Director of Campaigns and Advocacy in Sydney

• Lead Australia's Next Generation of Nature and Climate Campaigns
• Sydney or Melbourne preferred
• Two-year fixed term contract with extension possibility
• The Organisation

Our client, The Wilderness Society (TWS) is one of Australia's most influential environmental campaigning organisations, with a proud 50-year history of delivering landmark conservation outcomes and mobilising communities to protect nature.

With campaigns spanning climate, biodiversity, wilderness protection and emerging environmental priorities, TWS combines grassroots community engagement with national advocacy, political influence and strategic partnerships to drive lasting change.

The Role

Reporting directly to the CEO and forming part of the Executive Leadership Team, the Director of Campaigns and Advocacy will lead the organisation's national campaigning and advocacy agenda during a critical period of evolution and growth.

This role presents the opportunity to shape and deliver a new generation of high-impact campaigns that influence public policy, political decision-making and public debate.

Working across a federated national structure, you will bring together campaign centres, communications, fundraising and organising teams to drive measurable outcomes for nature and climate.

The successful candidate will combine strategic vision with sophisticated political acumen, helping position TWS at the forefront of Australia's environmental advocacy landscape.

• Key Roles and Responsibilities
• Lead and deliver TWS's national campaign and advocacy strategy, creating clear pathways from challenge identification through to measurable outcomes.
• Develop and execute high-level political engagement and lobbying strategies across government, opposition, crossbench and key policy stakeholders.
• Commission and leverage research, investigations, stakeholder insights and evidence-based analysis to strengthen campaign effectiveness.
• Build and maintain strategic partnerships with First Nations organisations, NGOs, community groups, business leaders and campaign allies.
• Lead, mentor and develop a high-performing campaigns team while fostering a positive, collaborative and psychologically safe culture.
• Contribute to organisational strategy as a member of the Executive Team and provide advice to the CEO and Board on campaign opportunities, risks and emerging issues.
• Manage campaign budgets, grants and resources to ensure maximum strategic impact and accountability.
• Represent the organisation externally as a senior spokesperson across media, government, stakeholder and public forums.

About You

You are an accomplished campaign leader with a demonstrated ability to navigate complex stakeholder environments and influence policy, public opinion and decision-makers.

Whether your experience has been gained within advocacy, public affairs, government, social impact, member-based organisations, unions, NGOs or aligned sectors, you bring a track record of leading strategic campaigns that create meaningful outcomes.

You are equally comfortable developing long-term strategy and engaging directly with senior political leaders, executives, boards and external partners.

Most importantly, you thrive in collaborative environments, lead through influence, and are passionate about building strong teams and delivering impact.

• Required Skills and Proficiencies
• Significant senior-level experience leading complex campaigns, advocacy programs or public affairs initiatives.
• Proven success influencing government policy, legislation, regulatory outcomes or public debate.
• Experience operating as part of an executive leadership team and advising senior executives or boards.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and relationship management skills across diverse and often competing interests.
• People leadership experience, including leading teams through change and organisational transformation.
• Demonstrated financial management capability, including oversight of significant budgets and strategic resource allocation.
• Exceptional communication, influencing and negotiation skills.
• Experience working respectfully with First Nations communities and stakeholders will be highly regarded.
• The Rewards and Culture

This is a rare opportunity to join one of Australia's most respected advocacy organisations and shape the future direction of national campaigns on some of the country's most important environmental and climate issues.

You will work alongside an ambitious executive leadership team committed to driving strategic impact and building a collaborative, high-performing workplace.

The role offers flexibility on location (Sydney or Melbourne preferred), executive-level influence, and the opportunity to leave a legacy through your work.

To be eligible to apply, you must have unrestricted rights to work in Australia.

Talent Nation encourages applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and people of all cultures, abilities, sex, and genders.

Applicants can request a reasonable adjustment at any stage during the recruitment process, please contact us so we can provide adjustments for you.