Lead one of the world's most unique communities and environmental treasures
Working to protect the state’s environment and heritage.
- General Manager – Lord Howe Island
- Temporary full-time appointment for up to four years
- Band 1 Senior Executive TRP commencing from $265,293
- Residential position relocation assistance available for eligible candidates
- Lead the governance and future of a World Heritage Listed island community
A once-in-a-career executive opportunity
The Lord Howe Island Board is seeking an experienced executive to lead one of Australia's most unique and significant communities for an up to four-year term appointment. As General Manager, this rare opportunity will see you oversee the operations of a statutory authority responsible for balancing community wellbeing, essential infrastructure, environmental protection and sustainable economic development in a World Heritage-listed setting.
Lord Howe Island is a UNESCO World Heritage-listed destination renowned for its outstanding natural beauty, biodiversity and close-knit community. As General Manager, you will be at the centre of balancing environmental stewardship, community wellbeing, essential service delivery and sustainable tourism outcomes.
About You
Reporting to the Lord Howe Island Board Chairperson and working closely with the Board, Minister and key government stakeholders, you are a credible and adaptable executive who can lead across a broad and complex portfolio while building trusted relationships with government, community and industry stakeholders. You bring sound judgement, political acumen and the ability to navigate competing priorities in a highly visible environment.
Your strategic leadership experience may have been gained in local government, the public sector, infrastructure, utilities, environmental management, community services or another complex service delivery environment. Regardless of your background, you have a track record of leading organisations through challenges and change, delivering services and projects, managing risk and resources, and fostering high-performing teams.
You are equally comfortable in the boardroom and the community. You can translate strategy into action, provide trusted advice on sensitive matters, and work collaboratively to achieve outcomes that balance environmental stewardship, community expectations and long-term sustainability.
Essential Requirements
- Tertiary qualifications in a related field or demonstrated equivalent professional experience
- Ability and willingness to reside on Lord Howe Island for the duration of the appointment
- Successful completion of National Police and financial/probity checks.
For more information read the full Role Description: 
General Manager
About Lord Howe Island
Lord Howe Island is located in the South Pacific Ocean approximately 700km north-east of Sydney and is part of NSW. The island has a high proportion of rare and endemic birds, plants, and invertebrates, and has the southernmost coral reef in the world. Three-quarters of the island is within the Permanent Park Preserve, which is managed similarly to a national park. There are approximately 445 residents, and tourism is the major industry and source of income on the island. Approximately 16,000 people visit the island each year and there are 21 accommodation lodges.
The Lord Howe Island Board (the Board) is a statutory authority established under the provisions of the Lord Howe Island Act 1953. The Board is responsible to the NSW Minister for the Environment and comprises four islanders elected by the local community and three members appointed by the Minister. It is charged with the care, control and management of the island and the affairs and trade of the island. It is also responsible for the care, improvement and welfare of the island and residents.
The Lord Howe Island Board is part of the Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water cluster. Lord Howe Island Board members of staff are employed under section 21 of the Government Sector Employment and Management Act by the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW). Ensuring a sustainable NSW through climate change and energy action, water management, environment and heritage protection.
In our inclusive and accessible workplace, differences are embraced, contributions are valued, and everyone has a sense of connection and belonging. DCCEEW supports various employee affinity groups, practises flexible working, offers job share and workplace adjustments. We are committed to the Premier’s Priorities and welcome applications from all.
For more information, please refer to the Lord Howe Island Board website.
Who we are
The Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) works to protect the state’s environment and heritage. It leads the way on climate change, driving the sustainable transition to a net zero economy, powered by affordable, reliable, and clean energy.
DCCEEW conserves and protects the state’s natural environment. It manages the NSW national park estate, including its rich and diverse biodiversity and Aboriginal cultural heritage for future generations.
DCCEEW also ensures sustainable management of water resources across the state, to support the environment, communities and industry.
The Lord Howe Island Board is a statutory authority within the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW). Established under the Lord Howe Island Act 1953, the Board is responsible for the care, control and management of the Island, its infrastructure, environment, community services and sustainable future.
We acknowledge the ongoing custodial responsibilities of the Aboriginal peoples of NSW to care for Country and water and are committed to establishing meaningful partnerships with Aboriginal peoples in the management of the environment.
Why join us?
This is more than an executive role - it's an opportunity to lead a globally significant destination and make a tangible impact on the lives of residents, visitors and future generations.
You'll enjoy:
- A unique lifestyle in one of Australia's most extraordinary locations
- Executive leadership responsibility across a diverse and meaningful portfolio
- The opportunity to shape the future of a World Heritage-listed community
- A collaborative and purpose-driven environment
- Potential relocation assistance for eligible candidates
- The chance to make a lasting legacy through environmental stewardship and community leadership
To Apply
If you are inspired by the opportunity to lead one of NSW's most unique communities, we look forward to receiving your application, including a copy of your resume and cover letter expressing your interest and suitability for the role.
Please note to be eligible to apply for this position you must be an Australian or New Zealand citizen or permanent resident or hold a valid Australian working Visa for the duration of the appointment.
Applications close 23rd August at 11:55PM.
Should you require further information about the role please contact Jon Noble, Senior Manager, Talent Acquisition via jonathan.noble@dcceew.nsw.gov.au
A recruitment pool may be created for ongoing and temporary opportunities of the same role or role type that may become available over the next 18 months.
Our goal is to build a workforce that not only represents but also understands and serves the diverse communities of New South Wales. We are committed to making our state a vibrant and inclusive place to live, work, and thrive for everyone. Our workforce represents people of all ages and genders, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with disabilities, the LGBTQI+ community, and people from diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds.
Looking for more information or assistance in applying?
If you require an adjustment for your application process, please contact our Talent Acquisition Team by emailing dcceew.ta@dpie.nsw.gov.au or contacting jonathan.noble@dcceew.nsw.gov.au on +61 418 388 549 (please mention job reference number 552004).
If you are an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander use our Aboriginal applicants guide to assist with applying for roles or our Aboriginal Career pathways team at AEX@dcceew.nsw.gov.au for a yarn.
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Role Description
