Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

  • Visionary CEO position with a leading membership body – API
  • Use your experience, passion and commercial nous to help advance the industry!
  • Lead the organisation through an exciting period of growth & ongoing innovation!

The Organisation:

The Australian Property Institute (API) is Australia’s leading and contemporary membership organisation for property valuers and other property professionals. The API has just turned 100 years old. With close to 8,000 Members, a staff of approx 40, and revenue in excess of $10 million, we provide thought leadership, education, professional development, recognised accreditation, resources, advocacy and other services to the industry we represent. We set and maintain the highest standards of professional practice, education, ethics, and professional conduct for Members, and as a result, raise the bar for the entire profession.

Focused on expanding the organisation’s education and qualification services, as well as providing futuristic change and strategic advice to the industry, the organisation is now seeking expressions of interest for a highly strategic, visionary and experienced CEO to lead its established and experienced team through an exciting period of growth and innovation!

The Role:

To support the APIs 2025 -2028 Strategic Plan and ongoing expansion, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) is responsible for the overall strategic, operational, and financial management of the organisation, ensuring it achieves its mission and objectives. The CEO is the primary liaison between the Board of Directors and the organisation’s operational activities, driving the implementation of Board-approved strategies and ensuring compliance with relevant legislative and regulatory obligations, including the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth).

The CEO will provide leadership to the organisation’s approx 8,000 university-qualified professional members, ensuring that their needs are met and their interests are represented. Additionally, the CEO will maintain effective engagement with a broad range of external stakeholders, including legislators, client groups, other industry associations, regulators, and staff.

The position requires a highly experienced, strategic, and financially adept leader with a proven track record in managing organisations of similar size, complexity, and stakeholder diversity.

Key Responsibilities:

  1. Leadership & Strategy – lead the development and implementation of the organisation’s strategic plans, provide inspirational leadership & effective management of the organisation, act as a key advocate for its members, and foster a high-performing organisational culture focused on service excellence, accountability, and innovation.
  2. Governance & Compliance – Ensure that the organisation operates in compliance with the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth), all other relevant laws, and regulatory requirements. Support the Board in fulfilling its fiduciary responsibilities, ensuring effective board management, communication, and collaboration.
  3. Financial Management – Take responsibility for the sound financial management of the organisation, ensuring fiscal responsibility and sustainability. This includes forecasting, budgeting, reporting, revenue generation, cost management, resource allocation, and financial risk management
  4. Stakeholder Engagement – Foster and maintain excellent relationships with a broad range of stakeholders, including: Members, other relevant industry associations, Government and regulators, and external partners. Act as the public face and principal spokesperson for the organisation, managing media relations and communication strategies.
  5. Operational Management – Ensure effective day-to-day management of the organisation’s operations, including oversight of all departments and staff. Promote a culture of excellence, continuous improvement, and professional development within the organisation. Ensure that the organisation’s human resource policies and practices attract, retain, and develop high-calibre staff and are undertaken in accordance with all legislative requirements under the Fair Work Act.
  6. Advocacy & Representation – Lead the organisation’s advocacy efforts, representing members’ interests to government bodies, regulators, and industry stakeholders. Influence policy debates and legislative developments, and promote the organisation’s values and mission, positioning it as a thought leader and key contributor in its field.
  7. Risk Management – Develop and implement an effective risk management framework that identifies, assesses, and mitigates organisational risks. Ensure that operational, financial, and reputational risks are actively managed and reported to the Board.
  8. Board Support – Collaborate with the Board Chair to set agendas and facilitate communication for Board meetings, providing necessary materials and reports to support informed decision-making.

About You:

To be successful in this role, you will demonstrate:

Essential Qualifications and Experience:

  • University Degree in business, property economics, finance, law, or a related field. Postgraduate qualifications such as an MBA or equivalent are highly regarded.
  • Demonstrated property industry experience, membership of the API
  • Demonstrated experience as a CEO or in a senior executive leadership role
  • Comprehensive understanding of corporate governance, including obligations under the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth). Ideally you will have completed the Australian Institute of Company Directors Course and be a professional member of that organisation.
  • Proven ability to engage and influence government and industry stakeholders, including experience in advocacy and policy development.
  • Exceptional financial acumen with experience in budgeting, financial planning, and resource allocation.
  • Demonstrated ability to manage complex organisations and lead high-performing teams.
  • Strong understanding of the Australian professional landscape and relevant regulatory environments.

Key Competencies:

  • Leadership: Inspirational leadership with the ability to manage and motivate diverse teams and build a strong organisational culture.
  • Transformation and Change Management: the ability manage complex change management processes, including digital transformation.
  • Strategic Thinking: A visionary leader with a clear understanding of how to align operational execution with long-term strategic objectives.
  • Financial Expertise: Strong financial management skills, with the ability to interpret financial reports, manage budgets, and ensure financial sustainability.
  • Stakeholder Engagement: Ability to build, maintain, and leverage relationships with key stakeholders, including members, government bodies, industry partners, and the media.
  • Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to represent the organisation publicly and effectively communicate with diverse audiences.
  • Governance: Thorough understanding of corporate governance principles, fiduciary duties, and legal obligations under the Corporations Act.

Obligations Under the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth)

As CEO, you will have key responsibilities under the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth), including:

  • Acting with care and diligence in managing the organisation.
  • Acting in good faith and in the best interests of the organisation.
  • Avoiding conflicts of interest and ensuring that the organisation’s interests are paramount.
  • Ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, including financial reporting obligations.

Remuneration:

A competitive remuneration package commensurate with experience will be offered, including performance-based incentives aligned with the achievement of strategic objectives.

Conclusion:

The CEO will be a dynamic and strategic leader, with the vision and capacity to lead the organisation into its next century of operation. This role offers the unique opportunity to guide a highly respected professional body, ensuring its continued growth, financial sustainability, and positive impact on its members and the wider community.

For further information: 

Questions should be directed to Trina Boylan at [email protected]

To Apply:

Please submit a 1-2 page cover letter and your full CV to [email protected] by COB Fri 30th Oct 2026.