The Opportunity

Due to natural attrition, an exceptional Executive Director opportunity has arisen within this independent and long-standing integrity agency. This position would suit a strategic leader with proven corporate services expertise and transformational change, governance and risk management capabilities.

The Agency

The Office of the Queensland Ombudsman (OQO) is an independent integrity agency established under the Ombudsman Act 2001. Their role is to investigate complaints about Queensland government agencies and improve the quality of public administration. The OQO also provides oversight to public interest disclosures and more recently has expanded their responsibilities to inspect and report on detention services under the Inspection of Detention Services Act 2022. The agency currently employs a workforce of approximately 100 dedicated individuals all striving to meet OQO’s clear vision to support a fair and accountable public administration in Queensland.

The Role

Reporting directly to the Queensland Ombudsman, and as a key member of the Executive Leadership Team (ELT), the Executive Director (Corporate Strategy) plays a pivotal role within the OQO. This is a unique position, with a varying remit including the provision of strategic advice to the Ombudsman and ELT regarding governance, change and risk management, the leadership of an effective enabling services function, (incorporating teams across Finance and Facilities Services, Information Services, Human Resources, Policy and Projects, Governance, Communications and Administration) and driving major initiatives to support continual agency growth and transformation.

In addition to providing operational oversight, leading continuous improvement strategic initiatives and managing a multi-functional team, the Executive Director also supports the Ombudsman by preparing various reports and submissions, ensuring alignment with government priorities, and leading negotiations and communications across a broad stakeholder group.

About You

To fulfil this diverse and dynamic executive leadership role, you will bring:

• Strategic leadership: with the proven capacity to provide high-level strategic advice based on exemplary values of integrity and ethics, an individual who can navigate complex public administration policies and systems, identify trends, inspire and lead change initiatives and navigate governance and risk within a complex evolving environment.
• Change management expertise: experience in leading major change initiatives to support a growing or evolving organisation including organisational restructurings, innovation or transformation projects to support continued progression and growth.
• Corporate Services team leadership: demonstrated success leading multi-disciplinary teams across the corporate services function, a leader who can inspire resilience, clarify goals, and provide guidance through uncertainty and change.
• High-level stakeholder engagement skills: proven success in communicating and negotiating with diverse stakeholder groups including government and non-government organisations, staff, and unions.
• Sophisticated communication skills: sound understanding of the public sector environment and public sector reporting, required to oversee and lead high-level correspondence including Service Delivery Statements, Ministerials and executive correspondence, submissions and other reports and publications as required.
• Organisational and forward-planning capacity: advanced planning, prioritisation, and resource management skills, with a forward-thinking approach to problem resolutions.
• Drive to promote a respectful, ethical, and inclusive workplace culture: encouraging individuals to share a personal responsibility for promoting health and safety, valuing diversity and equity, an individual that leads by example with a strong personal commitment to ethical behaviour.
• Relevant tertiary qualifications would be highly regarded.

Additional Information and How to Apply

For further information, please review the information pack and position description available at https://meritsolutions.applynow.net.au/jobs/Merit10441 (please copy and paste the link).

For further details, or to discuss the role in confidence, please call Paula Cordier at Merit Solutions on 0477 766 801 or email: [email protected]

To apply, please submit the following:

• A current resume; and
• Names and contact details of two (2) referees, it is preferable that one referee be your current supervisor; and
• A one or two (1-2) page cover letter explaining why you would like to work for the Queensland Ombudsman, what personal qualities you would bring to the role and a brief overview of your relevant skills and experience.

Closing date: Sunday, 7 September 2025

The Office of the Queensland Ombudsman is an equal opportunity employer and embraces workforce diversity. Therefore, people from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, individuals with disabilities, culturally and linguistically diverse communities, LGBTQIA+ individuals, veterans and people of all ages.

The Office of the Queensland Ombudsman’s commitment to cultural safety, equity and inclusion ensures selection decisions will not be influenced by whether an applicant has a need for any workplace adjustments. Please let us know if you require any assistance or adjustments that will help you participate in this recruitment process.

If you have any difficulties accessing the information pack, position description or in lodging your application, please contact the Merit Solutions office on 07 3220 1166.