• Full-time - 11-month contracted role with the possibility of extension
• Location: Newcastle / Hunter Valley

The Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU) is the peak body for unions in Australia, representing almost two million workers and their families. We work to grow union membership, strengthen workers' rights, and build a fairer economy through campaigning, advocacy and organising.

We are seeking an experienced and driven Hunter Workers' Renewable Industries Campaigner to help secure good union jobs and strong regional communities through Australia's clean energy and industrial transition.

This role is ideal for a skilled campaigner, organiser or policy advocate who is passionate about building worker support for renewable industries, influencing government policy, and ensuring the transition to a low-carbon economy delivers secure, well-paid union jobs.

The ACTU is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workforce that reflects the rich cultural and social diversity of our community. We strongly encourage applications from women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people of colour, members of the LGBTQIA+ community, people with disabilities, and individuals from diverse socio-economic backgrounds.

About Us

The Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU) represents almost 2 million workers and their families. Since 1927, we have led some of the most significant workplace struggles in Australia's history. The ACTU’s role as a peak body is to encourage workers to join their union, be a national voice for our movement, and advance and defend workers' rights through coordinated campaigns, representation, and support for our affiliates.

About the role

Working closely with the ACTU's Green Industry Project Officer and the Hunter Workers' Secretary, you will lead campaigns and advocacy that advance workers' interests in renewable energy, manufacturing and emerging industries across the Hunter region.

You will work with unions, workers, communities and government stakeholders to support the development of renewable industries, build public support for key projects, and secure policy outcomes that create new generations of union jobs.

This role sits at the intersection of campaigning, organising, stakeholder engagement and policy advocacy, helping ensure workers' voices are central to Australia's industrial transformation.

Key responsibilities include:

• Working closely with affiliated unions to develop and implement strategies that support renewable industry development and worker-centred industrial policy.
• Coordinating and supporting worker and community campaigns that build support for renewable energy, transmission and industrial projects in the Hunter region.
• Mobilising workers and local communities to advocate for industry policies that create secure union jobs.
• Building relationships with unions, government representatives, industry stakeholders and community organisations.
• Supporting advocacy efforts that advance a Future Made in Australia and strengthen domestic renewable industry and manufacturing.
• Monitoring policy developments and identifying opportunities to influence government decision-making.
• Representing the ACTU and Hunter Workers in meetings, forums and stakeholder engagement activities.
• Working collaboratively across the union movement to deliver strategic campaign outcomes.

About you

You are a strategic and outcomes-focused campaigner with experience bringing people together to achieve collective goals.

You will have:

• Demonstrated ability to organise individuals and organisations around a shared campaign, advocacy or organising objective.
• Experience influencing policy, legislative or regulatory outcomes, particularly in climate, energy, industry, manufacturing or related areas.
• Strong political judgement and the ability to navigate complex stakeholder environments.
• Excellent relationship-building and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience developing and implementing campaign strategies and plans.
• Excellent organisational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities with minimal supervision.
• A good understanding of trade unions and industrial relations.
• A commitment to union values, social justice and respect for cultural and social diversity.

Relevant tertiary qualifications or equivalent experience are desirable.

Why work with us

• Work at the centre of the union movement.
• Help shape Australia's clean energy and industrial future.
• Contribute to the creation of secure, well-paid union jobs in regional communities.
• Work alongside unions, workers and campaigners committed to delivering meaningful change.
• Be part of a collaborative and values-driven workplace.

Interstate travel and occasional out-of-hours work may be required.

Benefits

The ACTU offers a competitive salary of $121,898, along with:

• Additional 15% superannuation
• Annual leave loading
• Working from home opportunities
• Generous leave arrangements, including up to 5 additional days of annual leave
• The opportunity to work a rostered day off arrangement

How to Apply

Please provide a cover letter addressing the selection criteria and your suitability for the role, along with your CV, to Ben Moxham Director, Industrial and Policy, via the "Apply Now" button.

Applications without a cover letter addressing the selection criteria will not be considered.

A position description is attached.