Director - Gladstone Region engaging in action Together (GRT)

About this Opportunity

• Fixed-Term (until 30.06.2029), Full-Time
• Campus Operations – Office of the Vice-Chancellor and President
• CQUniversity Gladstone (Relocation support available)
• Attractive remuneration package

Gladstone Region engaging in action Together (GRT) is a community-led, place-based initiative working to provide opportunity, equity and quality of life for everyone in the Gladstone Region. 

About the Position

The Gladstone Region engaging in action Together (GRT) drives community-led social change to improve opportunity, equity and quality of life for everyone across the region. By combining community voice with data insights, GRT enables locally led solutions that deliver meaningful, lasting impact.

As Executive Director of the Stronger Places, Stronger People Initiative, you will be a visionary leader and public ambassador for the Gladstone Region, representing local priorities in state and national forums, amplifying place-based work, contributing to and leveraging broader advocacy and change efforts. Reporting to the GRT Leadership Group, you will guide strategic direction aligned to GRT’s principles and collective impact methodology, leading from behind to enable community-led action while ensuring decisions are informed by lived experience and evidence.

Working closely with the Operations Manager and Backbone Team, you will support delivery of strategic priorities, oversee financial sustainability, and drive data-informed decision-making and reporting against wellbeing outcomes. You will cultivate strong cross-sector partnerships, inspire collective action without formal authority, and respond adaptively to a changing environment.

This is a unique opportunity to lead meaningful, long-term change and strengthen community wellbeing across the Gladstone Region!

Make the move to Gladstone

Gladstone offers a vibrant coastal lifestyle with a strong sense of community, stunning natural surroundings, and easy access to outdoor recreation. Enjoy nearby coastal escapes including the pristine beaches of Agnes Water and 1770, while balancing professional challenge with personal fulfilment. Be part of a region recognised for its innovation, collaboration, and commitment to improving community wellbeing.

Be Rewarded

• 17% superannuation (with the choice to join an award-winning superfund)
• 5.4 weeks annual leave (plus 3 days paid for Christmas and New Year closure)
• Flexible working hours/arrangements to support your lifestyle and commitments
• 10 days personal/sick leave, plus 5 days carer’s leave
• 7.25 hours engaged service leave
• Fantastic professional and career development opportunities
• Up to 26 weeks (six months) paid parental leave
• Access to an Employee Assistance Program and Fitness Passport

Position Requirements

• Familiarity with Australian and Queensland social sector networks and political environments.
• Demonstrated commitment to the vision and values of GRT, acting at all times in the best interests of the Gladstone Region community.
• Extensive relevant experience (5–10 years), including at least 3 years leading high-performing teams in dynamic, fast-paced environments.
• Executive presence with the ability to inspire confidence, passion, and engagement in internal and external audiences.
• Advanced strategic and organisational planning skills, capable of operating at both organisational and systemic levels over multi-year horizons.
• Strong data literacy, with experience overseeing complex shared-measurement systems and evidence-based decision-making.
• Exceptional facilitation, presentation, and communication skills for diverse audiences, including senior executives and community stakeholders.
• Proven experience in complex project management and stakeholder engagement, including cross-sector relationship building.
• A track record of leading, mentoring, and developing high-performing teams.
• Comfortable with ambiguity and a fluid, entrepreneurial work environment, willing to engage beyond formal responsibilities as required.

Desired Attributes

• Local knowledge of the Gladstone Region.
• Familiarity with First Nations communities, culture and history in local or national contexts.
• Experience in community development, social change or collective impact initiatives.
• Formal qualification in social policy, human rights, political science, business or a related field.

Position Description

For further information about this position, please refer to the Position Description.

Apply today for a career that changes lives

Applications Close: 11:59pm, Sunday, 17 May 2026

  
Job Requisition ID: 7208

Contact Details: 

Rod Ainsworth

0409 595 704

r.ainsworth@cqu.edu.au

When submitting your application, please include: Your Current CV or Resume, and a 1-2 page Cover Letter highlighting your relevant skills, experience and suitability for the position. Please note, applicants for the position must have full time work rights.

Work Rights: Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. Candidates must hold the full rights to work in Australia to be considered for this appointment.

CQUniversity is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes diversity in the workplace. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and CQUniversity’s domestic and international student graduates with post-study work rights are encouraged to apply.

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