* Lead an essential emergency service saving lives on the water
* Shape the future of marine safety across NSW’s coastline and waterways
* Join a dedicated and highly skilled team protecting the NSW community
Marine Rescue NSW (MRNSW) provides marine search and rescue operations, monitors and responds to radio communications and delivers safety and community education programs. We have over 3,500 trained volunteer members supported by a dedicated full‑time staff team, an advanced fleet of rescue vessels and a state‑wide marine radio communications capability. In the last year, MRNSW launched 4,552 on water operations returning more than 10,000 boaters safely to shore. We work closely with other emergency service organisations, particularly the NSW Police Force.
MRNSW is a Not‑for‑Profit organisation, governed by a Board of Directors. Our volunteer members and staff are driven by a unified and unwavering sense of purpose, deeply committed to serving their local communities and the people of NSW.
For more information, visit: www.marinerescuensw.com.au
DYNAMIC LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITY
We are seeking a Commissioner to deliver outstanding strategic and operational leadership as we embrace future challenges and opportunities.
This full‑time executive role, based at the headquarters in Cronulla, NSW, reports to the Board and is responsible for leading a world class emergency services organisation. As Commissioner, you will strengthen operational performance, foster cultural alignment and continue to build the reputation and capability of the organisation.
You will lead a diverse and capable workforce, volunteers and employees alike, through engagement, collaboration, and sound decision‑making. Your leadership will set the tone for a culture of professionalism, inclusiveness, and excellence in service delivery.
Key responsibilities include :
* Setting strategic direction and championing a shared vision that motivates volunteers and staff
* Strengthening operational capability, cohesion and readiness across all regions.
* Building effective partnerships with the highest levels of government and policy makers
* Representing MRNSW with credibility and impact in media and public forums
* Ensuring financial sustainability through effective planning and business acumen.
* Maintaining excellence in governance, compliance and organisational safety.
* Advancing long‑term strategies for training, fleet renewal and service delivery.
* Championing wellbeing, inclusion and respect across all levels of the organisation.
* Reporting to the Board and driving alignment with MRNSW’s mission and strategic objectives.
INSPIRE THROUGH PURPOSE. LEAD WITH INTEGRITY
You’re an experienced executive who thrives in complex environments and cares deeply about people, purpose, and public trust.
You will bring :
* A minimum of five years in senior executive leadership roles with responsibility for people, finances, and operations
* A proven ability to enhance organisational capability
* Demonstrated success in building engaged, high performance teams
* A track record of successful stakeholder and community engagement
* Deep regard for volunteers and community service
* Tertiary qualifications or comparable experience in emergency services, maritime sector or operations leadership.
We’ll highly value experience in :
* Emergency response, public safety, maritime or not‑for‑profit leadership
* Navigating state or federal government partnerships and funding programmes
* Leading in multi‑location, mixed workforce organisations
* Advocating in public, political or high‑pressure environments
* Championing technology, systems and innovation in safety‑focused services
You operate with integrity, not self‑interest. You understand that lasting impact comes from empowering others, respecting what already works while also confidently steering the organisation towards a stronger, positive future.
WHAT WE OFFER
* An attractive remuneration with salary packaging benefits.
* Flexible working options.
* State‑wide engagement from headquarters to regional units.
* Collaboration with a high‑calibre, experienced Board.
* The opportunity to lead a vital community safety service into its next era.
JOIN THE CREW THAT SAVES LIVES
If you're ready to lead a mission critical emergency service, grounded in values and fuelled by purpose, we want to hear from you.
Take the helm. Make the mission yours.
The application period will close on Wednesday, 10 December 2025.
#J-18808-Ljbffr