Director of People & Capability

About the role

Marine Rescue Queensland (MRQ) is seeking a Director of People & Capability to lead the people, culture and capability strategy across the newly amalgamated volunteer service. Reporting to the Chief Officer, you will shape attraction, development, recognition and retention of volunteers while fostering a high‑performance, inclusive and respectful environment.

Key responsibilities

• Lead and implement initiatives to attract, recruit, develop, reward and retain MRQ volunteers, enhancing service delivery across Queensland.
• Integrate people, culture and sustainability strategies to build a high‑performance organisational culture.
• Provide strategic advice on emerging volunteerism trends and represent MRQ at external forums.
• Develop and maintain collaborative partnerships with government and non‑government agencies to influence volunteerism and emergency management decisions.
• Negotiate and represent MRQ at high‑level inter‑jurisdictional meetings, strengthening preparedness and response capabilities.
• Manage human, financial and physical resources, ensuring accountability, fairness and performance outcomes.
• Prepare and respond to departmental and ministerial correspondence, briefing notes and communication materials in line with governance requirements.
• Oversee multiple complex projects, ensuring continuous improvement, effective governance and risk monitoring.

Required profile

• Extensive senior leadership experience in people, culture or capability functions, preferably within a volunteer or emergency services context.
• Proven ability to develop and execute strategic HR initiatives that drive engagement and retention.
• Strong stakeholder management skills with experience building partnerships across government and community sectors.
• Demonstrated governance, risk and compliance expertise at senior organisational levels.
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills for high‑level representation.
• Possession of an open ‘C’ class Queensland driver’s licence.

Required skills