Chief Executive Officer
Beaumont - Sydney ·www.beaumontpeople.com.au
Apply direct
About The Walkley Foundation
The Walkley Foundation exists to celebrate and support great Australian journalism in order to strengthen our democracy. They are the custodians of excellence in reporting in Australia, working collaboratively with all journalists and media organisations to encourage ethical, best-practice journalism. Part of its mission is to create a community of journalists.
First presented in 1956 by the Australian Journalists Association – the forerunner of MEAA – the Walkley Awards are Australia’s benchmark for excellence in journalism. The Foundation works with all journalists and media organisations to recognise great journalism, lift the craft through professional development, and invest in journalism through scholarships, fellowships and grants.
The Role
Reporting directly to the Board, the Chief Executive Officer will lead the Walkley Foundation into its next chapter, developing and delivering a new strategy that builds on its proud legacy while creating a more sustainable future.
The CEO will:
The Walkley Foundation is seeking a courageous, commercially astute leader who combines strategic vision with a hands-on, delivery-focused approach. The ideal candidate brings the financial acumen, judgement and energy to set a clear direction, drive change and build a vibrant, sustainable organisation, while fostering a cohesive, high-performing team culture.
The ideal candidate will bring senior leadership experience working closely with Boards, with CEO experience highly regarded, together with strong capability across strategy, financial management, commercial partnerships, sponsorship and revenue growth. A compelling, authentic communicator with proven media ability, they will be confident as the face of the organisation and in building relationships with media organisations, journalists, partners, donors, government and MEAA.
An understanding of the media industry and the future of journalism is important. Experience within member-based organisations, professional associations, unions, the arts or media will be highly regarded, and leaders from across the not-for-profit sector are encouraged to apply. Most importantly, the successful candidate will understand why journalism matters, share a deep commitment to independent, ethical journalism, and align with the values of MEAA as custodian of the Foundation.
How to Apply
To request a Candidate Briefing Document or for a confidential conversation, please contact Alma Raheem (alma.raheem@beaumontpeople.com.au) / Mia Fitzgerald (mia.fitzgerald@beaumontpeople.com.au) at Beaumont People.
To apply, please submit your cover letter and resume.
Applications close 5 PM, Tuesday 17th November 2026. Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and candidates may be progressed throughout the advertising period. We encourage interested applicants to apply as soon as possible.
At Beaumont People, we believe a diverse workplace is a happy workplace, and we love working with organisations that feel the same way. We encourage applications from people of all different backgrounds, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people from CALD backgrounds and people with disabilities or barriers to employment. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or marital or parental status. Should you require a reasonable accommodation to be made for your application to be assessed we would be more than happy to discuss how that can be arranged.
Beaumont People has been engaged to conduct the search and appointment of the CEO for the Walkley Foundation. All applications will be managed through Beaumont People.
The Walkley Foundation exists to celebrate and support great Australian journalism in order to strengthen our democracy. They are the custodians of excellence in reporting in Australia, working collaboratively with all journalists and media organisations to encourage ethical, best-practice journalism. Part of its mission is to create a community of journalists.
First presented in 1956 by the Australian Journalists Association – the forerunner of MEAA – the Walkley Awards are Australia’s benchmark for excellence in journalism. The Foundation works with all journalists and media organisations to recognise great journalism, lift the craft through professional development, and invest in journalism through scholarships, fellowships and grants.
The Role
Reporting directly to the Board, the Chief Executive Officer will lead the Walkley Foundation into its next chapter, developing and delivering a new strategy that builds on its proud legacy while creating a more sustainable future.
The CEO will:
- Lead the development and delivery of a new strategic plan with the Board.
- Strengthen and diversify revenue across sponsorship, partnerships, philanthropy, grants and earned income.
- Grow professional development, training and other opportunities that lift the craft of journalism and build community amongst journalists.
- Lead a small, committed team, balancing strategic leadership with hands-on operational and financial oversight.
- Build trusted relationships across journalists, MEAA, the Judging Board, partners, funders and the broader media community.
- Act as a credible public voice for the Foundation, championing great Australian journalism and its role in a strong democracy
- Sydney is the preferred location, with candidates based elsewhere in Australia also considered. Hybrid working is available.
The Walkley Foundation is seeking a courageous, commercially astute leader who combines strategic vision with a hands-on, delivery-focused approach. The ideal candidate brings the financial acumen, judgement and energy to set a clear direction, drive change and build a vibrant, sustainable organisation, while fostering a cohesive, high-performing team culture.
The ideal candidate will bring senior leadership experience working closely with Boards, with CEO experience highly regarded, together with strong capability across strategy, financial management, commercial partnerships, sponsorship and revenue growth. A compelling, authentic communicator with proven media ability, they will be confident as the face of the organisation and in building relationships with media organisations, journalists, partners, donors, government and MEAA.
An understanding of the media industry and the future of journalism is important. Experience within member-based organisations, professional associations, unions, the arts or media will be highly regarded, and leaders from across the not-for-profit sector are encouraged to apply. Most importantly, the successful candidate will understand why journalism matters, share a deep commitment to independent, ethical journalism, and align with the values of MEAA as custodian of the Foundation.
How to Apply
To request a Candidate Briefing Document or for a confidential conversation, please contact Alma Raheem (alma.raheem@beaumontpeople.com.au) / Mia Fitzgerald (mia.fitzgerald@beaumontpeople.com.au) at Beaumont People.
To apply, please submit your cover letter and resume.
Applications close 5 PM, Tuesday 17th November 2026. Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and candidates may be progressed throughout the advertising period. We encourage interested applicants to apply as soon as possible.
At Beaumont People, we believe a diverse workplace is a happy workplace, and we love working with organisations that feel the same way. We encourage applications from people of all different backgrounds, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people from CALD backgrounds and people with disabilities or barriers to employment. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or marital or parental status. Should you require a reasonable accommodation to be made for your application to be assessed we would be more than happy to discuss how that can be arranged.
Beaumont People has been engaged to conduct the search and appointment of the CEO for the Walkley Foundation. All applications will be managed through Beaumont People.
Frequently asked questions
Who is hiring for the Chief Executive Officer role?
Beaumont - Sydney is hiring for the Chief Executive Officer position, a Shazamme client. Apply directly on the employer's career site.
Where is the Chief Executive Officer job located?
The Chief Executive Officer role with Beaumont - Sydney is based in Sydney, NSW, AU.
Is the Chief Executive Officer role full-time or contract?
This is a full time position at Beaumont - Sydney.
What experience level is the Chief Executive Officer role?
The Chief Executive Officer position is aimed at executive-level candidates.
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