• Lead policy and advocacy from a Traditional Owner perspective to improve key Sea Country programs!
• Be part of a bold, values-driven team empowering Traditional Owners to shape the future of the Reef
• Remote working in Queensland (or hybrid in Brisbane)
• Start ASAP on a Fixed Term Contract until 30 March 2028
• Salary $115,000 - $125,000 (+ super) negotiable, depending on experience
• Identified Role: Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander applicants only, with preference for Reef Traditional Owners

Join a vibrant team in a new Traditional Owner-led initiative!

About Us:

The Great Barrier Reef Traditional Owner Taskforce (ReefTO) is a grassroots, Traditional Owner-led initiative that honours the decades of work by Elders to assert cultural authority and rights to sea country. We’re not just asking for a seat at the table - we’re building our own.

ReefTO is guided by the Reef 2050 Traditional Owner Implementation Plan, a living document created by mob, for mob. Our mission is to amplify Traditional Owner voices, elevate priorities, and drive genuine partnerships across the Reef.

ReefTO has three key objectives over the next 2-3 years:

1. Engage with Traditional Owners to establish a Sea Country Alliance.
2. Oversee strategic policy and capacity building actions in the TO Implementation Plan.
3. Monitor and report on the delivery of actions in the TO Implementation Plan.

We’re currently in build-mode - laying strong foundations, navigating ambiguity, and pushing for impact. We need passionate, skilled people who are up for the challenge!

ReefTO is hosted by Pollination Foundation until a Sea Country Alliance is set up.

The Opportunity:

This is a unique opportunity to lead ReefTO’s policy and advocacy work to improve and expand key Sea Country programs - TUMRA, IPA, and Ranger programs - based on what Reef Traditional Owners tell us they want to see.

Reporting to the Director, Programs & Engagement, you’ll gather insights, develop strong policy positions, and advocate for change with agencies and partners. Under the guidance of the ReefTO Taskforce, you’ll play a key role in shaping the future of Sea Country governance and management.

Roles and Responsibilities Include:

• Lead the development of ReefTO’s policy positions on expanding and improving TUMRA, IPA and Ranger programs
• Gather insights from Reef Traditional Owners and analyse data, reports, and best-practice models
• Facilitate workshops and policy labs to test and refine ideas
• Draft clear, accessible policy documents and advocacy materials
• Build relationships with key stakeholders and decision-makers
• Develop and implement an advocacy plan to influence change
• Collaborate with the Comms + Creative team to communicate ReefTO’s policy positions
• Uphold ReefTO’s Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property (ICIP) protocols
• Mentor and support internal capacity-building in policy and advocacy

For more detail, the Info Pack is attached.

Who We’re Looking For:

• 5–8 years’ experience in policy development, advocacy, or strategic engagement
• Strong policy analysis and writing skills
• Experience designing and delivering advocacy strategies
• Deep understanding of Reef Traditional Owners’ aspirations and Sea Country issues
• Cultural competence and humility
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills
• Strong project management and collaboration skills
• A positive, can-do attitude and commitment to ReefTO’s mission

Why Apply

You’ll join a passionate, purpose-driven team working to transform systems and empower Reef Traditional Owners. You’ll have the opportunity to shape policy, influence change, and contribute to a legacy of cultural authority and sea country stewardship. Learn from a visionary group of Reef Traditional Owners, be part of a genuinely supportive and nimble close-knit team, work remotely, and grow professionally.

How to Apply

Click "Apply now" and submit a cover letter addressing your suitability for the role together with a current CV by the listed closing date.

You must be based in Australia and have the right to work here.

Due to the volume of hiring the ReefTO is currently doing, we don’t have the capacity to handle individual enquiries about positions.

An Info Pack is attached.