Chief Executive Officer - Community Housing Industry Association NSW (CHIA NSW)

Lead the voice of community housing in NSW

At a time when housing affordability, supply and equity are central to public debate, CHIA NSW is seeking a new Chief Executive Officer to lead the state’s peak body for community housing providers. This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of the sector, influence government policy, and support a growing and diverse membership base.

CHIA NSW is a respected, multi-faceted organisation with a strong foundation in advocacy, sector development, training and data. It operates a Registered Training Organisation, leads nationally recognised climate and research initiatives and plays a pivotal role in building sector capability. As CEO, you will be the public face of the organisation - a trusted voice in media, government, and industry - and a strategic leader who can unite stakeholders around a shared vision for social and affordable housing in NSW.

The Role

Reporting to the Board, the CEO will:

• Lead strategic and operational planning, ensuring CHIA NSW is future-ready and member-driven.
  
• Drive policy development and advocacy that reflects the needs of members and the broader sector.
  
• Represent the industry to government, media, and key stakeholders with credibility and clarity.
  
• Oversee training, professional development, and sector capacity-building initiatives.
  
• Collaborate closely with Australian Community Housing, ACHIA, and other state and territory peaks.
  
• Inspire and lead a small, committed team with a culture of inclusion, integrity, and impact.
  

About You

You are a strategic, collaborative, and values-driven leader with:

• Proven senior leadership experience in a complex, member-based or advocacy organisation.
  
• Strong public policy and government relations expertise — ideally within housing or adjacent sectors.
  
• Exceptional communication skills and the ability to influence across diverse audiences.
  
• A track record of building partnerships, delivering results, and leading change.
  
• A deep commitment to social purpose and equity in housing.
  

This is a pivotal moment for community housing in NSW. If you’re ready to lead a respected organisation and make a lasting impact, we’d love to hear from you.

A copy of the Candidate Brief can be found here: https://www.watermarksearch.com.au/position-descriptions?123

For a confidential discussion, please contact Claire Crawford, Daniel Nicholls or Alison Myatt of Watermark Search International at search@watermarksearch.com.au. 

Please send an application quoting Ref No A006119 to Watermark via this form: https://watermarksearchinternational.snapforms.com.au/form/application-form-sydney-search

Closing date: Monday 20 October 2025 at 11.59pm AEDT

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