CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

The Organisation

Reconciliation WA is a highly respected not-for-profit organisation and the recognised peak body for reconciliation in Western Australia. Occupying a unique and influential leadership position, the organisation brings together Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, government, industry, member organisations and the broader community to advance meaningful reconciliation outcomes across the state.

Working at the intersection of community, government, business and Aboriginal leadership, Reconciliation WA plays a pivotal role in fostering understanding, strengthening relationships and creating opportunities for collaboration, truth-telling and positive change. Through advocacy, education, partnerships and place-based initiatives, the organisation continues to lead important conversations and actions that contribute to a more inclusive, respectful and united Western Australia.

The Position

Reporting to the Co-Chairs and accountable to the Board, the Chief Executive Officer will provide strategic, organisational and public leadership for Reconciliation WA. The CEO will be responsible for implementing the Board approved strategic direction, delivering the Strategic Plan 2025 to 2030 and strengthening Reconciliation WA's position as the peak body for reconciliation in Western Australia.

The role requires a highly visible, diplomatic and resilient leader who can navigate complex stakeholder environments, unite diverse perspectives and build trusted relationships across Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, government, corporate partners, members, funders and the broader community.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Leading the delivery of Reconciliation WA's Strategic Plan 2025 to 2030 and annual operational priorities, while working strategically and sensitively alongside government, Aboriginal communities and key stakeholders in preparation for the WA Bicentenary.
• Providing high quality advice, analysis and reporting to support Board decision making, governance and risk oversight.
• Representing Reconciliation WA publicly as a credible and influential voice for reconciliation across Western Australia.
• Building and sustaining meaningful relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, communities, organisations and leaders.
• Strengthening partnerships across government, corporate, philanthropic, membership, community and sector stakeholders.
• Securing financial sustainability and long-term organisational growth through funding, partnerships, sponsorship and advocacy.
• Leading a high performing, culturally safe and values driven organisation.
• Driving transparency, accountability, impact measurement and continuous improvement across programs, services and initiatives.
• Managing organisational performance, financial oversight, compliance, risk and operational effectiveness.
• Championing reconciliation outcomes through collaborative leadership, cultural integrity and a commitment to self-determination.

About You

You are an exceptional senior leader who combines strategic capability with outstanding emotional intelligence, political acumen and relationship building skills. You are comfortable operating in complex, high profile environments and bring the credibility, judgement and resilience required to engage constructively across government, corporate, community and Aboriginal stakeholder groups.

Candidates may bring experience from the for purpose, membership, advocacy, government, corporate or community sectors. A track record of leading through complexity, securing funding and partnerships, influencing senior decision makers and delivering strategic outcomes will be important.

You will also possess:

• Extensive senior executive leadership experience, ideally with accountability to a Board or governing body.
• A deep understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories, cultures, communities and aspirations.
• Demonstrated commitment to reconciliation, truth telling, equity and self-determination in Western Australia.
• Proven capability in strategy delivery, organisational leadership and measurable social impact.
• Strong governance, risk, financial management and reporting capability.
• Outstanding stakeholder engagement, advocacy, communication and public representation skills.
• Experience building partnerships with government, corporate partners, philanthropy, members and sector stakeholders.
• The ability to lead and develop inclusive, culturally safe and high performing teams.
• Experience in membership, advocacy, communications, governance or public affairs will be highly regarded.
• High levels of personal integrity, cultural capability, authenticity and sound judgement.

For more information about this opportunity, a detailed Candidate Prospectus is available by emailing [email protected]. After reviewing the Prospectus, you can make further confidential telephone enquiries to Lester Blades’ Partner, Jemma Buckner at +61 8 9221 0744.

Applications may be made in Word format to Sign in to view email quoting Reference LB303431. Please include a cover letter with your application outlining why you believe you have the skills, experience and achievements for this key position.

Our preference is to receive your application by 5.00pm WST, Friday, 31st July 2026

Candidates’ rights under the Privacy Act will be observed at all times.

Only candidates with valid work rights in Australia can be considered

ABOUT LESTER BLADES

Lester Blades is a Western Australian owned executive search and board advisory firm with local specialisation and international reach. We focus on uncompromising excellence in service to clients in the identification of Non-Executive Directors, CEOs and a range of other senior executive and functional leadership roles.