Senior Program Manager

Senior Program Manager - Traditional Owner Program / Nature-Based Economy Are you purpose driven and wanting to make a difference? Do you love working with smart and passionate people who are dedicated to creating impact for Australia’s most recognisable natural wonder? Do you long to work in a flexible and supportive workplace? We have the role for you At the Great Barrier Reef Foundation, we think big. We know the threats to coral reefs are too complex for one person or one solution to solve. That’s why we built a collaborative organisation to raise funds, invest in innovative ideas and design real-world, scalable conservation programs. We work in close partnership with communities, scientists, businesses and governments to do our work, in Australia and in the Pacific. Our mission is to inspire action and wonder for coral reefs. We collaborate with more than 600 dedicated partners on conservation projects in Australia and the Pacific. Our work is broad, but falls under our two overarching pillars: coral reef restoration, and island and coastal restoration. This is the critical decade for the world’s reefs. We cannot achieve our mission alone. You could be the right fit for our team. ABOUT THE ROLE The Traditional Owner Partnerships Senior Program Manager will provide cultural and project expertise to this Portfolio, supporting Program Directors in executing strategic objectives and ensuring effective project delivery. The Senior Program Manager (Nature-Based Economy (NBE)) will co-ordinate the implementation, and performance of the Nature-Based Economy Program under GBRF’s 2030 Strategy. This senior role will contribute to the program design, delivery, monitoring, and reporting, ensuring the program achieves its strategic objectives and delivers meaningful outcomes with and for Traditional Owners of the Great Barrier Reef and its catchments. This position will provide high-level program management, team coordination, and strategic oversight across multiple areas ensuring alignment with GBRF’s broader Reef resilience and partnership goals. The role will also drive strong governance, data management, and reporting systems to track progress, measure impact, and inform decision-making. The Senior Program Manager will work closely with the Director – Traditional Owner Program, the Traditional Owner Advisory Committee, delivery partners, and internal teams to ensure effective collaboration, accountability, and delivery of results. This role is crucial for developing and maintain strong relationships with Traditional Owners of the Great Barrier Reef and its catchments, coordinating program activities, maintaining relationships with program delivery partners, managing resources, and ensuring compliance with established processes and policies. The Senior Program Manager will also assist in risk management, reporting and contributing to the subprogram’s overall success. BENEFITS Flexible working arrangements Additional leave offered over the Christmas break Cultural, Religious and Ceremonial leave Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Opportunities to visit the Reef and volunteer within our programs Option to purchase additional leave Tailored induction program Salary Packaging (Please note, the Foundation is an environmental charity and as such employees are not exempt from FBT for salary packaging for some expenses, therefore the staff member will be required to pay the FBT on the relevant expenses they chose to package) THE SUCCESSFUL APPLICANT WILL HAVE: Demonstrated deep knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, cultures, governance systems, and contemporary decision-making processes. Experience working with Traditional Owners including understanding the diverse circumstances, priorities, and aspirations across the regions of Australia. Extensive experience (typically 5+ years) leading complex, multi-stakeholder programs or projects, preferably delivering Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander-led initiatives or within conservation, environmental management, or international development sectors. Proven ability to manage projects end-to-end, including planning, resourcing, budgeting, scheduling, and monitoring for high-quality outcomes. Tertiary qualification or equivalent experience in a relevant field such as environmental or marine science, conservation, community and economic development, social enterprise, or social sciences Strong analytical and creative problem-solving skills, with the ability to anticipate challenges, propose solutions, and apply practical approaches to ensure program success. Ability to align program activities with broader organisational strategy and goals. Proven experience preparing high-quality reports, briefings, and presentations for internal leadership, boards, funders, and external stakeholders. Ability to translate complex program information into clear, actionable insights for diverse audiences, and maintain robust program records and data systems. Exceptional verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills. Demonstrated ability to engage effectively with Traditional Owners, governance groups, stakeholders, partners, and internal teams. Skilled in facilitating culturally appropriate co-design, workshops, meetings, and collaborative decision-making processes. Experience in developing or supporting Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) frameworks for program evaluation and learning. Ability to use data and stakeholder insights to inform continuous improvement and evidence-based decision-making. Knowledge of governance frameworks, risk management practices, and compliance requirements for multi-partner programs. Ability to apply governance structures that ensure transparency, accountability, and ethical delivery of projects. Demonstrated experience leading, mentoring, and coordinating teams. Ability to foster a high-performing, collaborative, and culturally safe work environment, supporting professional development and knowledge sharing. Ability to excel in a dynamic, fast-paced environment with shifting responsibilities and priorities. JOB LOCATION Brisbane. Cairns or Townsville considered for the right applicant. OTHER INFORMATION Permanent Full-time role Flexible work arrangements are available Salary range is $120,000 - $130,000 plus superannuation Job Ad will close on 3 January 2026 RECONCILIATION First Nations people are strongly encouraged to apply. The release of the Great Barrier Reef Foundation’s first Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) is a proud moment in our organisation’s 20-year history. We see this achievement as an honour, a responsibility, and an opportunity. Take a look at our RAP plan here: #J-18808-Ljbffr