About the Conservation Council

The Conservation Council ACT Region is the peak non-government environment organisation for the Canberra region. Since 1981, we have spoken up for a healthy environment and a sustainable future for our region. We harness the collective energy, expertise and experience of our more than 40 member groups to promote sound policy and action on the environment.

We campaign for a safe climate, to protect biodiversity in our urban and natural areas, to protect and enhance our waterways, reduce waste, and promote sustainable transport and planning for our city. Working in the ACT and region to influence governments and build widespread support within the community and business, we put forward evidence-based solutions and innovative ideas for how we can live sustainably.

At a time when we need to reimagine a better future, we understand that the changes we need will only happen with the collective support of our community.

Vision

Our vision is for a healthy planet for humans and all other life, where the natural environment is protected and communities respect and live in harmony with the environment.

Mission

The Conservation Council supports global and national efforts to protect our environment, particularly to:

• build a city that integrates innovative, high-quality sustainability practices for urban planning, buildings, transport and green space;
• protect and enhance natural habitats and ecosystems that support biodiversity, to reduce extinction rates;
• cut polluting greenhouse emissions ;
• build resilience to the impacts of climate change; and
• promote the value of living sustainably, reducing consumption and decreasing waste.

To learn more about the Conservation Council see our website www.conservationcouncil.org.au.

About the Role

Reporting to a volunteer Board, the Executive Director’s actions are guided by the Strategic Plan, Operational Plan and Policies, and decisions of the Board. The Executive Director supervises four part-time staff plus volunteers and manages the Conservation Council office.

The Executive Director: works closely with leaders and representatives of government, business, community, and the media to further the Council’s objectives; represents the Conservation Council at fora and meetings; and is a champion for environmental and sustainability actions at Territory, regional and national levels.

The Executive Director monitors relevant issues and policies in the ACT, keeps abreast of member group and stakeholder concerns, and identifies opportunities for the Conservation Council to progress its objectives. The Executive Director stays informed of environmental developments in the ACT and at federal level; and best-practice methods for community advocacy and campaigning.

The Executive Director drives the long-term financial and organisational viability of the Council, overseeing fundraising and funding opportunities. They possess a high level of competency in financial, administrative and human resource management in order to maintain and enhance the organisational efficiency of the Council.

Terms of Employment

Full time 37.5 hours per week.

$103,496-$107,816 (SCHADS Level 7) per annum (plus superannuation) based on experience.

3 year contract.

Principal Duties

1. Provide leadership in pursuit of the Conservation Council’s vision and mission, in accordance with its Strategic Plan and under the direction of the Board.
2. Develop strategic directions with the Board; implement and monitor strategic, work and campaign plans including for the long-term financial and organisational viability of the Council.
3. Act as the principal media and public spokesperson for the Council.
4. Prepare high level written material including briefings, correspondence, submissions, and media releases.
5. Manage staff and volunteers.
6. Liaise and manage effective interaction with stakeholders including the Board, member groups, funding bodies, donors, the media and key Government, community and business contacts.
7. Ensure the Council effectively uses member groups’ knowledge and capacities.
8. Represent the Council at high-level meetings including with Ministers, political representatives, senior officials, environment groups and advisory bodies.
9. Oversee budgeting, financial reporting, and fundraising activities.

Selection Criteria

The successful candidate will possess the following attributes:

1. A leader who thinks strategically and who has the skills to deliver on the Council’s objectives and to work effectively with the Council’s Not-for-Profit Board.
2. A knowledge of the key sustainability and environment issues facing the ACT and region, and experience working in this field.
3. A manager whose skills in governance, financial management, fundraising and overseeing staff will ensure the smooth running and sustainability of the Conservation Council
4. An advocate who can influence government and business, and who can demonstrate strong analytical, negotiation and representation skills.
5. A communicator who can influence public debate on environmental issues and represent that Council at events and in the media.
6. A relationship builder who has the political awareness to negotiate outcomes in collaboration with stakeholders.
7. A campaigner who has the skills to develop and execute winning strategies in respect to the Council’s objectives.
8. A person whose personal drive, integrity, flexibility, and commitment to the mission and values of the Conservation Council will be an example to the Board, staff, volunteers, member groups and the wider community.

For further information about the position, please contact:

Sarah Reid, Board President, [email protected] or Helen Oakey, Executive Director, [email protected] using the subject line: Executive Director enquiry via EthicalJobs.