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Lead a shire with a proud sense of place, a thriving creative spirit, and an engaged, informed community that genuinely participates in shaping its future.
Mount Alexander Shire situated on both Dja Dja Wurrung and Taungurung Country in Central Victoria, is a place of rich history, beautiful heritage streetscapes, picturesque towns, stunning natural surrounds, a thriving local economy, and a vibrant cultural life. It's home to more than 20,000 people, largely centred around the close‐knit townships of Castlemaine, Harcourt, Maldon, Campbells Creek, Newstead, Elphinstone, Guildford, Chewton and Taradale, and its popularity continues to grow, supported by access to Melbourne and Bendigo and the lifestyle the region offers. This role offers a rare blend of lifestyle, influence and professional challenge.
Mount Alexander Shire Council now seeks an outstanding Chief Executive Officer to build on strong foundations and lead with clarity, warmth and ambition, delivering for community today while shaping a resilient, connected shire for the decades ahead.
For the right leader, this is a compelling combination: high expectations, high participation, and the chance to lead in a place where your work is visible, meaningful, and deeply connected to community life.
The Opportunity
Mount Alexander Shire is at a pivotal point. The organisation is stable, relationships between Councillors and the Executive are positive, and there is a clear desire to build on what is working, not change for change's sake.
As CEO, you will:
* Work in close partnership with Councillors to deliver the Council Plan and long‐term priorities
* Provide clear strategic leadership, helping Council prioritise, sequence and communicate complex decisions
* Lead the successful delivery of major, high‐profile capital and infrastructure projects
* Strengthen organisational culture, workforce stability and staff confidence
* Champion community wellbeing, economic resilience and environmental outcomes
* Build strong relationships across community, business, Traditional Owners and First Nation groups and all levels of government
* Balance financial sustainability, equity and service continuity, ensuring decisions are fair, transparent and clearly understood by the community
* Advocate effectively for funding and support in a constrained fiscal environment
* Lead with confidence through unexpected events, crises and disruptions
About You
You are a respected executive leader with a demonstrated track record in complex, community‐facing environments. You combine strategic ambition with grounded practicality, and you can clearly articulate trade‐offs, priorities and \"the why\" behind decisions.
You will be recognised for authentic, community-centred leadership and visible engagement across diverse groups, coupled with political and governance acumen, including probity, professionalism, neutrality and the ability to advise and challenge constructively.
This role requires a leader who can lead a diverse shire, balance continuity and innovation, bring fresh thinking while respecting the strengths already in place.
This role will appeal to a senior executive who enjoys being part of the place they lead, visible in the community, trusted by Councillors, and deeply connected to staff and stakeholders. It suits a leader who balances strategic ambition with grounded judgement, and who brings warmth, humour and calm alongside rigour and accountability.
Why Join Us?
For a Chief Executive Officer, this means influence with purpose. Your decisions matter, relationships count, and leadership is exercised in partnership with an informed, engaged community.
If you are motivated by place‐based leadership, value genuine community engagement, and want your work to be both challenging and deeply rewarding, this is an opportunity to lead a shire with a strong sense of identity and a clear commitment to a healthy, connected future.
For a position description or to apply please visit the McArthur website at www.mcarthur.com.au, referencing job number J9260 in the search bar.
For a confidential conversation, please contact Fiona Bain on 0404 204 372.
Applications Close: Tuesday 28th April 2026.
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