Biodiversity Policy

Flexible locations - though will be required to travel often to Canberra. Two-year contract. The Wilderness Society is seeking a highly skilled and strategic Biodiversity Policy & Campaign Manager to lead our federal biodiversity policy and advocacy work. This senior role sits at the heart of our continental campaigns to protect, restore and promote Australia’s irreplaceable nature and wilderness. This is a rare opportunity to shape environmental policy and action at a federal level, lead strategic campaigns, and work in deep collaboration with community leaders, environmental alliances, and political decision‑makers. About the role As a Biodiversity Policy & Campaign Manager, you will: Lead federal biodiversity engagement and drive the delivery of the continental biodiversity campaigns under our Organisational Campaign Plan (OCP). Represent the Wilderness Society in government, parliamentary and departmental interactions. And act as our primary liaison to relevant alliances. Develop, analyse and communicate high-impact policy solutions that improve environmental law, biodiversity outcomes and conservation practice nationally. Lead strategic interventions, including major continental-scale campaigns such as Community Rights in Environmental Decision-Making and supporting our social research program. Collaborate with campaigners, organisers, communications and fundraising teams to build strategic power, mobilise communities, and amplify public influence. Provide leadership and guidance to staff, supporters, and community teams, fostering collaborative, empowering and values-aligned culture. This role requires frequent travel to Canberra and other locations for strategic meetings with MPs, government departments, conservation partners, and industry stakeholders. About you You are an experienced campaigner with a deep understanding of Australian political systems, environmental issues and the power for people-driven change. You bring: 5+ year's experience in campaigns, advocacy, policy or political strategy. Demonstrated experience influencing government, industry and non-government stakeholders. High-level media and public communications expertise. Strong strategic thinking, collaboration and problem-solving skills. The ability to lead complex campaigns, negotiate diverse interests and bring people along with you. A commitment to the Wilderness Society’s values; protecting nature, acting with integrity, empowering people, and working with compassion. Ability to travel frequently and work flexibly in fast-changing policy environments. An ethic of collaboration and mutual support and respect for colleagues. Desirable: tertiary qualifications in law, policy, science or economics; fundraising experience; familiarly with Australian environmental law and the NGO sector. Why join us? At the Wilderness Society, you’ll be part of a passionate, independent, and purpose-driven organisation with a long history of environmental wins. We offer: Five weeks of annual leave per year (pro rata). Genuine flexibility in working hours and location, with support for office and/or remote working. 15 days personal leave. 3 additional leave days at end of year. Floating public holidays. Generous paid parental leave (subject to eligibility conditions). Commitment to supporting your professional development. Access to Long Service Leave after five years of continuous service. Access to our Employee Assistance Program (free counselling service). The Wilderness Society is about embracing everyone. From building a culture where you can bring your best self to work, to deploying initiatives that support the different needs of our staff, we are proud to be part of building an inclusive world for all. If you identify as a First Nations person, a woman, LGBTQIA+, neurodivergent, a person with a disability, a person of colour, or if you are from a culturally and linguistically diverse background, we strongly encourage you to apply. All qualified applicants will be considered regardless of race, colour, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, age, or veteran status. We're committed to reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process for applicants with disabilities; please let us know if you require any. #J-18808-Ljbffr