Skip to Main Content

Job Title


Chief Executive Officer


Company : Indigenous Art Centre Alliance (IACA)


Location : Cairns, Queensland


Created : 2025-07-07


Job Type : Full Time


Job Description

1 day ago Be among the first 25 applicantsIACA POSITION DESCRIPTION & APPLICATION DETAILSPOSITION TITLE:CEOREPORTS TO: IACABoard of DirectorsEMPLOYMENT BASIS: Full-time (some flexible arrangements may be considered)SALARY: $130,000 - $150,000 + super, above award conditions, generous leave provisionsABOUT IACAThe Indigenous Art Centre Alliance (IACA) is a network of First Nations art centres, representing more than 400 Indigenous artists from Cardwell in the south through to the Torres Strait Islands in the north. We are Australia''s only peak body dedicated to supporting two distinct cultural groups, serving both Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.IACA unites self-determined, community-based art centres across the region, fostering collaboration and a strong network that amplifies members voices and responds to their priorities and aspirations. Since 2011, IACA has built a reputation for effective programs and services, driving advocacy, capacity-building, and training and mentoring to strengthen the resilience and visibility of Indigenous art centres, particularly in the face of professional isolation and remoteness.IACAs influence also extends to national forums and debates, ensuring member perspectives are represented. IACA champions diversity, equity and inclusion by empowering First Nations voices and leadership. We are committed to building a workplace where people from all backgrounds, abilities, orientations and identities are respected and valued.POSITION SUMMARYIACA is seeking a dynamic new CEO to guide the organisation and meet its strategic goals. This is an identified position - Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander applicants only.The successful candidate will bring experience in strategy, community engagement, cultural leadership, as well as people and partnership management. They will have an understanding of the arts and cultural sector, and in particular, the operating contexts of Indigenous Art Centres.Our future CEO will demonstrate a capacity to build and sustain impactful partnerships across community, government and philanthropy. They will embody culturally safe leadership to ensure that IACA lives the values it advocates.They will understand the nuances of working with diverse communities, applying cultural equity and justice to their leadership practice.They will work collaboratively with our First Nations-led Board, staff and stakeholders to create new engagements and opportunities for sector strengthening, focusing on the creation of a safe and sustainable workplace that supports self-determination, wellbeing and prosperity.KEY RESPONSIBILITIESLeadership & Stakeholder EngagementProvide values-driven strategic leadership to advance the aspirations of Queenslands community-based First Nations Art CentresDeliver IACAs Strategic Plan.Build and sustain impactful relationships with government, philanthropic partners, member art centres, and key organisations to advocate, shape priorities, and enhance IACAs visibility, influence, and long-term impact.Lead fundraising efforts, including securing investment from government and philanthropic sources.Initiate and guide research, policy and program development.GovernanceCollaborate with the Board to maintain strong, culturally grounded governance that aligns with IACAs purpose and values.Compliance with all legal, regulatory, and reporting obligations, coordinating with accountants, legal advisors, and auditors.Prepare high-quality submissions and reports for all levels of government, advocating effectively for issues critical to the sector.Oversee all operational and financial functions, ensuring effective budgeting, reporting and high-quality procedures.Manage grant reporting and communicationsto ensure transparency and accountability.Lead and nurture a high-performing, skilled team, fostering a culture of excellence, collaboration, and accountability.Oversee all aspects of HR and industrial relations, ensuring a culturally safe, compliant, and supportive workplace.Promote generative learning practices and innovation, empowering individuals to grow and adapt to a dynamic environment.SELECTION CRITERIAAbility to build on more than a decade of quality strategic development of IACA.Experience in advocacy and brokering and maintaining key community, sector, government and philanthropic stakeholders.Experience working with boards.Operational and financial management skills.Proven ability to lead, support and develop high-performing teams.Demonstrated commitment to a collaborative, culturally safe and accountable work environments.Demonstrated understanding of the First Nations art centre sector.Familiarity with the Far North Queensland cultural and creative landscape.Willingness to travel to, and work in, remote/regional areas.HOW TO APPLYThis is an identified position - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants.We welcome applications from both experienced professionals and emerging leaders who are passionate about supporting First Nations arts and communities. If you''re ready to step into a leadership role, we want to hear from you.IACA is open to discussing flexible arrangements to ensure the right fit for the role and the communities we serve.Only applications that address the following requirements will be accepted:-Covering letter (1 page)-Responses to each Selection Criteria (no more than 2 pages)-Your CV (no more than 2 pages)Email your application and any enquiries to Tim Acker: tim@tracker.net.au / 0410 038 226Were here to help!If you require support or would like to submit your application in a different format, please dont hesitate to reach out to Tim.IACA is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.Please note: The successful candidate will be required to undergo a referee and police checkApplications are due by COB Monday, 28 th July 2025Seniority levelSeniority levelExecutiveEmployment typeEmployment typeFull-timeJob functionJob functionBusiness Development and SalesIndustriesArts & CraftsReferrals increase your chances of interviewing at Indigenous Art Centre Alliance (IACA) by 2xCairns, Queensland, Australia 9 months agoDirector People & Organisational PerformanceCairns, Queensland, Australia 2 weeks agoPortfolio Director of Marketing & DigitalDirector of Studies - St Augustine''s College, Cairns.Cairns, Queensland, Australia 2 weeks agoDirector Planning, Growth & SustainabilityCairns, Queensland, Australia 3 weeks agoDirector/Nominated Supervisor White Rock ELCMooroobool, Queensland, Australia 2 weeks agoCairns, Queensland, Australia 5 hours agoStaff Specialist (Cardiologist), Interventional, Non Invasive and Clinical Director, QUEENSLAND GOVERNMENT DEPT OF HEALTHCairns, Queensland, Australia 2 weeks agoWere unlocking community knowledge in a new way. Experts add insights directly into each article, started with the help of AI. #J-18808-Ljbffr