Chief Executive Officer - Outdoors NSW & ACT Limited

Location: NSW or ACT, with travel as required

About Outdoors NSW & ACT

Outdoors NSW & ACT (ONSWACT) is the peak body for the Outdoor Industry in NSW and the ACT, representing Outdoor Education, Outdoor Recreation, Adventure Tourism and Outdoor and Nature Therapy. We connect and support members, advocate for the industry, strengthen professional capability and promote safe, sustainable and inclusive opportunities for people to benefit from the outdoors.

Our work is guided by five strategic priorities: advocacy leadership; career and training pathways; sustainability, access and inclusion; resources for expected and best practice; and data and insights.

Purpose of the role The Chief Executive Officer leads the organisation’s strategy, operations, advocacy and member engagement. Working closely with the Board, the CEO translates strategic priorities into practical outcomes, maintains financial sustainability and strengthens ONSWACT’s influence and value to members.

This is a hands-on leadership role in a small organisation delivering a broad industry agenda through contractors, committees, volunteers and partnerships.

Who we are looking for

We are looking for a collaborative, motivated leader who can build strong relationships, champion our members and turn strategy into practical outcomes. You may be an experienced executive or an emerging CEO ready to take the next step, bringing sound business acumen, robust communication skills and the confidence to lead a small organisation with a broad industry agenda. You will be comfortable balancing advocacy, member engagement, financial management and hands-on delivery, while working closely with our Board, contractors and volunteers.

A passion for the outdoors is a must with a commitment to strengthening the people and organisations within our industry will be central to your success.

Key responsibilities

- Strategic leadership

- Lead delivery of the Strategic Plan, advise the Board on emerging issues, opportunities and risks,



and build partnerships that strengthen financial sustainability while balancing advocacy, member services and programs within available resources.

2. Advocacy and industry representation
- Represent ONSWACT as an authorised spokesperson, build productive government and industry relationships, and lead evidence-based advocacy informed by member needs and aligned with Board-approved positions.

3. Membership and communications
- Build strong member relationships and lead recruitment, retention and engagement through valuable services, effective communications, regular forums and timely responses that inform organisational priorities.

4. Programs, events and professional development
- Oversee the planning, delivery and evaluation of events, programs, training and external contracted services, coordinating contractors and partnerships to achieve agreed outcomes within budgets and reporting requirements.

5. Financial management and income development
- Lead financial management with the Treasurer and external finance providers, overseeing budgets, cash flow, reporting and performance, developing diverse income streams, managing grants and maintaining financial controls within Board delegations.

6. Governance, risk and compliance
- Support effective Board governance and compliance by coordinating meetings and reporting, overseeing policies, insurance, contracts and risk management, and providing timely advice within the CEO’s delegated authority.

7. People, contractors and organisational systems
- Lead contractors and service providers with clear expectations and accountability, support committees and volunteers,



and maintain reliable systems, documented processes and organisational knowledge to ensure continuity and effective delivery.

8. Research and industry insights
- Oversee industry surveys, census activities and research partnerships, using and communicating evidence to inform advocacy, services and strategy, demonstrate the industry’s contribution and support member decision-making.

Essential selection criteria The successful candidate will demonstrate:
- Senior leadership experience in an association, not-for-profit, industry body or comparable organisation.
- The ability to turn strategy into achievable plans and deliver outcomes with a small team and limited resources.
- Strong advocacy, stakeholder engagement and relationship management skills.
- Experience working effectively with a Board and a sound understanding of governance responsibilities.
- Financial management capability, including budgeting, income development and contract oversight.
- Excellent written and verbal communication, including submissions, reports, presentations and member communications.
- Experience coordinating contractors, volunteers and collaborative partnerships.
- Sound judgement, integrity and the ability to manage competing priorities independently.
- A commitment to safe, inclusive and sustainable participation in the outdoors.

Desirable experience and qualifications
- Knowledge of the Outdoor Industry and its operating environment in NSW and the ACT.
- Experience in membership development, government relations, workforce development or professional learning.
- Success securing grants, sponsorships or commercial partnerships.
- Relevant qualifications in business, association management, governance, outdoor leadership, tourism, education or a related field, or equivalent experience.

To Apply Expressions of Interest to [email protected] with a cover letter addressing the Essetial Selection Criteria and attach your CV. Applications CLOSE 20 November 2026.

📌 CEO of Outdoors NSW &ACT (New South Wales)
🏢 Outdoors NSW u0026 ACT
📍 New South Wales