Deputy Director in Canberra

The Conservation Council ACT Region is seeking an enthusiastic Deputy Director to help lead the organisation during a period of growth. A new position, the Deputy Director will play a central role in ensuring the smooth management, strong governance, and strategic impact of the Conservation Council.

This role will work closely with the Executive Director to oversee key functions of the organisation, with a primary focus on driving strategic advocacy, influencing policy, and maintaining robust organisational governance. We are seeking someone with advocacy, policy, and governance expertise who thrives in a leadership role that requires both strategic vision and a willingness to be hands-on in a small, dynamic team. If you have the experience or energy to help guide the region's peak environmental body,

The Deputy Director serves as second-in-charge and acts in the Executive Director role during periods of leave.

• Hours: 22.5 - 30 hours per week (3-4 days / week)
• Salary: SCHADS Level 5 - 6 Pay point 1 (depending on experience) + Superannuation
• Term: Permanent

About the Organisation

The Conservation Council ACT Region is the peak environment organisation for the Canberra region, representing over 40 member organisations and more than 20,000 supporters. Since 1981, the Council has been the community’s voice for nature protection and climate action, harnessing collective expertise to influence government, business, and the community.

Position Overview

The Deputy Director will be a key leadership role within the organisation, complementing and supporting the work of the Executive Director. The role will oversee key internal and external functions, with a specific focus on Advocacy & Policy and Governance & Operations. However, we are open to applicants with complementary skill sets and can adjust the position responsibilities depending on the strengths of the successful applicant.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Direction & Acting Leadership
  • Provide strategic and high-quality advice and briefings to the Executive Director on emerging advocacy, policy, and governance issues.
  • Step into the Acting Executive Director role during periods of the ED’s absence, providing continuity in leadership, decision‑making, stakeholder engagement, and organisational management.
  • Foster an inclusive, collaborative, and supportive workplace culture across a small team.
  • Assist the team across strategic initiatives, campaign integration, and organisational development.
  • Provide day-to-day support, guidance, and task management to staff and volunteers.
• Develop and implement overarching advocacy strategies that influence government policy, protect biodiversity, drive climate action, and build public and political support for environmental outcomes.
• Research, prepare, and oversee high-level policy materials, including submissions, position papers, and strategic briefings, working independently or alongside staff and volunteers.
• Translate complex research and policy analysis into strategic action, connecting policy positions directly with public campaign goals and stakeholder engagement.
• Build and maintain constructive relationships with ministers, political advisors, key government officials, allies, and environmental stakeholders.
• Oversee and support Conservation Council policy working groups (e.g. biodiversity, climate, transport, and environmental justice) and support member groups with their advocacy goals.
• Represent the organisation in meetings, parliamentary consultations, and public forums, or support the ED in high-level engagements.
• Governance & Board Support
  • Work with the Executive Director to oversee organisational governance processes, ensuring full compliance with legal, regulatory, statutory, and reporting requirements relevant to the non‑profit sector.
  • Support Board operations in collaboration with the ED, including board meeting preparation, agenda and paper development, minute‑taking, and policy maintenance.
  • Maintain central organisational risk registers, legal documentation, contracts, insurance policies, and operational policies.
  • Ensure organisational compliance with the constitution, reporting deadlines, and legal obligations.
• Operational Management
  • Assist the ED to oversee day-to-day administrative and operational workflows to ensure the smooth running of the office.
  • Ensure operational documentation, data management systems, and team workflows remain efficient and compliant.
  • Manage direct reports and volunteers working within advocacy, policy, and governance functions.

Selection Criteria

• People & Team Leadership: Strong interpersonal skills with demonstrated capability to mentor staff, guide volunteers, and lead operations and decision‑making smoothly during senior executive absences.
• Advocacy & Policy Expertise: Demonstrated experience in advocacy strategy and policy development (paid or volunteer)—ideally in an environmental, climate, or social justice context with proven ability to turn policy analysis into actionable influence.
• Political & Stakeholder Engagement: Strong understanding of government, policy, and parliamentary processes, with demonstrated ability to build constructive relationships with decision‑makers, allies, and member organisations.
• Governance & Non‑Profit Management: Demonstrated experience in non‑profit administration, governance workflows, regulatory compliance, risk management, and supporting board operations.
• Communication & Strategic Thinking: Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including experience preparing submissions, policy briefs, and high‑level briefs for government and community stakeholders.
• Mission Alignment: Deep commitment to environmental protection, climate action, and the values and vision of the Conservation Council ACT Region.

We strongly encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people living with a disability, LGBTIQ+ people, neurodivergent people, and people from culturally and linguistically diverse communities to apply for this role.

To learn more about the Conservation Council ACT Region, visit www.conservationcouncil.org.au.

For further information or questions about this position, please contact Simon Copland, Executive Director:
Email: ********@conservationcouncil.org.au (using the subject line: Deputy Director enquiry via Enviro Jobs Network)
Phone: 02 6229 3***

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