Australian Organics Recycling Organisation

is now recruiting for

Chief Executive Officer

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Applications close midnight, Friday 7th August 2026

About the Role

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The Australian Organics Recycling Association (AORA) is the Australian organics recycling industry’s national peak industry body.

AORA works on behalf of its members to raise awareness of the benefits of recycling organic resources and its contribution to a circular economy. It advocates for the broader organics resource recovery and beneficial reuse industries, to represent their views in a constructive dialogue with policymakers. The Association plays a pivotal role in shaping an environment in which best practice is shared, standards are maintained and surpassed, and a positive contribution to safeguarding the environment is made.

The Association consists of a national body represented by a Board of Directors, supported by state committees operating across Australia. Through a highly collaborative model, the Chief Executive Officer works closely with the Board, volunteer committees, a small national team and specialist resources to coordinate national initiatives, support member engagement, deliver industry events and advance AORA's strategic objectives.

Our Vision
Recycling and reuse of organic materials within a circular economy is widely understood and supported by Australians.

Our Mission
AORA works with all stakeholders to facilitate an operating environment which maximises the recycling and reuse of organic materials, and promotes the benefits of compost, soil conditioners and mulches across the Australian community and business.

Our Strategic Objectives

1. AORA is the national voice of the organics recycling industry and is recognised in this capacity by governments and all industry stakeholders across the supply chain.

2. AORA defines and champions a future where recycling of organic materials is maximised and optimised.

3. AORA is a modern, successful and sustainable business.

Overview

Chief Executive Officer

Download Position Description

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) is responsible for leading the Australian Organics Recycling Association (AORA) and delivering the strategic vision established by the Board.

As the principal executive of Australia's peak body representing the organics recycling industry, the CEO provides strategic leadership to strengthen organisational sustainability, grow and retain membership, increase sponsorship and partnership revenue, influence public policy and position AORA as the trusted national voice for organics recycling.

Working closely with the Board, members, governments, sponsors and industry stakeholders, the CEO leads the implementation and ongoing evolution of AORA's Strategic Plan, ensuring the Association delivers measurable value to members while driving long-term organisational growth and industry influence.

The Role

As the Chief Executive Officer, you will:

Strategic Leadership & Growth

Lead the execution of AORA's strategic vision, driving organisational growth, industry relevance and long-term sustainability.
Provide strategic advice to the Board on emerging opportunities, risks and industry trends, while identifying future growth opportunities and positioning AORA for success beyond its current planning horizon.

Membership, Sponsorship & Revenue Growth

Grow and strengthen AORA's membership base, sponsorship portfolio and diversified revenue streams.
Enhance member value and retention, build strategic partnerships and maximise opportunities that support sustainable organisational growth and financial resilience.

Advocacy, Industry Influence & Stakeholder Engagement

Lead development of national advocacy and policy positions supported by evidence and industry research.
Build AORA's reputation as the trusted national authority sought by governments, regulators, industry and media, while strengthening relationships across its national and state networks.
Influence legislative, regulatory and policy reform to improve market conditions for Australia's organics recycling industry.

Financial Sustainability & Performance

Ensure the financial sustainability and commercial performance of the Association through sound financial stewardship, effective resource management and delivery of agreed strategic and operational outcomes.

Governance & Organisational Capability

Support effective governance through strong engagement with the Board, compliance with statutory and regulatory obligations, and the development of organisational capability, leadership capacity and risk management practices that support long-term success.
Lead a small, geographically dispersed team and foster a collaborative, high-performing and member-focused culture.

What We Are Looking For

Skills & Experience

Essential

Demonstrated success in a CEO, Executive Director, Association CEO or equivalent senior leadership role.
Experience leading a peak body, industry association, member-based organisation or comparable organisation.
Proven success growing membership, increasing member engagement and delivering organisational growth.
Demonstrated ability to grow sponsorships, partnerships and diversified revenue streams.
Experience influencing government policy, regulation or industry outcomes through effective stakeholder engagement.
Proven ability to build trusted relationships across government, industry, members and strategic partners.
Experience representing an organisation through public advocacy, industry engagement and media.
Strong commercial, financial and business management capability.
Experience working effectively with a Board and supporting sound governance practices.
Highly developed communication, negotiation and stakeholder engagement skills.
Demonstrated ability to lead small, geographically dispersed teams and foster a high-performance culture.
Understanding of the resource recovery, circular economy, environmental, agricultural or related sectors.

Desirable

Existing networks across government, industry, research or environmental sectors.
Experience developing industry standards, accreditation programs or member services.
Experience overseeing conferences, events, education programs or other member engagement initiatives.
Degree qualification in Business, Commerce, Public Policy, Environmental Science, Communications or a related discipline.

See Position Description for more information

How to Apply

To be considered, please provide the following information in your online application, for the assessment of your suitability:

A short (no more than two pages) statement focusing on how you align with the core accountabilities outlined in the role statement below.
Your current CV highlighting your relevant experience, qualifications, and achievements.

Candidates who represent diverse backgrounds are encouraged to submit an application. If you need assistance with your application please reach out to us.

Applications close midnight, Friday 7th August 2026

Apply Now