Executive Director, Water and River Murray

Executive leadership that shapes South Australia’s economic, social and environmental future for generations.

On behalf of the Department for Environment and Water, a rare opportunity has arisen for an accomplished leader to join as Executive Director, Water and River Murray. This influential position offers you the chance to shape the future of South Australia, balancing economic, environmental, and social objectives at the highest level. As a key member of the executive team and reporting directly to the Chief Executive, you will provide strategic direction and operational oversight across a diverse portfolio that includes water security, flood hazard risk reduction, compliance and regulation, science, policy and major project delivery.

The Department for Environment and Water is a respected South Australian public sector employer known for its commitment to sustainable natural resource management, progressive workplace practices and promotion of diversity and inclusion. It provides an ideal environment for teamwork-oriented individuals who want to make real difference, with, opportunities to contribute to significant policy directions and participate in major initiatives of national significance.

You will be instrumental in representing South Australia’s interests at national forums, driving policy reform and fostering strong partnerships with government agencies, industry leaders, NGOs, community groups and Aboriginal Nations.

Key responsibilities:

• Provide visionary leadership to the Water and River Murray Division to support the delivery of the Government’s water dependent priorities.
• Advocate for South Australia’s interests in the Murray-Darling Basin through direct negotiation with Commonwealth and other jurisdictions.
• Deliver timely, high-quality advice to senior executives and ministers on complex water-related issues including water security, investment attraction, drought response, flood management, infrastructure planning, and environmental conservation.
• Oversee the implementation of the Murray-Darling Joint Venture and Murray-Darling Basin Plan in SA, while ensuring compliance with relevant legislation and supporting ministerial decision-making processes.
• Foster robust communication channels and build enduring partnerships with internal teams as well as external stakeholders such as local governments, industry bodies, NGOs, Aboriginal Nations and community representatives.
• Lead organisational change initiatives that drive continual improvement across all aspects of operations within the Division.
• Support Executive board activities by providing sensitive counsel to the Chief Executive and Minister and deputising for the Chief Executive as required in high-level meetings or committees.
• Guide strategic business planning processes that align divisional goals with broader public sector objectives while maintaining operational sustainability.

Key requirements:

• Extensive experience leading large-scale organisations or divisions within complex, politically sensitive environments where collaboration is key to success.
• A deep understanding of government operations, coupled with proven ability to influence and build trust among senior officials across public sector agencies and non-government organisations.
• Demonstrated track record in developing policy frameworks for sensitive issues involving multiple stakeholders from diverse backgrounds.
• Expertise in managing strategic partnerships between community groups, industry representatives, government bodies, NGOs, and Aboriginal Nations to achieve common objectives and strategic priorities.
• Comprehensive experience in and knowledge of water sector challenges, including regulatory compliance requirements related to natural resource management.
• Proven capability in leading teams through periods of significant change while nurturing cultures focused on high performance and inclusivity.
• Strong analytical skills enabling you to identify emerging risks or opportunities quickly before developing actionable solutions that benefit all parties involved.
• Excellent negotiation abilities supported by outstanding interpersonal and communication skills suited for complex multi-stakeholder environments.
• Relevant tertiary qualifications in fields such as Natural Resource Management, Business Management, Engineering or Law. Post-graduate qualifications will be highly regarded.
• Experience working directly with Aboriginal communities and an understanding of Murray-Darling Basin management and governance is highly desirable.

If you are ready to shape the future of South Australia while making a lasting contribution to community wellbeing and environmental sustainability, this is your moment.

This is an Executive 3 Year Contract.

Applications close 11:00pm ACST, Monday 4th May 2026.

To apply, please click "Apply" or contact Ella Morgan directly on 08 8216 3553 or ella.morgan@robertwalters.com.au for a confidential discussion.