• Job No.: 676211
• Location: Melbourne CBD
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Duration: 3-year fixed-term appointment
• Remuneration: $195,987 pa Level 10B (plus 17% employer superannuation)
• Amplify your impact at a world top 50 University
• Join our inclusive, collaborative community
• Be surrounded by extraordinary ideas - and the people who discover them

The Opportunity

Climateworks Centre is seeking a dynamic and innovative Head of Australian Programs to oversee the development and delivery of our sectoral programs and policy capability in Australia. This is a unique opportunity for an experienced leader to shape impactful programs, drive collaboration, and ensure Climateworks’ initiatives achieve tangible progress toward a net-zero future.

As a key member of our Executive Leadership Team, you will work closely with the CEO and other senior leaders to ensure Climateworks’ programs deliver measurable impact. This position has a strong focus on excellence in team leadership, external engagement and internal collaboration, project development and management, and program performance measurement. Key to the success of this position is the provision of excellent leadership to the System Leads, facilitating program development, delivery and impact, as well as continuous improvement.

Reporting directly to the CEO, the Head of Australian Programs:

• Oversees the development and execution of Climateworks’ Australian sectoral programs and policy, ensuring alignment with wider strategic goals.
• Leads and supports System Leads, providing expertise in people management, project delivery, and budget oversight to drive program excellence
• Drives program initiation, funding and delivery, ensuring programs achieve meaningful impact while securing funding to support their long-term sustainability.
• Represents Climateworks externally, fostering high-level relationships with government bodies, research and policy organisations, industry, donor organisations and corporations, and other key stakeholders.
• Works collaboratively with senior leadership, providing expert advice and ensuring seamless integration of sectoral programs with Climateworks’ broader strategic direction.
• Embeds a culture of learning and continuous improvement, leading performance measurement, business planning, and impact evaluation.

About You

We are looking for a strategic leader who brings:

• Proven expertise in program leadership within climate policy, sustainability, or related sectors.
• Strong stakeholder engagement skills, with experience developing and maintaining influential relationships across government, industry, and research sectors.
• Leadership experience at a senior level, with the ability to guide teams, foster collaboration, and drive an ambitious agenda.
• A deep understanding of policy and sectoral transformation, with experience in impact measurement and program delivery.
• A passion for climate action, combined with the ability to translate vision into tangible outcomes.

Why Join Climateworks?

• Make a Real Impact: Lead Australian programs that shape national climate policy and accelerate the transition to a net-zero future.
• Executive-Level Autonomy: Take ownership of high-profile initiatives and help shape the strategic direction of an established, mission-driven organisation.
• Work-Life Balance: Enjoy a supportive and flexible work environment that values well-being alongside professional growth.
• Be Part of a Leading Organisation: Join a highly respected organisation at the forefront of climate solutions, working alongside researchers dedicated to driving systemic change.

This is more than just a job—it’s an opportunity to lead transformational change at scale. If you are a strategic thinker and leader with a passion for sustainability and have experience in shaping and delivering Australian climate policy and programs, we encourage you to apply.

About Monash University

At Monash, work feels different. There’s a sense of belonging, from contributing to something ground-breaking – a place where great things happen.

We value difference and diversity, and welcome and celebrate everyone's contributions, lived experience and expertise. That’s why we champion an inclusive and respectful workplace culture where everyone is supported to succeed.

Learn more about Monash.

Join the pursuit of our purpose to build a better future for ourselves and our communities - #ChangeIt with us.

Monash supports flexible and hybrid working arrangements. We have a range of policies in place enabling staff to combine work and personal commitments. This includes supporting parents.

To Apply

For instructions on how to apply, please refer to 'How to apply for Monash Jobs'.

Diversity is one of our greatest strengths at Monash. We encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, culturally and linguistically diverse people, people with disabilities, neurodivergent people, and people of all genders, sexualities, and age groups.

We are committed to fostering an inclusive and accessible recruitment process at Monash. If you need any reasonable adjustments, please contact us at [email protected] using the subject line: Head of Australian Programs - Climateworks Centre enquiry via EthicalJobs.

Your employment is contingent upon the satisfactory completion of all pre-employment and/or background checks required for the role, as determined by the University.

Enquiries: Aleksandra Nedeljkovic, Operations Manager/Senior Advisor to the CEO, Climateworks Centre, +61 428 891 872

Position Description: Head of Australian Programs, Climateworks Centre.