Join
AES
Join
AES
Contact
Us
Contact
Us
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:
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:
You will have:
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.
The association sector is in the middle of a leadership handover.
Across Australia and New Zealand, CEOs and Executive Directors are moving on. Some are retiring. Some have gone to larger organisations.
Some have left because the relationship with their Board ran out of puff. The reasons vary, but the movement is noticeable, and Boards are
appointing replacements.
The encouraging part is the calibre of the people coming in. Many are genuinely well suited to the job — capable executives with strong
records behind them. A good number are stepping into an association CEO role for the first time.
Most associations can provide a long list of membership benefits. They may include professional development, advocacy, networking, industry information, events, resources, accreditation, discounts and access to specialist advice. However, a list of benefits does not necessarily explain why someone makes the decision to join.
While every Board is different, the same governance issues appear time and again. One of the most common is allowing one person’s behaviour
to dominate the Board table.
Almost every Board has experienced it at some point. One director who seems to consume more time and energy than everyone else combined.
How we help membership based, not-for-profit associations now and into the future.
