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AES
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AES
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Us
Contact
Us
Company Overview
The Community Housing Industry Association SA (CHIA SA) is the peak industry body representing community housing providers across South Australia. CHIA SA supports a strong, vibrant and sustainable community housing sector through advocacy, sector development, collaboration and knowledge sharing. CHIA SA works together with members, government, industry and community stakeholders to advance affordable housing outcomes. The organisation facilitates opportunities for members to network, learn and build capability whilst advocating for policy and systemic improvements in SA and nationally. CHIA SA is committed to strengthening the sector and supporting housing solutions that enable South Australians to live stable, independent and connected lives.
Role Overview
Reporting directly to the Board, the Chief Executive Officer is responsible for leading CHIA SA's strategic direction, strengthening the community housing sector and representing the organisation across government, industry and community stakeholders. The role provides strategic leadership across sector advocacy, member engagement, organisational sustainability, governance, stakeholder partnerships, ensuring CHIA SA has the capability and resources to deliver its strategic priorities.
Key responsibilities include :-
Skills, Knowledge, and Experience
The successful candidate will bring significant executive leadership experience within community housing, affordable housing, government, membership or related sectors. Demonstrated governance capability and Board experience, alongside policy development, advocacy and government engagement expertise will be highly regarded. Financial management, risk oversight, organisational planning and people leadership experience are essential. Proven understanding of South Australia's community housing environment, together with highly developed stakeholder engagement, influencing and communication skills, will enable the successful candidate to build consensus and deliver meaningful sector outcomes.
Applications
To submit your application, in strict confidence, please apply online using the appropriate link below. Alternatively, for a confidential discussion, please contact Andrew Sullivan on 04•• ••• 004. Applications close on Friday 2nd October 2026.
What kept associations running ten years ago will not carry them through the next five. Four decisions now separate the boards that adapt from the ones that run out of options.
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.
How we help membership based, not-for-profit associations now and into the future.
