Chief Executive Officer, Workplace Gender Equality Agency

Non-ongoing Non-ongoing for a fixed term of up to five years (with the possibility of re-appointment). Full-time Public Office.Statutory Appointment plus 15.4% superannuationSydney, NSWLocation: Sydney, NSWApplication Closing Date: Sunday 11-Jan-2026 at 11:30pm AEDTClassification level and salary band: Agency Head – Statutory Appointment ($313,870 total remuneration).Employment Type: Non-ongoing for a fixed term of up to five years (with the possibility of re-appointment). Full-time Public Office.Location: Sydney, NSW, flexible working arrangements will be considered.Security Clearance requirements: The successful candidate must be able to obtain and maintain a Baseline security clearance, or hold a current security clearance of an appropriate level.Diversity provisions: Identified Position - refer to our job ads page on PM&C’s website for more information on eligibility.What we do The Workplace Gender Equality Agency (WGEA) is a key part of the Australian Government's architecture to achieve gender equality, with an important role to promote, improve and accelerate the rate of change for gender equality in Australian workplaces.WGEA administers the Workplace Gender Equality Act 2012 (WGE Act) whose objects include removing barriers to full and equal participation of women, eliminating discrimination on the basis of gender and improving the productivity and competitiveness of Australian employers through the advancement of gender equality in employment and the workplace.WGEA drives change through data, shining a light on gender pay gaps at a national, industry and employer level and supporting employers with the evidence, insights and capabilities they need to close the gender pay gap in their workplaces. By publishing data and insights on gender pay gaps, WGEA builds public understanding of gender equality in the workplace and equips employers and Government with insights to take action to close the gender pay gap.Who we are WGEA is an Australian Government statutory agency established under the WGE Act. The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) is appointed by the Governor-General and holds office in accordance with the WGE Act. The CEO is the accountable authority under the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013 (PGPA Act).The CEO is accountable to the Minister for Women for the performance of their functions. The CEO and Agency work in collaboration with the Office for Women in the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, as the policy owner of the WGE Act. This recruitment process is managed by the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet.WGEA is committed to driving change in workplace gender equality through regulatory best practice, awareness, education and capability building. WGEA takes pride in having a reputation for acting with integrity in leading data and insights, influencing change and offering a modern, frictionless reporting experience. WGEA staff have diverse expertise in regulatory practice, gender equality, communications, data analytics, technology, and operations.Discover the breadth of WGEA’s work by exploring the latest corporate plan and visiting the what we do page of the WGEA website.What You’ll Be DoingAs the CEO of WGEA you have a unique leadership role working within Government and with employers to contribute to understanding of gender equality issues in Australian workplaces. WGEA’s statutory reporting process gathers gender equality data from over 8,000 employers, covering more than 5 million employees. You will be the custodian of a world-leading dataset, lead the implementation of legislative reforms such as the gender equality targets scheme for large employers, and produce unique data insights.You will lead WGEA’s operations in accordance with the PGPA Act, ensuring strong governance and financial management, and a positive, high-performing culture aligned with the APS Values. You will be accountable for the delivery of WGEA’s regulatory functions to drive positive change in gender equality in workplaces.You will have a key role in building the capability of relevant employers to understand how they can advance gender equality in the workplace, including speaking regularly at private and public events on workplace gender issues. Naturally, you will work collaboratively with private and public sector employers, business, industry and professional associations, unions and other employee representatives, academics and researchers and equal opportunity networks to advance the Government’s long-term ambitions for gender equality.You will be responsible for aligning WGEA’s work with the directions set out in Working for Women: A Strategy for Gender Equality , and contributing WGEA’s expertise on workplace gender equality to meet these ambitions. You will closely engage and collaborate with the Office for Women and other Government agencies to enhance the capacity of Government to develop and use data insights to inform policy development.You will provide high quality advice to the Minister for Women to identify and address key issues that arise in implementing functions under the WGE Act, including risks and legal issues relating to the regulatory function and issues relating to the work health, culture or capability requirements of WGEA.Why you’re the ideal candidateWGEA is seeking a dynamic, inspiring and influential senior leader from the public, private and/or community sectors to lead WGEA for the next five years.To be a strong contender for this role, you will demonstrate:A proven record of achievement with personal drive and integrity at senior levels in government, business and/or the community sector.An ability to lead a high performing agency and further strengthen regulatory and employer education and capability functions. Leadership that inspires, empowers and drives positive cultural and organisational change, with a focus on staff wellbeing, morale and capability. Exceptional influencing and negotiation skills to engage with a wide range of stakeholders, including the Australian Government, international governments and forums, media, industry bodies and senior private sector representatives. Strong communication skills with diverse audiences, be adept at engaging with various stakeholders and building relationships in complex and culturally sensitive environments. You will need to understand and have expertise in the gender equality challenges facing Australian employers and how to utilise and communicate data insights to ensure the delivery of outcomes for the Australian people. You will need to be ambitious in promoting and improving gender equality in both private sector and public sector workplaces.Selection criteria Demonstrates high level leadership and vision sets a strategic vision and inspires others to achieve this innovative in dealing with issues articulates a clear direction for their organisation Manages large and/or complex operations achieves results within the context of organisational and/or Government policy strong people management skills strong financial management, ensuring efficient, effective and ethical use of resources understanding of and commitment to quality organisational governance Works with others to meet objectives operates collaboratively with others to meet organisational objectives cultivates productive relationships listens to people and values different perspectives High level of judgement Demonstrates a high standard of professional and personal integrity and capacity to promote these in an organisation Demonstrates high level skills to work with employers both as a regulator and an educator. RequiredIdentified Position This position has limited formal engagement with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, communities and service providers, but is still required to have the capacity and willingness to further develop these skills. You will require capacity to attain cultural competency, including:understanding of the issues affecting Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples,ability to communicate sensitively and effectively with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples, andwillingness and commitment to continue to develop cultural competency.The vacancy is open to all eligible candidates and is not restricted to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander applicants.Integrity and Work Health and Safety The CEO is required to exercise the appropriate powers, authority, delegations and discretions under the relevant legislation including the Public Service Act 1999 and the PGPA Act .The CEO will also be subject to other Commonwealth legislation, including but not limited to, the Privacy Act 1988 , Freedom of Information Act 1982 and the Archives Act 1983 . The CEO is considered an Officer under the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (WHS Act) and is required to exercise due diligence in complying with their obligations under this Act.Remuneration and terms and conditions The remuneration of the CEO is determined by the independent Remuneration Tribunal. The Remuneration Tribunal has determined that the current total remuneration for the CEO is $313,870 per year, effective from 1 July 2025 (see Remuneration Tribunal (Remuneration and Allowances for Holders of Full-time Public Office ) Determination 2025).The terms and conditions of appointment will be as specified in a Letter of Appointment to be issued following appointment by the Minister for Women. Eligibility Successful applicants will be required to undergo the process to obtain and maintain or continue to hold the required baseline security clearance level for the role. Baseline security clearances require you to be an Australian Citizen and meet the Australian Government Security Vetting Agency criteria.Successful applicants will also be required to successfully pass a National Criminal History check.Conflict of Interest If at any time prior to the appointment, an actual or potential conflict of interest concerning themselves or a related entity arises or may arise for any applicant, they should immediately notify the contact officer.This includes any professional, commercial or personal relationships with a member of the panel or if the applicant has a relationship with, and/or obligations to, an organisation or issue which would affect, or be perceived to affect, the performance of the role and/or could bring disrepute to the office of CEO.If a Conflict Of Interest Is Identified PM&C Mayexclude the application from further consideration; enter into discussions to seek to resolve such conflict of interest; or take any other action as it considers appropriate. How to apply If this sounds like the opportunity you are looking for, we want to hear from you! Submit an online application through the Apply link by 11:30pm AEDT on Sunday, 11-Jan-2026.