Chairperson - Board Role - Destination Perth

Destination Perth is the peak Destination Marketing Organisation responsible for promoting Perth and surrounds as a desirable tourist destination, with the goal of driving growth in visitation and spend for our regions products and experiences.

Our key pillars focus on effective marketing, driving industry engagement, delivering economic return to our members and partners, growing sub-regional dispersal and destination development. A not-for-profit incorporated organisation, Destination Perth is funded by Tourism WA, other grants, commercial activities and partner/membership fees. We have a strong board of 11 and 397 members, including 31 local governments, with membership growth of 23% over the past 3 years.

Smart Talent is proud to partner with Destination Perth in its search for a dynamic and strategic Chairperson who can continue to drive growth towards establishing the Perth region as the western gateway to Australia and as a must-visit and experientially diverse destination.

About the Role

The Chairperson will play a pivotal role in guiding the Board to maintain a strategic focus, foster strong governance, and uphold the organisations values and integrity. This leadership role requires a forward-thinking individual who can drive high-level performance, ensure a clear distinction between governance and management, and cultivate productive relationships with the CEO, Board, and Key Stakeholders. With a strong emphasis on ethical leadership and effective oversight, the Chair will help shape the organisations strategic direction, ensuring its continued relevance and impact within a dynamic industry environment.

Key Selection Criteria

Strong skills, knowledge, and experience in the following areas must be demonstrated in your application.

Essential

• Demonstrated experience in board leadership, including chairing board or committee meetings, setting strategic direction, and fostering high-performance governance.
• Strong understanding of corporate governance frameworks and regulatory compliance, with a track record of upholding transparency, integrity, and accountability.
• Proven ability to build and maintain a productive relationship with a CEO, acting as a trusted advisor and collaborative partner.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage a range of stakeholders, including board members, government, industry, and community.
• Well-developed financial literacy, with the capacity to interpret financial reports and understand key business drivers.
• Ability to lead respectfully and inclusively, balancing diverse views and facilitating collaborative decision-making across a range of personalities and perspectives.

Desirable

• Experience in the tourism, hospitality, or regional development sector, with an understanding of destination management and regional tourism planning.
• Strong local or regional industry networks, particularly within government, business, or community groups that align with the organisations mission.
• Demonstrated emotional intelligence, with the ability to manage sensitive discussions, conflicting views, and high-pressure situations with empathy and professionalism.
• Previous experience in mentoring or supporting CEO performance, succession planning, and executive development.
• Understanding of not-for-profit or member-based organisations, particularly in a governance or advocacy capacity.

Appointment Benefits

• Honorarium payment of $30,000 per annum (excl GST) paid quarterly.
• All travel and reasonable associated costs, including accommodation and meals.
• Initial appointment of up to 2 years commencing 1 January 2026

To Apply

Applications via SEEK should include a cover letter addressing the key selection criteria and a current resume.

Initial confidential enquiries are welcome by contacting Karen Priest at Smart Talent via email at karen@smarttalent.com.au or on 0400 457 117

To find out more about the Destination Perth consumer site - www.destinationperth.com.au to find out more about the Destination Perth corporate site - https://www.destinationperth.com.au/corporate/

Applications close 5:00 pm - Friday, 18 July 2025