Inaugural Chief Executive Officer
Australian Community Housing
A watershed moment for community housing
Location: Canberra (preferred) or Sydney, with regular travel
Australian Community Housing is the new national voice for the community housing sector, formed by the merger of PowerHousing Australia and the Community Housing Industry Association; two organisations with a shared vision for advancing and supporting the community housing sector. At a time when housing is at the forefront of political agendas across Australia, we are seeking an inaugural CEO to maintain this focus on housing funding and delivery.
This is a rare opportunity to shape a new organisation from the ground up, unify a passionate sector, and influence both federal and state government policy at the highest levels. The CEO will be a critical part of this important change and will lead this national body to position it as THE voice of community housing across Australia. The successful candidate will be a strategic, calm, and credible leader who can bring people together, build trust, influence key decision-makers and deliver results. They will:
Drive advocacy that is data-informed, bipartisan, and outcomes-focused with all levels of federal, state and local government.
Communicate, collaborate and negotiate across a broad range of government, business, financial, property, construction and social sectors.
Ensure the organisation is member-driven, service-oriented, and future-ready.
Bring exceptional communication and engagement skills — be persuasive, clear, and confident.
Inspire and lead a small and committed staff team.
While an understanding of the housing sector would be beneficial, those who work in related sectors with touchpoints to housing would also be well positioned, including adjacent peak bodies, superannuation, insurance, consulting or government. Proven leadership experience in a complex, member-based or advocacy organisation would be useful. A collaborative, diplomatic, and inclusive leadership style with strong operational and change management capabilities is essential.
With federal and state investment, a national housing crisis demanding action, and a new national body ready to lead, this is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to make a lasting impact. The Australian Community Housing Conference in November will be a key milestone for bringing members together and the CEO leadership will be central to its success.
A copy of the Candidate Brief can be found here.
For a confidential discussion, please call Alison Myatt of Watermark Search International on 02 9233 1200 or email search@watermarksearch.com.au.
Please send an application quoting Ref No A005976 to Watermark via this link.
Closing date: Sunday 20 July 2025 at 11.59pm AEST