Director of Campaigns - Flexible Location

• Lead ACF’s national campaigns and secure lasting systemic change for nature and climate
• Permanent, full-time position with a salary circa $200,000 per annum plus 12.5% superannuation and exceptional employee benefits
• Located in Melbourne (Wurundjeri Country), Sydney (Gadigal Country), Brisbane (Turrbal and Yuggera Country) or Canberra (Ngunawal Country) with flexibility to work from the office and from home

Who is the ACF?

For over 60 years, the Australian Conservation Foundation has been Australia’s most respected voice for nature and climate. We are the national environment organisation committed to protecting our unique and beautiful wildlife and natural world.

ACF is inclusive, non-partisan, and proudly funded by the Australian community. Whether it’s advocating for the Great Barrier Reef, koalas snoozing in big old trees, or strong climate action, our dedicated community of more than half a million people are working to create a world where forests, rivers, people, and wildlife thrive.

Right now, Australia is at a turning point. The decisions governments and corporations make this decade will shape the future of our climate, our wildlife, and the places we love for generations to come. At ACF, we see this moment as an opportunity to build a future that is safer, fairer and better for both people and nature.

That future won't happen on its own. It takes passionate people, ambitious ideas and a powerful movement to get government and big corporations to act. At ACF, we bring together people from all walks of life who share a belief that collective action can create lasting change and that a healthy environment is fundamental to a good life.

This is an exciting time to join our team. If you're looking for meaningful work, a purpose-driven organisation, and the chance to contribute to something bigger than yourself, you'll find it at ACF. Together, we're building a future where people and nature thrive.

What’s the gig?

This is one of the most significant campaign leadership moments in the Australian environment movement.

For the first time in over a decade, ACF is seeking a new Director of Campaigns. This is a rare opportunity to step into a highly influential executive leadership role and help shape the next chapter of Australia's most respected environmental organisation.

As Director of Campaigns, you'll lead ACF's Campaigns Directorate and play a pivotal role in shaping the organisation's strategy, public voice and impact. Reporting directly to the CEO and serving as a member of the Executive Team, you'll be responsible for ensuring ACF delivers bold, evidence-based campaigns that create meaningful change for nature and climate.

You'll lead a diverse and high-performing team spanning climate, forests, food systems, First Nations engagement, corporate advocacy and environmental investigations. Together, you'll develop and deliver integrated campaign strategies that influence governments, businesses and institutions while helping shape the national conversation on some of Australia's most important environmental issues.

Working closely with colleagues across Movement Building, Political Advocacy, Engagement and Fundraising, you'll ensure ACF's campaigns are strategically aligned, powered by strong public support and positioned to deliver long-term systemic change. You'll also represent ACF in media, public and stakeholder forums, building alliances and partnerships that strengthen the movement for nature and climate.

This role would suit an exceptional campaign strategist and leader who is energised by complexity, motivated by impact and excited by the opportunity to lead the campaigns that shape Australia's environmental future.

About you!

You're an experienced campaign leader with a track record of delivering ambitious, high-impact advocacy or campaigning programs that influence decision-makers and create lasting change. You're equally comfortable setting long-term strategy and navigating the day-to-day complexities of delivering campaigns in fast-moving political and public environments.

You bring strong analytical and advocacy capabilities, with experience using research, evidence and strategy to shape public debate and influence governments, corporations or other powerful institutions. You understand how change happens and can translate complex issues into compelling campaign strategies with a clear pathway from problem to solution.

As a senior leader, you've built and led high-performing teams and created cultures where people are supported to collaborate, innovate and grow. You know how to bring together diverse expertise, manage competing priorities and lead through complexity and change while maintaining a strong focus on impact and outcomes.

You are also a skilled relationship builder and communicator. Whether engaging with movement allies, business leaders, community organisations, government stakeholders, boards or the media, you're able to build credibility, develop strategic partnerships and represent an organisation with confidence and influence.

Most importantly, you're passionate about protecting nature and tackling the climate crisis. You share ACF's values and are motivated by the opportunity to help shape Australia's environmental future through bold, evidence-based and people-powered campaigns.

Why work with us?

At ACF, you'll have the opportunity to do career-defining work with one of Australia's most influential environmental organisations. You'll be part of a talented, values-led team committed to creating lasting change for nature and climate, while working in a culture that is ambitious, collaborative, supportive and genuinely enjoyable.

We're proud to offer a flexible and people-focused workplace, including:

• A hybrid working model that combines flexibility with connection. Staff are expected to spend 40% of their working time in the office to support collaboration, learning and team culture
• Four weeks of annual leave, plus additional paid leave over the end-of-year shutdown period
• Thirty days of personal leave per year (pro rata), available from your first day
• One paid "Recharge Day" each quarter to rest, reset and do something that fills your cup
• 12.5% superannuation
• Access to 6.5 weeks of Long Service Leave after five years of continuous service
• 26 weeks paid parental leave for all parents, regardless of who is the birth parent, after 12 months of service
• Tailored professional development opportunities to support your growth and career aspirations
• Regular team retreats to connect, learn and plan together
• Access to our Employee Assistance Program and wellbeing support

People are at the heart of everything we do. To deliver the bold change we seek, we need a movement and organisation that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve. We believe that when people with different backgrounds, experiences and perspectives come together, we make better decisions, build stronger campaigns and create greater impact.

ACF is committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants. We actively encourage First Nations people, people from CALD backgrounds, LGBTIQA+ people, people with disability and others who have diverse experiences of our world to apply for this opportunity.

Apply now!

View the full position description attached below.

To submit your application, please click ‘Apply Now’ by the closing date.

Applications should include a cover letter introducing yourself and a resume outlining your skills, experience, and suitability for the role, addressed to Adam Bandt, CEO.

Want to have a chat before you click send? If you would like to discuss this opportunity, working at ACF, or the recruitment process and alternative ways to participate that meet your needs, please contact our Head of Employee Experience, Kaz Kershaw, on 0422 657 242.

We can’t wait to hear from you!

Applicants must have the right to live and work in Australia to be considered for this job.

As part of ACF’s recruitment process, a criminal background check will be conducted.

We request no agency contact please.

A position description is attached.