CEO - Australian Institute of Landscape Architects (AILA)

The Australian Institute of Landscape Architects (AILA) is the contemporary peak body for over 3,000 landscape architects nationwide. AILA champions the profession’s critical role in shaping sustainable, inclusive, and resilient communities, from parks and streetscapes to climate adaptation and large-scale urban regeneration.

Through leadership in advocacy, education, and professional support, AILA connects people to community, Country, and planet. Its work spans accreditation, professional development, public promotion, and policy influence, amplifying the profession’s voice and empowering members at every stage of their career.

A values-led, member-driven organisation, AILA works with government, industry, education, and community to ensure the design and stewardship of healthy, connected places. Committed to climate-positive design, genuine Connection to Country, and gender equity and inclusion, AILA is a leading force for positive change in the built environment.

With a clear strategic vision, strong revenue growth, increasing membership, and national influence, including as a lead partner in design advocacy for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, AILA is poised for its next phase, seeking a progressive, strategic, and values-driven CEO to lead this next chapter.

About the Role
Reporting to a progressive and engaged Board, the CEO will lead AILA’s strategic execution, advocacy, stakeholder engagement, and operational management. You will inspire and guide a passionate national team, drive high-impact initiatives, and strengthen the visibility and influence of the profession.

As a national organisation, AILA provides flexibility for the CEO to be based anywhere in Australia, while shaping the profession’s influence nationwide.

Key priorities include:

• Providing visionary leadership across AILA’s five strategic pillars: Advocacy, Profile, Education, Membership, and Organisational Sustainability.
• Leading organisational change to ensure AILA’s structure is fit for future national growth and member needs.
• Ensuring strong financial management of AILA’s financial base and embedding sound accounting practices.
• Championing good governance, working closely with the Board to embed best-practice planning, management, and reporting.
• Advocating for policies that support sustainable, inclusive design and amplify the voice of landscape architecture in government and industry forums.
• Strengthening partnerships across the design, planning, and built environment sectors to position AILA as a leading national voice.
• Driving growth in membership and partnerships, delivering exceptional value through education, CPD, events, and contemporary engagement.

About You
You are a strategic and collaborative leader who thrives in purpose-driven environments. Your experience may come from the design, planning, built environment, sustainability, professional association, or not-for-profit sectors.

You bring strong commercial acumen, exceptional communication skills, and a deep respect for the role of good design in shaping healthy, connected communities.

You will be known for your ability to:

• Inspire others with vision and purpose
• Navigate complex stakeholder environments with diplomacy and credibility
• Lead inclusive, future-focused teams with authenticity and care
• Deliver measurable impact through sound operational and financial management
• Uphold and embody core values - including Connection to Country, Climate Positive Design, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

You will have:

• Tertiary qualifications, e.g. in business management, entrepreneurship, and /or marketing/media/ communications.
• Experience in an Executive role with proven ability to develop and implement strategic initiatives
• Experience working with and reporting to a Board to manage governance, reporting and financial management requirements. Governance qualifications are highly regarded.

Why Join AILA?
This is a pivotal leadership role for a strategic, values-driven leader who can deliver organisational transformation, foster sector influence, and position AILA at the forefront of shaping Australia’s built and natural environments.

You’ll work alongside a forward-thinking Board, passionate professionals, and committed volunteers, all dedicated to improving Australia’s landscapes, both natural and urban, for current and future generations.

For more information about AILA, visit www.aila.org.au, which provides an overview of their work, including their Reconciliation Action Plan and Gender Equity project. To learn more about what landscape architects do, watch this video: www.aila.org.au/whatisalandscapearchitect.

To Apply
AILA is partnering with YOUmanity Executive Search for this integral appointment. To apply, please upload your resume and cover letter expressing your interest and suitability for the position. For a confidential discussion, please reach out to Rachael Trihey 0408 003 991.

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