Palm Island Aboriginal Shire Council are seeking an experienced, values driven Director – Corporate, Community & Economic Development to lead the organisation's corporate governance, financial sustainability, economic growth, and community development functions.
Our Council is entering an exciting period of growth as we deliver the bold vision of our Corporate Plan 2026 to 2031 (draft). This recruitment drive reflects progress and momentum—an opportunity for experienced and emerging local government professionals to join a high performing, values driven team committed to lasting change for current and future generations. A core focus of this transformation is building local capacity and creating opportunities for local people to step into leadership and grow their careers. We are building a place based workforce, with roles based in Townsville and Palm Island, and may offer relocation assistance for exceptional candidates.
If you want your work to matter, your leadership to have impact, and your career to grow serving your community with purpose, we invite you to apply.
This role may be based on Palm Island or inTownsville, with travel to Palm Island as required. Preference will be given to Palm Island community members, in line with merit-based recruitment practices.
About the Role
This senior leadership position provides strategic, financial and organisational stewardship across Council's corporate, governance, economic development and community development portfolios.
The Director will:
* Ensure strong governance, compliance and organisational performance
* Oversee financial sustainability, long term financial planning and transparent reporting term financial planning and transparent reporting
* Drive economic development initiatives that strengthen the local economy
* Expand opportunities for local enterprise, workforce participation and procurement
* Lead the delivery of community programs, partnerships and wellbeing outcomes
* Build internal capability, improve systems, and support a values driven cultured enterprise development, and local supplier participation in Council projects and services.
A key focus is local economic uplift—supporting small business readiness, microenterprise development, and local supplier participation in Council projects and services.
Working closely with the CEO and Executive Leadership Team, the Director will provide strategic leadership, shape organisational growth, and champion Council's values and cultural expectations.
Key Responsibilities
* Provide strategic leadership across corporate governance, financial management, economic development and community development functions.
* Strengthen Council's policy, risk, compliance and performance frameworks.
* Oversee budgets, audit functions, long term financial planning and transparent reporting. term financial planning and transparent reporting.
* Lead economic development strategies that grow local enterprise and attract sustainable investment.
* Develop pathways for local business participation, micro packages, and local procurement opportunities. packages, and local procurement opportunities.
* Collaborate with community, industry and government partners to strengthen economic and social outcomes.
* Lead the design and delivery of community programs that promote wellbeing, cultural safety and participation.
* Build organisational capability through workforce planning, people development and systems uplift.
* Provide high level advice to the CEO, Mayor, Councillors and Executive Leadership Team.
About You
You are an experienced corporate, governance or economic development leader who thrives in dynamic environments and brings strong judgement, communication skills and cultural awareness.
You will bring:
* Tertiary qualifications in Business, Finance, Public Administration, Governance, Economic Development or similar, and/or extensive senior leadership experience.
* Experience leading corporate services, governance, financial management or economic development functions.
* Strong understanding of local government legislation, compliance, procurement and financial frameworks.
* Demonstrated commitment to local economic development and capability uplift.
* Experience working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
* A collaborative, community centred leadership style aligned with Council's values.
Why Join Us?
* Lead functions that directly influence the economic wellbeing, transparency and future prosperity of the Shire.
* Work with a Council deeply committed to cultural respect, community empowerment and long-term sustainability.
* Shape strong local employment pathways and uplift Palm Island's future workforce.
* Enjoy a role with real purpose, influence and community impact.
Members of the Palm Island community are strongly encouraged to apply.
Apply Now
If you want your leadership in governance, financial management and community development to make a real difference for current and future generations, apply now and help shape Palm Island's future.
Submit your resume and cover letter addressing the key responsibilities via Seek.
Applications Close: 15 March 2026
For more information visit or contact Recruitment.