The Organisation

The Australian Marine Conservation Society (AMCS) is the voice for Australia’s ocean. We are Australia’s leading ocean conservation organisation and one of the founding members of Australia’s conservation movement.

We are a community of ocean and coastal lovers across the nation, working to protect our precious marine wildlife and secure healthy seas. As an independent charity, our team of expert advocates and campaigners works daily to safeguard Australia’s ocean and coasts.

• Location: Gimuy (Cairns, Queensland)
• Employment type: Two-year fixed-term contract, commencing as soon as possible
• Salary: $77,000 - $88,800 per annum (full-time equivalent), pro rata for part-time, plus superannuation (12.5%).
• Hours: Full-time, 38 hours per week (1.0 FTE), with flexibility to consider part-time (0.8 FTE, 30.4 hours per week).

The Role

With a focus on Cairns and Far North Queensland, the role of Community Campaigner - Coral Sea is part of a broader public Save Our Marine Life (SOML) alliance campaign, working to build public support for the protection of the Coral Sea through the Australian Government’s upcoming marine parks review.

This role leads outreach and events to raise awareness of the globally significant values of and growing threats to the Coral Sea, and build public support for increased protection. Working with Far North Queensland communities, local groups, local businesses, the tourism industry and other stakeholders, the role will help deliver long-term protection of the Coral Sea, bringing benefits to the FNQ community.

SOML is an alliance of 27 leading conservation organisations, working with communities, ocean users, fishers, divers, scientists, local organisations and Traditional Owners, working to protect our marine life and way of life.

Reporting and Accountability

The Community Campaigner - Coral Sea reports to the Campaign Manager - Protected Areas and works closely with the SOML team. The Community Campaigner - Coral Sea is required to participate in weekly AMCS staff meetings and SOML team meetings.

This position does not have any direct reports.

Key Responsibilities

Community Engagement & Movement Building:

• Deliver a program of public activities and events for the SOML campaign, including recruiting, training and empowering volunteer leaders to support and help organise those activities.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with community leaders, stakeholders, local partners and other key groups.
• Identify organising opportunities to engage new and existing supporters to take action as part of the SOML campaign, for example, through supporter actions or contacting their local Member of Parliament.
• Empower new voices and unlikely allies to grow the movement through relational organising and connections.
• Collaborate with local NGOs to coordinate campaign activities effectively, ensuring maximum impact within the community.
• Provide support, communication and coordination for volunteers participating in local campaign activities and events.
• Work with the broader SOML outreach team to support outreach, events and supporter mobilisation across coastal Queensland and NSW, as required.

Communications, Media & Events:

• Represent AMCS and Save Our Marine Life at community events, network meetings and gatherings.
• Activate and support others to be active in the media, including through letters to the editor, social media and media comment.
• Work with the SOML communications team to deliver creative communications materials for social media and other communication opportunities.

Campaign Delivery & Team Contribution:

• Undertake general campaign and staff activities as required to support the marine conservation work of AMCS, including public communications.
• Contribute to team planning, coordination and reporting through regular participation in AMCS and SOML team meetings.

Essential Selection Criteria

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, and strong facilitation and public speaking skills.
• Demonstrated experience using digital communications channels and assets to organise community activation and outreach.
• Proven ability to plan, coordinate and execute volunteer and community activities and events effectively.
• Excellent interpersonal, collaboration and relationship-building skills, including a track record of successfully engaging diverse stakeholders and community groups.
• Commitment to upholding AMCS’ values and a passion for protecting our oceans and marine life.
• Ability and willingness to work flexible hours, including regular evenings and weekends, undertake frequent travel (mostly intrastate with some interstate), including holding a valid driver’s licence and access to reliable transport.

Desirable Selection Criteria

• Existing connections to the FNQ community, and/or knowledge or experience of the marine environment.
• Qualifications and/or training in advocacy, community engagement, communications, marine science, environmental science, or related fields.

Application Details

Click "Apply Now". Applications should include a CV and a brief cover letter (2-page max) outlining your relevant experience and how your experience aligns with the selection criteria. Applications should be submitted no later than 5 pm AEST on the advertised closing date.

AMCS is a non-partisan organisation committed to providing equal employment opportunities and building a diverse and inclusive workplace. We encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with disability, LGBTIQA+ people, and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

Applicants must have the right to live and work in Australia, including Australian or New Zealand citizenship, permanent residency, or hold a valid visa with ongoing work rights.

For any enquiries about this position, contact us at [email protected] using the subject line: Community Campaigner - Coral Sea - Cairns enquiry via EthicalJobs.