Queensland's early years sector is entering an key new phase. The Queensland Early Years Workforce Institute has been established to strengthen the workforce that supports children and families across the state. Operating as an independent, system-level intermediary, the Institute will bring together workforce evidence, planning, commissioning and collaboration to help create a more sustainable and capable early years workforce.

This is a rare opportunity to become the Institute's inaugural Chief Executive Officer and shape a new organisation from its foundations. Based in Brisbane and reporting directly to the Board through the Chair, you will translate an ambitious mandate into a clear strategy, a high-performing organisation and measurable statewide impact.

As CEO, you will provide strategic, operational and organisational leadership through the Institute's formative years. You will work closely with the Board to establish long-term direction, convert government funding commitments into practical outcomes and maintain strong governance, risk, performance and financial disciplines. You will also serve as a trusted partner to government, funders, sector leaders, First Nations organisations and regional communities.

Your initial focus will be to build the organisation's operating platform, establish priorities and work plans, recruit and mentor the executive team, and create a values-led culture. You will oversee organisational performance, financial sustainability and regulatory compliance, while ensuring the Board has clear visibility of operations, risks and outcomes. You will also identify sustainable revenue opportunities that support the Institute's longer-term independence and impact.





Central to your success will be the ability to move confidently between big-picture strategy and hands-on delivery. You will connect workforce data and evidence with practical system responses, translate complex information for decision-makers and align diverse stakeholders around shared priorities. The Institute is not a direct service provider or advocacy body; its value will come from acting as a credible backbone for workforce planning, commissioning, coordination and continuous improvement.

The environment will be complex, evolving and at times ambiguous. You will need the judgement to make ethically grounded decisions, balance risk and opportunity, remain calm under pressure and maintain momentum when the path is still being defined. Authenticity, integrity, resilience and proactive communication will be essential as you build trust with the Board, staff and stakeholders across metropolitan, regional and remote Queensland.

You will be an accomplished CEO or senior executive with direct Board reporting experience, strong P&L; capability and a record of leading through change, growth or organisational establishment. Technical expertise in workforce planning and workforce development within a complex market is strongly preferred. Experience across multiple public and private funding streams, government relationships, governance and risk frameworks will be important.



Knowledge of early childhood education and care is desirable, although the ability to quickly build sector understanding is equally valued. Cultural capability and confidence engaging respectfully with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders, First Nations organisations and regional communities are essential.

For an executive motivated by purpose, complexity and the opportunity to build something of lasting significance, this role offers exceptional scope. You will establish the Institute's reputation, capability and culture while helping shape a stronger, more sustainable early years workforce for Queensland.

How to Apply

Before applying, we strongly encourage you to download the comprehensive candidate information pack. This pack contains the detailed Position Description and further insights into the role and the organisation. To access the pack, please visit mcarthur.com.au and enter reference J9960 into the job search function.

To be considered for this role, your application must include:

- A current Resume; and
- A tailored Cover Letter (maximum two pages) that specifically addresses the Key Selection Criteria outlined in the candidate information pack.

For a confidential discussion regarding this significant executive opportunity, please contact Matt Weston on (07) •••• •700 .

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📌 Chief Executive Officer (Brisbane City)
🏢 Mcarthur
📍 Brisbane City