Executive Director, Office of the Great Barrier Reef & World Heritage

About the Department

The Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation (DETSI) brings together a dynamic and diverse portfolio spanning environmental protection, heritage conservation, national parks, tourism, science and innovation. The Department plays a critical role in delivering the Queensland Government's priorities for a sustainable environment, a strong economy and better outcomes for Queenslanders.

Within this portfolio, the Office of the Great Barrier Reef & World Heritage leads one of Australia's most significant environmental agendas. Working across governments and with diverse partners, the Office coordinates the policies, programs and partnerships that protect the Great Barrier Reef and Queensland's World Heritage Areas for future generations.

About the Role

Reporting to the Deputy Director-General, Environment and Heritage Policy & Programs, the Executive Director leads the Office of the Great Barrier Reef & World Heritage, providing strategic leadership across a complex whole-of-government portfolio of national and international significance.

This is a rare executive chance to influence the future of one of the world's most important natural ecosystems. The Great Barrier Reef is not only an Australian icon, it is a globally recognised World Heritage Area that supports extraordinary biodiversity, cultural heritage, regional communities and a multi-billion-dollar economy.

Protecting its future requires exceptional leadership, collaboration and delivery.

The role is responsible for leading the implementation of Queensland Government strategies and programs, including the Reef 2050 Long-Term Sustainability Plan and Reef 2050 Catchment Water Quality Strategy, while ensuring Queensland meets its obligations for the management of World Heritage Areas.





Success depends on building trusted relationships and strong partnerships across all levels of government, Traditional Owners, industry, research institutions, community organisations and Commonwealth agencies.

Leading a highly capable team, you will oversee the governance, coordination and delivery of complex, high-profile programs, ensuring government priorities are translated into meaningful outcomes through strong program management, effective governance arrangements and collaborative leadership.

Key Responsibilities

- Provide strategic leadership for Queensland's Great Barrier Reef and World Heritage agenda, ensuring delivery of complex whole-of-government priorities.
- Lead the governance, coordination and successful delivery of major programs and initiatives, ensuring alignment with government priorities, Ministerial expectations and Cabinet timeframes.
- Build and maintain trusted relationships with senior leaders across government, Traditional Owners, Commonwealth agencies, industry, research organisations and community stakeholders.
- Foster collaborative partnerships that strengthen confidence, drive shared outcomes and enable effective stewardship of Queensland's World Heritage assets.
- Provide authoritative strategic advice to the Minister, Director-General and senior executives on complex policy, environmental and program delivery issues.
- Represent Queensland on high-level committees, governance forums and national partnerships relating to the Great Barrier Reef and World Heritage.
- Lead a high-performing team,



creating an inclusive culture focused on collaboration, innovation, accountability and continuous improvement.
- Oversee effective program governance, performance monitoring, reporting and risk management across a diverse and high-profile portfolio.

About You

We are seeking an accomplished executive leader with a demonstrated ability to deliver complex strategic programs while building enduring partnerships across government and diverse stakeholder groups.

You are recognised for your ability to bring people together around shared objectives, navigating complexity with credibility, influence and sound judgement. You have significant experience leading large-scale policy or program delivery in complex environments, supported by strong governance capability and an ability to translate strategy into measurable outcomes.

An exceptional communicator, you are comfortable engaging with Ministers, senior executives, Commonwealth agencies, Traditional Owners, industry leaders and community stakeholders. You understand that meaningful environmental outcomes are achieved through collaboration, trust and long-term partnerships.

You bring a proven track record of leading multidisciplinary teams, fostering a positive and inclusive culture, and delivering results through others. You are politically astute, resilient and thrive in environments where competing priorities, stakeholder expectations and public interest intersect.

This is an extraordinary opportunity to lead work that is globally significant. Your leadership will directly influence the protection of the Great Barrier Reef and Queensland's World Heritage Areas, leaving a lasting legacy for future generations while contributing to one of the most important environmental programs in Australia.

Applications close: Midnight, Tuesday 4 August 2026

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📌 Executive Director, Office of the Great Barrier Reef & World Heritage (Cairns)
🏢 Luminary Partners
📍 Cairns