Executive Director - Koala Conservation Australia
Port Macquarie - Working across the Koala Hospital and Guulabaa – Place of Koala (NSW)
EGC is proud to be appointed as the exclusive Executive Search partner to Koala Conservation Australia (KCA), supporting the appointment of their next Executive Director.
Koala Conservation Australia is entering a significant phase of growth and development, operating at the intersection of animal welfare, conservation, research and public engagement. With major new facilities coming online and a clear strategic direction in place, this is a rare opportunity to lead an organisation of national significance.
The Role
Reporting to the Board, through the Chair, the Executive Director holds overall responsibility for the performance, organisational stability, and delivery of long‐term strategic direction of the organisation's strategy.
Koala Conservation Australia is supported by experienced senior managers across its functional areas; accordingly, whilst the Board sets the strategic direction, the Executive Director is responsible for its implementation, exercising sound judgement, supporting and enabling senior leaders, and ensuring the effective and cohesive operation of the organisation as a whole.
The Executive Director will operate across multiple sites with Port Macquarie region, including:
* Koala Conservation Australia –Wild Koala Breeding
* Two plantation sites located on the North Shore of Port Macquarie and west of Wauchope
Key Areas of Responsibility
Strategy and delivery
* Lead the delivery of KCA Board's ‐ strategic plan
* Develop an Operating Plan to deliver the organisation's priorities and ensure resources are aligned
* Monitor performance across koala care (rehabilitation and breeding), conservation, workforce and financial performance
Hospital, visitor experience and commercial performance
* Oversee the ongoing operation of Koala Conservation Australia's Koala Hospital & Wild Koala Breeding Centre
* Ensure visitor and commercial activity is innovative, well run, follows all legal requirements and supports the organisation's purpose
* Work with internal teams to grow visitation, partnerships and income
* Provide clear financial oversight, including budgeting, forecasting and capital planning
Governance and accountability
* Maintain strong governance, risk management and compliance
* Prepare clear, practical reporting for the Board
* Ensure regulatory, animal welfare, biosecurity and fundraising obligations are met
People, volunteers and community
* Provide leadership to the organisation's workforce comprising a mix of paid staff and a large volunteer workforce
* Lead staff and volunteers, supporting professional development and uplifting capability
* Set expectations around professionalism, behaviours, respect and accountability, while embedding organisational standards for customer service and stakeholder engagement
* Maintain strong connections with the local community and key partners
External relationships
* Represent KCA with all key stakeholders including government, partnerships (research, sponsors, funding partners), Alliance partners and others (with Board agreement)
* Support research partnerships and evidence‐based conservation work
* Act as a steady and credible voice for the organisation
About You
This role is open to leaders from a range of backgrounds, including but not limited to not‐for‐profit, tourism, health, education, research, environment, or another purpose‐driven sector. Direct wildlife experience is not essential.
The successful candidate will demonstrate:
* Senior executive or general management experience within complex organisations
* Strong entrepreneurial capability to create diverse revenue streams by identifying and implementing innovative and commercially sound strategies.
* A strong understanding of leading and operating organisations with multiple, interdependent functions
* Well‐developed financial and commercial acumen, particularly within visitor‐based or service‐oriented environments
* Sound governance judgement, including experience working effectively with Boards
* Strong leadership capability to shape and maintain a cohesive, values‐driven organisational culture that enables workforce engagement and organisational effectiveness.
* A demonstrated respect for wildlife, people, and community, together with a commitment to ethical decision‐making
You are comfortable leading through others, making balanced decisions, and working in an environment where public trust and support is essential.
What KCA Offers
* A role with national significance and real responsibility
* A committed Board and experienced leadership team
* The opportunity to lead the future direction of a major conservation, research, education and tourism organisation
* The lifestyle and community of the Mid North Coast of NSW
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