Chief Executive Officer

The Organisation

Wagyl Kaip Southern Noongar Aboriginal Corporation represents the Wagyl Kaip Southern Noongar people across the Great Southern region of Western Australia. The organisation supports its members through the protection and promotion of culture, heritage and land interests, alongside advancing economic and community development outcomes.

The region spans a broad geographic footprint and incorporates several communities across the Great Southern. The Corporation plays a central role in ensuring that native title interests, cultural priorities and long-term community aspirations are appropriately represented and progressed.

Guided by strong cultural values, the organisation is committed to building a sustainable and united Noongar Nation. Its approach is grounded in respect for culture and history, inclusive engagement with community, accountable governance practices and constructive partnerships with stakeholders.

The Position

Reporting to the Board of Directors, you will provide overall leadership and strategic direction for the Corporation. The role encompasses governance, operational performance and the delivery of outcomes aligned to the Corporation’s purpose and responsibilities. Key areas of focus will include:

• Leading and implementing strategy across heritage, land management, community wellbeing and economic development.
• Ensuring sound governance, transparency and accountability in line with the CATSI Act and the Corporation’s constitution.
• Overseeing organisational performance including financial management, reporting and risk oversight.
• Building effective and respectful relationships with members, Traditional Owners, government agencies and key stakeholders.
• Supporting culturally informed decision-making processes and embedding Aboriginal perspectives across all activities.
• Leading and developing the organisation’s people, structure and capability to deliver against strategic and operational objectives.

About You

An experienced executive leader with the capacity to operate in a culturally complex, community-informed environment. Your experience is likely to include:

• Demonstrated success in a senior executive or CEO role, delivering organisational strategy within a governance framework.
• Strong financial literacy, including budgeting, reporting and oversight of organisational performance.
• Experience working with Boards, including governance, reporting and strategic advisory.
• Proven ability to build trusted relationships with Aboriginal communities and a range of stakeholders.
• A well-developed understanding of operating in complex, multi-stakeholder environments, including government and community interfaces.
• High levels of personal integrity, sound judgement and the ability to communicate and influence effectively.
• An understanding of, and respect for, Aboriginal culture, with the ability to engage authentically and appropriately with community.

First Nations candidates are encouraged to apply.

Intending applicants should be aware that the position is to be residentially based in Albany. This position is not considered to be fly in fly out.

A highly competitive remuneration package, including reasonable relocation, assistance and motor vehicle, reflective of the senior nature of this role and its Great Southern location will be negotiated.

For more information about this opportunity, a detailed Candidate Prospectus is available by emailing ***email_hidden***. After reviewing the Prospectus, you can make further confidential telephone enquiries to Lester Blades’ Partner, James Fairbairn, at +61 8 9221 0744.

Applications may be made in Word format to [email protected] quoting Reference LB303418. Please include a cover letter with your application outlining why you believe you have the skills, experience and achievements for this key position.

Closing date for applications, 4pm, Friday, 3rd 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.