Newly created roleCairnsFull time The CompanyOur client, Cape York NRM is a not‑for‑profit organisation dedicated to supporting the people of Cape York Peninsula to care for Country and strengthen the sustainable use of natural resources. Working closely with communities, Traditional Owners, land managers, and partners across one of Australia’s most significant ecological and cultural landscapes, they deliver regionally aligned programs that protect biodiversity and build resilience. The Role Cape York NRM is entering an important phase of organisational maturity and growth, creating an opportunity for a strategically minded Executive Director Operations & Strategy to act as a trusted 2IC to the CEO. This senior leadership role is responsible for translating strategic objectives into operational excellence, enhancing organisational capability, strengthening internal systems, and ensuring the delivery of high‑quality, high‑impact programs across Cape York. A key focus of the role is to identify, shape, and secure new partnership pathways including government, philanthropic, private sector and environmental market opportunities supported by compelling content, insights, and stakeholder engagement. The role also positions Cape York NRM to participate in emerging environmental markets across carbon, biodiversity, natural capital and ecosystem services, ensuring the organisation can support landholders and Traditional Owners to access new investment and restore landscapes at scale. Key Roles and ResponsibilitiesDrive operational excellence, governance, and organisation‑wide systems improvement.Lead day‑to‑day operations to enable effective decision‑making and smooth internal workflows.Partner with the CEO to deliver strategic and NRM planning priorities.Strengthen risk, compliance, reporting, and organisational performance frameworks.Optimise program delivery through best‑practice project management and MEL systems.Grow and diversify revenue through grants, partnerships, philanthropy, and fee‑for‑service opportunities.Develop strategic pathways in emerging environmental markets (carbon, biodiversity, natural capital).Provide leadership that builds capability, supports wellbeing, and nurtures a high‑performing, culturally inclusive team.Foster cross‑team collaboration to maximise impact and resource efficiency.Champion a safe, positive, and collaborative workplace culture. About YouPurpose‑driven and innovative, you bring experience from the NRM, environmental, or broader purpose‑led sectors, with a track record of supporting organisational growth. You are comfortable wearing many hats, moving between strategy, operations, new market development and program delivery with ease. You balance big‑picture thinking with practical execution and thrive in a collaborative, values‑based environment. You work respectfully with Indigenous partners and multidisciplinary teams, and you are motivated by creating sustainable, long‑term change. Above all, you want your work to support healthier landscapes and stronger communities across Australia. Required Skills and ProficienciesDemonstrated senior leadership experience across strategy, operations, or organisational performance.Proven ability to design and embed organisational systems, governance frameworks, and operational excellence.Strong understanding of environmental management, sustainable land use, or related sectors.Experience identifying and securing new environmental market opportunities, funding, partnerships, and investment in complex stakeholder environments.High-level financial and business acumen.Proven project and program leadership capability.Exceptional communication skills, including the ability to produce high‑quality reports, strategic content, and stakeholder collateral.Deep respect for and experience working with Indigenous cultures, governance structures, and community-led decision making.Current Australian driver’s licence and ability to travel regionally. The Rewards and CultureThis is a rare opportunity to shape the future of a mission‑driven organisation working at the intersection of community, culture, and environment in the Cape York Peninsula. Cape York NRM offers:A values‑based culture grounded in collaboration, respect, and community impact.The ability to contribute meaningfully to environmental and cultural outcomes across one of Australia’s most unique landscapes.A senior strategic role with organisational influence, autonomy, and scope for innovation.Flexible work arrangements and regional travel that connects you directly to on‑ground impact.A highly dedicated team that deliver conservation, land management, and restoration projects that safeguard the region's rich biodiversity and cultural heritage. How to ApplyApply now by submitting your current CV (in Word format) via our online application process.For a confidential discussion or to review the information pack and full position description please contact Claire Black on 0407821086, or via claire@talentnation.com.au To be eligible to apply, you must have unrestricted rights to work in Australia. Talent Nation encourages applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and people of all cultures, abilities, sex, and genders. Applicants can request a reasonable adjustment at any stage during the recruitment process, please contact us so we can provide adjustments for you.
