The organisation

GetUp is an independent movement of more than one million people working to build a progressive Australia and put people back into politics.

For over 20 years GetUp members from all walks of life have united around a shared belief in fairness, compassion and courage. Together members set our agenda on issues they care about, like human rights, climate action, economic fairness and First Nations justice.

GetUp’s grit, humour, creativity and know-how builds momentum for bold progressive change and reshapes the national story. Our crew of regular donors allow us to plan big, tackle bold long-term goals, and remain fiercely independent – free to challenge big money and party politics.

The role

This is a unique opportunity to lead one of Australia’s most impactful advocacy organisations at a critical moment in its history. Our CEO – or co-CEOs – lead the vision for mobilising and growing our membership, generating cut through and attention on our issues, and winning. They make GetUp’s campaigns reflect the ambition of our members, compel donors, and meaningfully influence decision-makers.

GetUp’s CEO:

• Leads GetUp’s mission to inspire millions of people to take action for a fairer, better Australia.
• Shapes and implements a strategic vision that maximises GetUp’s impact.
• Fosters a culture of innovation, resilience, and bold campaigning to keep GetUp energised and relevant in changing political and digital landscapes.
• Uses creativity, humour, and irreverence to make policy debates relevant and interesting to everyday Australians.
• Represents GetUp to key stakeholders, including policymakers, media, donors, and partners.
• Drives financial sustainability by deepening donor relationships, enhancing member-driven fundraising, and diversifying revenue streams.
• Collaborates closely with the GetUp Board, staff, and members to ensure alignment with organisational values and long-term sustainability.

Melbourne, Sydney or Canberra are preferred locations for the role, with other locations considered. Irrespective of location, regular domestic travel is expected.

Read more about the role in the Position Description. See supporting documents below.

Who we’re looking for

We’re looking for compelling campaigners and communicators who thrive in the fast pace of politics, inspire courage in others, and have a knack for spotting opportunities where GetUp members can drive real change.

Our next leader will cast a hopeful, values-driven vision for Australia’s future and excite the public around what’s possible when we work together.

We want to hear from people who:

• have a commitment to member-driven campaigning, ready to work hand-in-hand with GetUp’s growing national membership,
• are seasoned strategists and persuasive communicators,
• take risks, and persuade others to try new ways of making change,
• understand how attitude shift happens on the ground and online,
• can transform the driest of policy debates into irreverent, fun, and engaging campaigns,
• know how people find and build community online,
• know how to navigate complex partnerships and get the most out of them, and
• are able to take a hit, and inspire the GetUp team and membership to keep going in the face of setbacks, defeat, and inevitable controversies.

We know there are many different ways to live and practice these skills, so we are searching with open minds and encourage people with skills and experiences beyond those typically thought of as necessary for a CEO to apply. We recognise that no candidate will be an expert in every area.

If you bring strengths in some, but not all of these areas, we still encourage you to apply via the "Apply Now" button – or arrange a confidential conversation with our team about your candidacy by emailing [email protected] using the subject line: Chief Executive Officer - Flexible Location enquiry via EthicalJobs.

The Board is open to innovative leadership models, including a co-CEO structure (please apply as a duo) or building out complementary expertise at the Executive or Board level to ensure the organisation is equipped with the full range of skills, perspectives, and capacity needed to drive our work.

A position description is attached.