Job Description.

W&Co Search is proud to partner with the Victorian Local Governance Association in the recruitment of its next Chief Executive Officer.

The Victorian Local Governance Association is an independent, non-partisan peak body for Victorian councillors and the only organisation nationally with a singular focus on supporting councillors and the council officers who support them to improve culture, conduct and achieve strong, ethical and effective local governance on behalf of their communities. With a proud history spanning more than 30 years, VLGA plays an important role in strengthening local democracy, supporting elected representatives and contributing to the conversations that shape the future of Local Government.

VLGA is entering an exciting new chapter. The organisation has built strong brand recognition, credible external relationships, an ambitious strategic direction and an expanded program of councillor education and advocacy. The next Chief Executive Officer will build on this momentum while leading VLGA through its next phase of organisational maturity, sector relevance and sustainable impact.

Reporting directly to the Board, the Chief Executive Officer will lead the strategic direction, operational performance, stakeholder engagement and organisational leadership of VLGA. This is a visible, hands-on and highly influential leadership role, requiring a leader who can work effectively with the Board, support a small and committed team, engage directly with councils and councillors and represent VLGA with credibility across the broader sector.

The role will be central to delivering and reassessing VLGA’s current 2023 to 2027 Strategic Plan while helping shape the organisation’s next strategic direction. Key priorities will include strengthening member engagement, deepening relationships across the sector, building the impact of VLGA’s training and professional development programs, improving evaluation and evidence of outcomes and supporting a sustainable financial pathway for future growth.

This appointment offers significant scope to influence community outcomes across Victoria and more broadly. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to strengthen VLGA’s role as a trusted, independent voice for councillors, while exploring future partnerships, initiatives and growth opportunities that extend the organisation’s reach and impact. National collaboration and broader partnership opportunities form part of this future scope, requiring a leader who can test ideas thoughtfully, build support and translate ambition into sustainable outcomes.

The Chief Executive Officer will also play a critical external leadership role. This will include building trusted relationships with councillors, mayors, deputy mayors, council CEOs, governance professionals, government, Ministers, departments, sector peaks, integrity agencies, program partners and other stakeholders across Local Government VLGA’s advocacy and work is independent and non-partisan, requiring a leader with sound political judgement, maturity and a genuine respect for the role councillors play in democratic life.

Internally, the role will provide clear, inclusive and energising leadership across a small and agile organisation. The CEO will support role clarity, operating discipline, team culture and organisational capability while ensuring VLGA remains responsive, relevant and well positioned for the future. This is not a purely external advocacy role. It requires someone prepared to lead strategically while remaining close to the work, supporting people, strengthening accountability and ensuring the organisation has the systems, culture and confidence required to deliver on its purpose.

The Board is seeking a highly credible executive who brings strong strategic leadership, stakeholder influence, financial discipline and an authentic commitment to democracy and local representation. Whilst direct Victorian Local Government experience and knowledge is not essential it will be advantageous. Candidates may come from Local Government, peak bodies, membership organisations, public-purpose organisations, governance, professional services, government-adjacent environments or other relevant leadership settings.

Success will rely on the ability to work with elected representatives, understand the complexity of member-based organisations and operate effectively within a public-purpose environment. Experience working with Boards, councillors, elected representatives, members or complex stakeholder groups will be important. The successful candidate will bring the humility to learn sector detail where required, together with the confidence to lead, influence, challenge constructively and make sound decisions. This opportunity will suit an established CEO, senior executive or emerging CEO-ready leader who combines strategic capability with practical operational judgement. You will be values-led, commercially aware, emotionally intelligent and comfortable leading within a small organisation where visibility, adaptability and hands-on contribution matter.

This is a rare opportunity to lead a respected organisation at an important time for Victorian Local Government. The next CEO will help strengthen democracy, elevate councillor capability, deepen sector impact and shape the next chapter of VLGA’s influence, sustainability and growth.

To view the Position Description for this opportunity please copy and paste the following link into your browser: nhttps://shorturl.at/BgmRv

For a confidential discussion please contact Ashley Wilkes, Managing Director at W&Co Search, on 0448 007 653 or via info@wcosearch.com

Applications should include a one-page cover letter and a detailed resume outlining your relevant experience and alignment to the role. Applications will be reviewed as they are received and suitable candidates may be contacted throughout the search process. Early applications are encouraged.