Victorian Community Organiser

About the Wilderness Society

The Wilderness Society exists to protect, promote and restore wilderness and nature across Australia. We believe in the power of people to make change, and our independence and integrity are central to who we are. We work alongside communities, supporters and allies to achieve environmental protection and a thriving natural world for future generations.

About the Role

We’re looking for a passionate and skilled Community Organiser to join our team in Naarm/Melbourne.

In this role, you’ll coordinate and mobilise volunteers across Victoria, develop and train community leaders, and help build grassroots power to deliver inspiring campaigns. You’ll work on some of the most critical environmental issues of our time, including:

• Deforestation
• Biodiversity and extinction
• Threatened species
• Nature laws
• Stopping new fossil fuels

You’ll report to the Victorian Campaign Manager, collaborate with other campaigners, organisers and other departments to deliver creative, strategic, and impactful community-driven campaigns.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver organising strategies, mobilisations, and volunteer programs in Victoria..
• Play a role in campaigns to protect forests and support the national organising strategy.
• Recruit, inspire, and retain volunteers while identifying and developing community leaders.
• Support, coach, and train volunteers and leaders.
• Build strong networks with community members, stakeholders, and partners.
• Communicate effectively through public speaking, written materials, and digital platforms.
• Use online tools and CRM systems (e.g., NationBuilder) to track and grow engagement.
• Monitor, evaluate, and report on organising activities.
• Contribute to a safe, inclusive, and respectful workplace by following TWS policies and WHS requirements.

About You

Essential:

• Alignment with the Wilderness Society values
• Experience in community organising or field campaigns
• Excellent networking and interpersonal skills
• Ability to identify and develop volunteer leaders
• Understanding of grassroots campaigning including strategy, supporter mobilisation and research and analysis
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines and work well under pressure
• Highly developed written and verbal communication skills, including public speaking
• Experience in facilitation and training, and in consensus decision-making

Desirable:

• An understanding of First Nations justice issues and willingness to gain further experience and skills in respectfully working in partnership with First Nations people
• Some experience working in or knowledge of the field conservation and the natural environment.
• Digital media and event management skills
• Experience working with databases or CRMs such as NationBuilder

Employee Benefits:

• Five weeks of annual leave per year
• 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.

A position description is attached.