Principal Associate, Protecting Australia’s Nature in Perth

Australia is the only nation on Earth that also spans a continent. Because of its isolation over many millions of years, Australia is one of 17 nations in the world to be considered “megadiverse” because of its exceptional biodiversity. In 2007, Pew began its conservation work in Australia, forming partnerships with First Nations communities and local conservation partners to advance place-based protections. Central to our work with First Nations people is ensuring there is equity in the delivery of our conservation objectives and program goals and that we support the growth of Indigenous led conservation.

Pew is a results-oriented organization. In Australia, we lead and partner on innovative and collaborative advocacy that has led to the declaration of the world’s largest network of marine parks, the doubling of Outback land protected in Australia’s National Reserve System, and securing more than $1 billion in funding for Indigenous land management. While efforts have expanded Australia’s terrestrial and marine protected areas, the ecological health of Australia’s landscapes is threatened by a range of pressures, including invasive species, habitat loss, overfishing, water extraction, and climate change. Australia’s key environmental indicators continue to decline, including the conservation status of threatened and endemic species.

Recently, Pew’s Protecting Australia’s Nature team and our partners have expanded our goals to encompass a continental focus, aiming to extend protection to critical terrestrial, marine, and freshwater systems by drawing on a robust network of influence both federally and in the states where we campaign.

The Principal Associate, Protecting Australia’s Nature, plays a vital role in supporting the delivery of the Western Australian campaigns in Pew’s Protecting Australia’s Nature project. The role requires a proactive, organized, and accomplished advocate with high level communication and mature interpersonal skills. Reporting to the WA Manager, Protecting Australia’s Nature, the role collaborates with the Senior Officer (Partnerships and Protected Areas landscapes) and a national team to integrate strategy and tactics focused on Government and stakeholder engagement, media, and communications.

Pew’s WA protected area campaign is entering a new phase, following the delivery of 6.5 million hectares of new national and marine parks, and nature reserves through the WA Government's Plan for Our Parks. The campaign is now focused on securing the delivery of additional protected area opportunities, including co-management with Traditional Owners, by 2030 and in line with Australia’s and WA’s commitment to global biodiversity goals. This position is based in Pew’s Office in West Perth and participates in Pew’s hybrid work program with core days in the office and the flexibility to work from home the remaining days. Staff also enjoy four remote working “flex weeks” per year.

Responsibilities

• Lead the implementation of an agreed strategy alongside the campaign manager.
• Identify opportunities and coordinate campaign initiatives, including agreed measurement of progress and outcomes.
• Document, track, and report on campaign progress, milestones, and impact.
• Develop and maintain positive working relationships across government, media, and stakeholders aligned with the campaign strategy.
• Support briefings and development of relationships with key decision-makers in WA.
• Prepare briefing materials, meeting notes, and follow-up actions for engagement with officials.
• Record and report on, as needed, engagement with officials.
• Support the development and activation of the WA Better by Nature alliance and Pew’s participation in the alliance.
• Co-coordinate strategic relationships with stakeholders, including non-profits, Traditional Owners, private conservancies, landholders, and other community groups.
• Foster a work environment that inspires excellence, values impact, encourages transparency, builds mutual trust and respect, embraces and values diversity, and is collaborative, caring, and compassionate.
• Participate in activities that support program and Pew-wide objectives.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent industry experience in public policy, political science, law, journalism, environmental management, advocacy, or other related fields such as project management.
• Generally, 6 years of experience in advocacy, government relations, media and/or communications, or related disciplines such as project management, and a demonstrated commitment to conservation.
• High-level project or campaign management skills.
• Experience in establishing and maintaining positive stakeholder or project partner relationships.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated experience managing multiple priorities and performing under time pressure, including in a small team.
• Analytical skills and experience synthesising and summarising public policy developments and focusing on the essence of an issue.
• Experience working with complex conservation issues and developing sophisticated communications.
• Skill in thinking strategically and creatively, adjusting to changing circumstances, remaining attentive to details, and exercising sound judgment in problem-solving.
• Demonstrated time and project management skills, including meeting multiple deadlines by maintaining a high level of organization.
• A valid driver’s license is essential; 4WD experience is desirable.

Travel

This position requires domestic and occasional international travel for work purposes.

Work Authorisation

Candidates must be legally authorised to work in the country for which they are seeking employment without visa sponsorship.

Salary Range

Australia Pay Range: $115,700 - $129,200. The salary range represents a reasonable estimate of the annual salary based on Pew’s commitment to provide equitable and market-competitive pay. The actual salary offered will take into consideration many factors including but not limited to job-related knowledge, skills and experience, internal pay equity, and business need.

Pew is an equal opportunity employer and makes employment decisions without regard to race, ethnicity, gender, or any other protected characteristics.