- Join Australia's 3rd largest Council
- Lead government relations, advocacy & external engagement
- Exciting high-profile career opportunity
This recruitment process is being managed by the agency McArthur - please scroll down to see contact details for more information and to apply.
Located in the heart of Southeast Queensland, City of Moreton Bay is one of Australia's most dynamic local government areas, ranking as the third largest and fastest growing in the nation. With a population forecast to exceed one million residents in the next three decades, this is a rare opportunity to help shape one of Australia's most significant growth regions. Council is investing in the future with a record $1 billion budget for 2025/26, including over $400 million dedicated to capital infrastructure projects, while balancing growth with environmental stewardship and lifestyle. This is an exceptional opportunity to shape the future of a rapidly growing region entering a significant period of maturity, influence and opportunity.
An exceptional executive leader is now sought to join the organisation as General Manager Government & External Relations, a pivotal role reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer and operating as a trusted adviser to the Mayor, Councillors and CEO. As a member of the Executive Leadership Team, this role will play a central part in shaping Council's external agenda, strengthening its influence and advancing strategic priorities across all levels of government.
The General Manager Government & External Relations will have executive responsibility for leading Council's government relations, advocacy and external engagement functions. This includes providing high-level strategic advice on politically sensitive matters, guiding advocacy priorities, securing funding and investment, and building enduring relationships with ministers, members of parliament, senior public servants, peak bodies and strategic partners. The role also provides leadership oversight of the Mayor's Office and the functions that support elected representatives, ensuring professionalism, probity and alignment with governance requirements.
A key focus of the role is supporting the City's preparation for, and legacy from, the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, working closely with the Chief Executive Officer and senior stakeholders to position Moreton Bay for long-term benefit. The position also holds executive accountability for the delivery of civic and ceremonial events of strategic significance, ensuring these are delivered with dignity, consistency and in line with community expectations.
This appointment will suit a highly credible and politically astute executive with demonstrated experience in government relations, advocacy and external engagement within a complex public sector or comparable environment. You will bring sound judgement, resilience and discretion, along with the ability to operate calmly and effectively under pressure. Success in this role will require the capacity to build trust quickly, influence at the highest levels, and lead a function through ongoing cultural and operational transition. This is a rare opportunity to step into a high-profile leadership role with significant influence, visibility and impact, at a time of major growth and opportunity for the City of Moreton Bay.
This is a career-defining opportunity for an experienced leader to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of one of Australia's fastest-growing regions, while contributing to a vibrant and connected community.
To find out more about the opportunity and application process, before applying please obtain a comprehensive Candidate Information Pack - link to McArthur website job post
For a confidential discussion, call Julie Barr at McArthur on (07) 3211 9700. Applications close COB Monday 6 April 2026.
