Lead IPAA South Australia into its second century For almost 100 years, the Institute of Public Administration Australia South Australia has contributed to the strength of public administration in this state. As IPAA SA approaches its centenary in 2027, this is an opportunity to build on that strong history while shaping what the organisation will contribute to public service for its next 100 years.

IPAA SA supports the development of public servants and public sector leaders through high quality, contemporary professional development that responds to the real needs of the sector. It also brings people together across government, builds skilled connection and pride, and creates space for important conversations about public value, the public sector and the future of government.

They are looking for an outstanding leader with a genuine commitment to public service and to the people who work in it.

The next CEO will lead an organisation with significant reach and convening power across the South Australian public sector. They will strengthen IPAA SA’s influence and thought leadership, ensure its professional development offer remains relevant and contemporary, and build the commercial foundations required for the organisation to thrive.

About the Role

Reporting to the Chair of the IPAA SA Divisional Council, and working closely with Council, the CEO leads IPAA SA and is accountable for delivery of its strategy, organisational performance and sustainability. This is a role for someone who can combine influence with execution: shaping ideas, building relationships, leading people and ensuring the organisation is commercially sustainable and well governed.

Key responsibilities include

- Leading the delivery and ongoing development of IPAA SA’s strategy in partnership with Council
- Strengthening IPAA SA’s role as a convenor,



bringing excellent minds together for important conversations about public value, the public sector and the future of government
- Building IPAA SA’s reputation as a trusted source of thought leadership on public administration, leadership and the changing role of government
- Ensuring IPAA SA’s professional development offer is contemporary, high quality, commercially sustainable and closely aligned to the evolving needs of the public sector
- Building and maintaining trusted relationships with senior public sector leaders, agencies, HR leaders and partners
- Identifying opportunities to grow revenue, reach and impact while maintaining strong commercial discipline
- Leading and developing a capable, engaged and high performing team
- Ensuring strong governance, risk management, financial oversight and high quality reporting to Council

About You

We are looking first and foremost for a strong leader. You will bring sound judgement, curiosity, credibility and the ability to build trusted relationships with people across the public sector. You will care about public service and understand the importance of strong public institutions.

You will also bring

- Significant senior leadership experience in a complex stakeholder environment
- Strong commercial judgement and financial capability
- Experience leading people, resources and organisational performance
- An understanding of governance, risk and the accountability responsibilities of a Chief Executive




- The ability to translate strategy into action and measurable outcomes
- Strong stakeholder and relationship management capability
- A strong understanding of the South Australian public sector and its operating environment

You do not need to come from a particular sector or career pathway. Experience in public administration, professional development, education, training or membership organisation would be valuable, but the quality of your leadership, judgement and commitment to purpose will matter most. Existing networks across the South Australian public sector and a relevant tertiary qualification would also be highly regarded.

Why Join IPAA SA

This is an opportunity to lead a respected South Australian institution at an important point in its history, with real scope to shape its future direction, influence and impact. IPAA SA has a distinctive position within the public sector. It can connect people across agencies, bring senior leaders and practitioners together, build capability, strengthen professional identity and create space for conversations that matter.

The CEO will have the opportunity to build on those strengths while ensuring IPAA SA remains financially sustainable, commercially disciplined and relevant to the changing needs of the sector.

An attractive remuneration and employment package will be negotiated commensurate with the successful candidate’s experience and circumstances.

How to Apply

Send your resume and cover letter, maximum two pages, telling us how your skills, experience and leadership approach align with this opportunity. Applications close 5pm 21 October 2026.

A copy of the Position Description is available through the following link:

https://www.theengagedspace.com.au/news/recruitment-open/

📌 Chief Executive Officer (Adelaide)
🏢 The Engaged Space
📍 Adelaide