CEO: INFORMATION PACKAGErdamnc.org.au/wp-content/uploads/RDAMNC-CEO... · The iconic Aussie centurion, Akubra Hats, proudly calls the Mid North Coast home. Education and Training

CEO: INFORMATION PACKAGE

Regional Development Australia – Mid North Coast (RDAMNC) seeks a dynamic CEO to manage,

coordinate and implement all aspects of the RDAMNC business. The position will cover the Mid

North Coast, which includes the Local Government areas of Greater Taree City Council, Port

Macquarie-Hastings Council, Kempsey Shire Council, Nambucca Shire Council, Bellingen Shire Council

and Coffs Harbour City Council. This is a full-time contracted position for twelve months.

The Mid North Coast lies between the Great Divide and the east coast. The landscape is typified by

winding rivers that feed lush hinterland, and over one hundred kilometres of pristine beaches. It

benefits from a high rainfall and is considered by many to have the most ideal climate in Australia.

The region has a population of around 260,000 people. The largest centres are Coffs Harbour and

Port Macquarie. Both have significant airports and are less than an hour’s flight to Sydney or

Brisbane. The dual lane upgrade of the Pacific Highway also puts the region within a four hour drive

of the major centres of Sydney, Newcastle, the Gold Coast and Brisbane.

The Mid North Coast is home to an array of vibrant, modern and sometimes eclectic townships that

attract over 4.5 million visitors each year. The region boasts a full calendar of cultural and sporting

events, including international competitions like the Ironman triathlon and the World Rally

Championship.

A significant indigenous population lives here, principally represented by the local Aboriginal nations

of Gumbaynggirr, Dunghutti and Biripi. Indigenous art and culture is warmly embraced and each

year, on Australia Day, the Saltwater Freshwater Festival showcases modern Aboriginal culture to

the region in an open extension of friendship.

Combining some of Australia’s most beautiful coastline, with friendly communities and plenty of

business opportunities, gives the Mid North Coast its unique work life balance.

The region has an annual Gross Regional Product of over $11 billion. There are 20,000 registered

businesses and a workforce of 79,000 people, including some 25,000 managers and professionals. It

is currently the fourth ranked region in Australia for business confidence.

Health Care and Social Assistance is the leading employer, with industry growth of more than 15%

p.a. This has been bolstered by recent Government investment in public hospitals and medical

training facilities.

Information Pack: RDAMNC Chief Executive Officer - 2 -

The Manufacturing industry contributes the highest output for the region and is particularly strong

in food and metal manufacturing. The iconic Aussie centurion, Akubra Hats, proudly calls the Mid

North Coast home.

Education and Training is a growth area, with several world class universities, including a new

Charles Sturt University development in Port Macquarie that will eventually accommodate 5,000

students. The Mid North Coast also ranks 2nd in Australia for the percentage of people holding

technical qualifications.

The National Broadband Network is seen as a catalyst for future industry growth and the Mid North

Coast may soon be Australia’s most connected region. Coffs Harbour was an early release site for the

NBN and has already been named one of the world’s Smart21 cities for 2014.

The RDAMNC CEO is required to manage, coordinate and implement all aspects of the RDA business,

including regional planning, community engagement, community and economic development and

building business viability. They will be required to be self-motivated and able to work under limited

supervision, with a strong understanding of regional development. They will be required to be both

hands-on in delivering day-to-day work and provide management to staff and support to a

ministerially appointed Board. High level communication, problem solving, strategic planning,

project management, human resource management, contract management, financial accountability,

administration, facilitation, research and evaluation skills are necessary.

1. BACKGROUND

Regional Development Australia is a nation‐wide initiative based on building partnerships and

encouraging all governments and stakeholders to be responsive to local priorities and needs.

RDAMNC is one of a network of 15 Regional Development Australia committees in NSW established

as a joint initiative of the Commonwealth and NSW Governments on 1 July 2009. It has a pivotal role

in ensuring the long-term sustainability of the Mid North Coast region. A key focus is on the

economic, social and environmental issues affecting communities1, including:

regional business growth plans and strategies, which will help support economic

development, the creation of new jobs, skills development and business investment;

environmental solutions, which will support ongoing sustainability and the management of

climate change (including the impact of drought, flood or bushfires); and

social inclusion strategies, which will bring together and support all members of the

community.

Regional Development Australia Mid North Coast (RDAMNC) is a leadership voice for the region. We

support local economies, build dynamic communities and enhance liveability in the Mid North Coast

by: improving access to government funding and programs; facilitating partnerships and linkages

with all tiers of government and the community; and managing a diverse range of projects that

create economic, social and natural capital. We are a non-profit, community-based organisation.


RDAMNC provides a conduit between governments and our regional communities. We enable our

communities to inform governments about the strengths and weaknesses of our region and:

improve community engagement;

contribute to regional planning;

enhance a whole of government approach;

increase awareness of government programs; and

enhance community and economic development.

RDA Chairs, Deputy Chairs and Board members are appointed jointly by the Commonwealth and

NSW Ministers responsible for Regional Australia or Regional Development. These Ministers oversee

the Commonwealth and NSW agencies responsible for the administration of the committees. The

RDAMNC Committee is known as the RDAMNC Board.

2. ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The CEO is the key staff position for RDAMNC, providing support and information to the Board and

ensuring that activities and priorities as determined by the Board are reflected in strategic and

operational plans. The CEO will provide executive and secretariat services to the committee to

facilitate its efficient and effective functioning.

Major Activities

Co-ordinate the Board’s strategic and business planning activities in consultation with the

Chair and members.

Develop and maintain financial management systems, including: account structures;

operating budgets; preparation of reports required under funding agreements; taxation

returns; and annual and audit reports.

Human resource management including: recruitment and performance management of

staff.

Support the Board to align its work program with State and Commonwealth regional

development strategies and priorities (e.g. State Plan). Co-ordinate all secretariat activities

for the effective and efficient operation of the Board. This includes: preparation of

correspondence, agendas and business papers; minute taking; event organisation; financial

and human resource management and management of project contracts.

Research and report on regional development issues identified as requiring intervention

and/or assistance.

Manage projects, including contract and budget management; supervision of contractors/

consultants; provision of administrative support to project teams.


Develop stakeholder relationships with: Commonwealth, State and local government;

industry groups; other regional organisations, with a view to establishing regional priorities

and pursuing mutual regional development goals.

Coordinate community engagement, regional planning and community and economic

development activities.

Represent RDAMNC with stakeholder groups.

Core Competencies

Core competencies are developed in line with the vision and purpose of RDAMNC and are the

competencies that are common to all RDAMNC positions. For RDAMNC the following have been

identified as critical to the success of all positions.

Core Competencies Behaviours to Assess Performance

Building Effective Relationships:

Developing and maintaining

relationships that inspire trust and

respect. Building a network and

being able to influence others to

achieve outcomes.

Takes a structured approach to identifying stakeholders and understands the influence and importance of stakeholders in achieving organisational outcomes.

Builds a wide and effective network across their business area and invests time in building effective relationships.

Adapts style to inspire trust and respect from stakeholders.

Involves others in decision making and planning as appropriate to ensure achievement of outcomes.

Effectively negotiates conflicting requirements from different stakeholders without damaging relationships.

Develops external relationships that enhance their knowledge and bring best practice into the organisation.

Time and Output Management:

Establishes a systematic course of

action for self or others to ensure

achievement of set objectives. Sets

priorities, goals and time-tables to

achieve maximum productivity.

Plans organises, schedules and prioritises, including inputs from others and contributes to the planning, organising, scheduling and prioritising of team outputs.

Develops or uses systems to organise and keep track of information.

Keeps clear detailed records of activities related to accomplishing stated objectives.

Knows status of one’s own work at all times.



Professionalism:

Thinks carefully about the likely

effects of one’s behaviour and

actions on others. Conducts oneself

with a high level of ethic and

integrity. Mastery of specialised

knowledge applicable to the job role.

Leads by example and maintains high standards of intelligence, honesty, integrity, accountability and impartiality.

Demonstrates personal commitment and dedication to developing expertise in job role.

Understands how one influences and is perceived by others.

Works to develop and maintain positive and productive working relationships with all stakeholders.

Takes responsibility for mistakes and learns from them.

Uses skills, experience and discretion to achieve the best results.

Adaptability:

Changes method of approach when

necessary to achieve goals, adjusts

style as appropriate to the needs of

the situation. Responds to change

with a positive attitude.

Looks for ways to make changes work rather than only identifying why change will not work.

Adapts to change quickly and easily.

Shifts strategy or approach in response to the demands of the position.

Supports the team through change with a positive attitude.

Communication:

Communicates ideas and

information effectively, both verbally

and in writing. Uses language and a

style of communication that is

appropriate to the situation and

people being addressed. Makes sure

that others understand what is

going on.

Deals with issues directly.

Clearly communicates needs and instructions.

Clearly communicates decisions and the reasons behind them.

Communicates face to face wherever possible and if it is appropriate.

Speaks with authority and confidence.

Changes the style of communication to meet the needs of the audience.

Manages group discussions effectively.

Summarises information to check people understand it.



Supports arguments and recommendations effectively in writing.

Produces well-structured reports and written summaries.

Project Management:

Delivers and manages projects to

achieve business goals and

objectives.

Establishes project scope, sets objectives and develops project management plans to achieve outcomes.

Executes the work defined in a project management plan.

Oversees the progress and performance defined within a project management plan adapting the plan as required.

Acts as a reliable project manager, directing the work of other people and suppliers to deliver projects on time and within budget.

Teamwork:

Promotes cooperation and commitment within a team to achieve goals and deliverables.

Knows and supports teammates’ work and deliverables. Helps teammates who need or ask for support or assistance.

Acknowledges and celebrates the achievements of teammates. Praises the team and its achievement to others.

Encourages team unity through sharing information or expertise, working together to solve problems, and putting team success first.

Helps remove barriers to team productivity and success.

Ensures joint ownership of goal setting, commitments, and accomplishments. Involves everyone on the team.


Position Specific Competencies

Position specific competencies are based on the nature of the Acting CEO work role and are unique

to this individual position.

Position Specific Competencies Behaviours to Assess Performance

Collaborative Team Leadership:

The ability to effectively manage and

guide group efforts. Includes

providing appropriate level of

feedback concerning group progress.

Creates broad ownership of organisational vision throughout

the organisation engendering energy and engagement to

help sustain it.

Builds consensus within the organisation.

Shares goals and priorities to increase alignment, co-

operation and opportunity to collaborate.

Creates a culture in which feedback is valued, sought out,

discussed broadly and acted upon.

Change Leadership:

The ability to manage, lead and

enable the process of change and

transition while helping others deal

with their effects.

Communicates a compelling vision and need for change

within the organisation that generates enthusiasm and

commitment to the process.

Obtains and provides resources to implement change

initiatives and works to make others feel ownership of the

change.

Clearly communicates the direction, required performance

and challenges to change to all stakeholders.

Identifies and enlists the support of key individuals and

groups to progress change.

Serves as a role model of the change that one expects of

others by demonstrating commitment to innovation and

continuous improvement in organisational performance.

Influence:

Asserts own ideas and persuades

others, gaining support and

commitment from others; mobilises

people to take action, using creative

Uses a range of approaches and strategies to gain support for

ideas.



approaches to motivate others to

meet organisational goals.

Develops and effectively uses networks.

Able to make a good persuasive argument to

persuade/influence audience.

Seeks to convince others, rather than coerce compliance.

Identifies key decision-makers on issues of concern.

Makes concessions when required to enable agreement to be

reached.

Vision and Strategic Thinking:

The ability to support, promote and

ensure alignment with the

organisation’s vision and values. The

ability to understand how an

organisation must change in view of

internal and external trends and

influences.

Communicates vision for organisational success that sparks

excitement in others.

Influences others to translate vision into action.

Focuses on the organisation’s desired culture, work climate,

individual and group behaviours.

Collaborates with stakeholders to identify unique

opportunities to create value and drive organisational

direction.

Translates vision into a strategic plan to accomplish the

vision.

Coaching:

Works to improve and reinforce

performance of others. Facilitate the

skills development of others through

ability and willingness to delegate

responsibility, work with others and

coach them to develop their

capabilities.

Listens actively and effectively.

Provides feedback that is clear and direct. Describes the

impact of actions and checks for understanding.

Establish an effective, professional and positive relationship

with staff.

Establishes trust.

Focuses on staff member’s behaviours.

Creates and environment that enables staff to feel motivated

to work and interact.



Demonstrates commitment to personal and professional

growth of each and every individual within the organisation.

Conflict Management:

The ability to prevent, manage, and

or resolve conflict.

Recognises conflict and identifies ways to help involved

parties work through conflict.

Identifies areas of agreement when working with conflicting

individuals or groups.

Maintains awareness of broad, longer term objectives and

works to ensure that all parties share this awareness while

seeking solutions.

Responds to opposing views in a non-defensive manner.

Ethics and Integrity:

The degree of trustworthiness and

ethical behaviour of an individual

with consideration for the

knowledge one has of the impact

and consequences when making a

decision or taking action.

Creates a culture that fosters a high standard of ethic and

integrity.

Behaves in a fair and ethical manner toward others.

Demonstrates a sense of corporate responsibility and

commitment to the organisation.

Questions decisions to determine whether they reflect the

values of oneself and the organisation.

Engenders mutual trust and confidence amongst all

stakeholders.

Demonstrates compliance with all legal and statutory

obligations.

Empowering Others:

The ability to convey confidence in

an employee’s ability to be

successful, especially at challenging

new tasks; share significant

responsibility and authority; allow

employees’ freedom to decide how

they will accomplish their goals and

Delegates responsibility, clarifies expectations and gives staff

authority in important areas of their work.

Encourages others to set challenging goals.

Holds others accountable for achieving results related to

their area of responsibility.



resolve issues. Genuinely values all staff members’ input and expertise.

Shows appreciation and rewards achievement and effort.

Involves others when making decisions that affect them.

Action Management:

Designs and executes business-

driven strategy.

Builds an effective, sustainable organisation through

stewardship and governance

Creates, aligns, and integrates structures, systems, and teams

to better achieve objectives

Integrates the business plan into a transparent management

framework

Integrates legislation, regulations, and policies into

organisational practices

Fulfils obligations of management accountabilities

Applies and encourages strategic risk management practices

Integrates HR, Finance, IT, Information Management and

Communications issues into planning and actions

Revises goals and plans to reflect changing priorities or

conditions

Commits to a course of action

Makes decisions, initiates urgent actions, and remains calm

in crisis situations

Recognizes and acknowledges errors and makes corrections

People Management:

Leading people to achieve the vision,

mission and goals.

Ensures the workforce has the capacity and diversity to meet

current and future needs.

Provides clear direction on priorities and aligns the right work

with the right people; delegates tasks according to people’s

strengths and interests.

Ensures staff have the skills and resources to get things done.

Provides staff with coaching, training, and opportunities for



growth to improve their skills.

Gives staff ongoing, constructive feedback on their

performance and progress in light of expectations and goals.

Holds timely discussions and performance reviews.

Builds accountability. Differentiates between high and low

performance. Rewards and recognises hard work and results.

Gives clear, honest feedback and manages non-

performance.

Works to create a strong team. Treats all staff fairly and

consistently. Shares accountability when delegating. Involves

staff in setting their performance goals.

Balances guiding the others’ actions with granting authority

for decision-making within set limits. Provides direction when

needed without micro-managing.

Financial Management:

Uses financial acumen to drive

sound financial management

processes.

Implements strategies to achieve operational efficiencies and

value for money.

Ensures that rigorous systems for financial information

management, internal audit and evaluation are in place and

regularly monitored and evaluated.

Fulfils obligations of accountabilities for organisational

finance and asset management.

Delegates authority, responsibility and accountability to

appropriate levels.

Acts on audit, evaluation, and other objective performance

information.

Manages stewardship issues actively, eg. audit and

evaluation committee findings


Challenges

Working in a high volume environment where the range of stakeholder expectations can

result in competing priorities.

Exercising initiative, self-direction, and analytical and problem-solving skills to retain focus

on strategic and business plans.

Maintaining processes and systems to ensure State and Commonwealth contractual

obligations are met.

Establishing priorities to achieve outcomes/results that meet key performance indicators set

by the Commonwealth and NSW Governments.

Researching proposed initiatives to ensure the efficient use of limited time and resources.

Seeking and gaining support and collaborative partners in the public and private sectors for

new ideas and initiatives.

Supporting partners in the public and private sectors in developing new ideas and initiatives.

Ensuring high level of knowledge about government programs and supporting regional

communities to optimise access to appropriate funding.

Organising own work and meeting deadlines when working under considerable pressure

with large volumes of work.

Support improved co-ordination/delivery of regional development programs.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

Excellent written communication skills, including the ability to prepare complex reports.

Demonstrated ability to maintain financial management and reporting systems.

Excellent interpersonal and persuasion skills to provide input and recommendation.

Well-developed skills in management of high level meetings.

An understanding of policy and program settings to align projects with Departmental and

Government priorities in relation to regional NSW.

High order organisation and project management skills.

Strong research and analytical skills

Knowledge of business issues and trends in relation to regional economic development.

Expertise in contract and human resource management.

Ability to exercise discretion in the use of commercially confidential and Government

information, and awareness of political issues.

Experience in the use of computer software programs such as word processing,

spreadsheets and databases.

Relevant tertiary qualifications or equivalent experience.


Demonstrated understanding of Work Health & Safety, the principles of Equal Employment

Opportunity and the Charter of Principles for a Culturally Diverse Society.

3. SELECTION CRITERIA

Applicants’ suitability for the role will be assessed using the following criteria. Applicants are

required to demonstrate that they meet the following criteria as a minimum in their application.

Applications that do not address each of the essential selection criteria will not be considered.

Essential Criteria

1. Previous experience: Proven background and experience in similar positions, with a high level of

management experience.

2. Communication skills: Highly developed interpersonal, oral and written communication skills as

well as experience in public relations, including a demonstrated ability to communicate and liaise

with staff and external stakeholders as required.

3. Partnership development: The ability to develop partnerships and relationships with a range of

people within government, business, the media and the public to influence others to achieve

outcomes.

4. Project management and research skills: Sound analytical ability to identify, evaluate and analyse

problems and formulate and implement appropriate courses of action. High order project

management skills including the ability to handle numerous projects simultaneously.

5. Planning and time management: Excellent organisational and planning skills, high level of time

management and ability to prioritise and respond to changing demands in a professional manner.

This includes a proven ability to work under pressure, respond quickly to requests and achieve

effective results within given and at times tight time frames.

6. Financial management: Demonstrated ability to maintain financial management systems including

budgets, account structures and financial reporting.

7. Collaborative team leadership: Experience working with Boards and committees, including the

ability to effectively manage and guide group efforts and build strong organisational teams.

8. Contract management and administration: Expertise in negotiating agreements, administering

contract requirements, managing program and contractor relationships, and monitoring contract

performance for the effective delivery of consultancy services.

9. People management: Applies workforce planning and human resource development to manage

staff and lead people to achieve the vision, mission and goals.

10. Business development: Capacity to identify and develop new business opportunities.


11. Policy and development expertise: Knowledge of government policy and decision making

processes, and regional development issues.

12. Understanding of and commitment to equal employment opportunity (EEO), ethical practice,

Work Health & Safety and the Ethnic Affairs Priority Statement.

13. A current driver’s licence.

Desirable Criteria:

1. Relevant tertiary qualifications.

2. Knowledge of the region and its stakeholders.

4. OTHER INFORMATION

This is a full-time contracted position for twelve months. The successful applicant may be entitled to

apply for further employment subject to Government policy on the future role of RDAs. Applicants

should note that the position will be based in Port Macquarie and will require regular travel

throughout the Mid North Coast region.

The total salary package will be based on the successful applicant’s skills and will be in the range of

$95,000 - $105,000 (pro rata) plus annual leave loading and Employer’s compulsory 9.25%

superannuation Contribution. The total benefit will include private use of a motor vehicle and

payment by the Employer of the FBT on vehicle use. The position will commence ??

5. APPLICATIONS

Applications close on Friday 2nd May 2014 and should be emailed to:

[email protected] with Subject: RDAMNC CEO Application

Applications must be submitted electronically and must include the applicant’s resume/CV and a

statement describing the applicant’s skills and experience in relation to each of the selection criteria

listed in item 3. Applications that do not address the selection criteria will not be considered.

For further information, contact Kelly on 0411 139 036

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CEO: INFORMATION PACKAGErdamnc.org.au/wp-content/uploads/RDAMNC-CEO... · The iconic Aussie centurion, Akubra Hats, proudly calls the Mid North Coast home. Education and Training