Bush Heritage Australia are seeking an Executive Manager Agricultural Partnerships and Natural Capital.

This is an exceptional opportunity to make a very real contribution to the protection of Australia’s unique wildlife and their habitat.

• Fantastic opportunity to work within a leading conservation organisation.
• Location is flexible (Melbourne preferred)
• Executive salary, plus super
• Full Time 1.0 FTE (Fixed Term - 4 years)

About us

For over 30 years we’ve supported and protected some of the most fragile ecosystems across the continent and seen the impact of our science-based approach. We keep our eyes on the horizon and focus firmly on long-term, landscape scale impact. As a national, not-for-profit, we want to continue to expand the areas we protect and deepen the impact we have. We work in partnership with Traditional Owners, listening to and learning from the customs and cultures that came before us.

Together we can heal and protect the bush, now and into the future.

About the role

Reporting to the CEO, the Executive Manager, Agricultural Partnerships & Natural Capital is accountable for fulfilling the key responsibilities and duties associated with this position. This role is pivotal in driving strategic initiatives that align with BHA’s 2030 Strategy, particularly focusing on BHA’s commitment to building and strengthening partnerships across the agricultural sector to assist the protection and management of ecologically valuable priority landscapes. The incumbent is expected to bring strong strategic leadership, innovation, commercial acumen and ambition to enhance the organisation’s impact and sustainability.

As a member of the Executive Team, this role contributes to development and implementation of organisational strategy, governance and business planning and provides strategic insights to the Board and relevant committees as well as key external stakeholders.

Download Position Description.

What you'll need to succeed

• Tertiary qualifications in a relevant field or equivalent work-related experience.
• Proven success in leadership roles with at least 5 years at an executive level, working with a diverse range of stakeholders and partners across corporate, agricultural, government and conservation sectors to deliver impact.
• Financially savvy and politically astute with the ability to set clear priorities, delegate and guide investment in people.
• A strong background and understanding of conservation and land management across multiple land tenures.
• Knowledge of the emerging, future needs and challenges of environmental conservation and land management - including the impacts of climate change and climate adaptation and restoration and mitigation.
• Proven track record in strategic development, continuous improvement, innovation and business.
• High level analytical, organisation and problem-solving skills which support and enable sound decision making and the successful management of operational budgets.
• Exceptional emotional intelligence, a persuasive communicator with strong representational skills, and evidence of building partnerships with a range of stakeholders internally and externally and has the flexibility of style to work effectively with diverse groups.
• Strong coalition building and negotiation skills to influence decision-makers and key stakeholders and ability to reconcile the competing interests of stakeholders.
• A natural and authentic leader with a sense of mission – innately inclusive, highly ethical, values aligned, empathetic, self-aware and assured in all environments.
• Curious and optimistic about the future – with the ability to constructively challenge the status quo and bring new ideas into the discussion and create the vision for innovation and improvement.
• Commitment to making and following through on tough decisions.

What sets us apart

• Great life-work balance: flexible work arrangements, home based opportunity or hybrid working options available if based in Melbourne.
• Access to 20 days personal leave per year, 10 of these available from commencement if employment. We also offer cultural leave and gender transition leave.
• Employee Resource Groups for women, LGBTQIA+, and neurodivergent employees as well as a social group for bird lovers.
• Professional development activities including access to LinkedIn Learning.
• Equitable 12 weeks paid leave to all parents, irrespective of their role as primary or secondary carers.
• Remote staff are supported through an education allowance for kids, additional annual leave and possible casual works arrangements for partners.
• Access to support and counselling via our Employee Assistance Program and free access to Headspace app.
• Brand new Melbourne office in Docklands with access to state-of-the-art end of trip facilities and a gym.

How to apply

To apply for this role, simply fill in your personal details and answer the questions below.

You will then be taken to a page to upload a copy of your CV. There is no need to attach a cover letter or separate document answering key selection criteria. Candidates who are interested in the position are encouraged to apply even though they may feel they are not strong on individual selection criteria.

In assessing merit, the panel will take into consideration “performance or achievement relative to opportunity”. We recognise that many staff today have a range of personal circumstances, and career histories.

If you require further information, please contact Michelle Jacobs (Executive Manager People, Safety and Culture) on [email protected], using the subject line: Executive Manager Agricultural Partnerships and Natural Capital enquiry via EthicalJobs.

A position description is attached.

Bush Heritage Australia does not discriminate based on race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or marital or parental status. Should you require a reasonable adjustment to be made for your application we would be more than happy to discuss how this could be arranged. Evidence shows that applicants from underrepresented backgrounds often don't apply for roles if they don't feel they meet all the requirements of the job – unlike candidates from majority backgrounds who might fulfil less requirements. We strongly encourage you to apply if you’re interested: we strive to build more diverse teams with your unique experience!