Bush Heritage Australia are seeking an Executive Manager Government Engagement to lead the development and implementation of government engagement strategies to achieve conservation success.

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.
• Hiring across Melbourne, Australia-wide, Canberra 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

The Executive Manager, Government Engagement at BHA will lead the development and implementation of government engagement strategies to achieve conservation success. This role is pivotal in establishing and nurturing relationships with government agencies, policymakers, and other stakeholders to advance BHA’s mission. The incumbent will work closely with internal teams, including Engagement, Conservation, Science, and Regional Management, to identify opportunities to secure funding, enhance protection across our reserves and policy support that progresses the Healthy Country Protected Forever agenda.

Key responsibilities include developing strategies that position BHA for maximum impact within a government context (including positioning BHA for incoming impact areas such as the nature repair market), with an eye to help our organisation deepen and double our impact by 2030. The role will work across internal departments and the conservation sector more broadly, supporting and forming alliances through partnerships that build the case for (and secure) ambitious land acquisition and management funding targets, working to advance policy positions, and ensuring BHA is represented across key governmental and industry forums.

The Executive Manager, Government Engagement, as a member of the Senior Leadership team (SLT), will work closely with teams across our reserves, Aboriginal partnerships and regenerative agriculture and nature repair to identify pathways towards impact that can be accelerated or amplified as a result of government engagement, ensuring alignment with BHA’s strategic goals and conservation priorities. This role requires strong leadership, excellent communication skills, and the ability to influence and negotiate to achieve positive conservation outcomes.

In addition, the Executive Manager, Government Engagement, as be a key member of BHA’s SLT, will contribute to organisational culture, strategy and decision-making processes. They will be responsible for monitoring and analysing relevant policy and regulatory developments, providing strategic advice to senior management and the Board, and ensuring that BHA is a leading voice in nature positive leadership and private landscape protection across government engagement.

A full position description is attached below. 

What you'll need to succeed

Education:

• A degree in environmental science, conservation biology, natural resource management, public policy, or a related field. A postgraduate qualification is highly desirable.

Experience:

• A minimum of 5-7 years of experience in conservation, environmental management, or a related field.
• Proven experience in government engagement and policy advocacy, particularly in the context of environmental and conservation issues.
• Demonstrated experience in project management, including planning, budgeting, execution, and reporting.
• Experience in securing funding and managing partnerships with government agencies, NGOs, and other stakeholders.
• Strong understanding of environmental policies, regulations, and conservation strategies in Australia.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and negotiate with a diverse range of stakeholders.

Skills:

• Strong leadership and team management skills, with experience in leading multidisciplinary project teams.
• High level of strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities.
• Strong analytical skills, with the ability to monitor and interpret policy developments and provide strategic advice.
• Excellent writing and presentation skills, with experience in preparing policy briefs, submissions, and advocacy materials.

Personal attributes:

• Passion for conservation and a strong commitment to BHA’s mission and values.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team, with a proactive and collaborative approach.
• Flexibility and adaptability to manage changing priorities and complex challenges.
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to travel as required, including to remote location

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, click Apply Now and simply fill in your personal details and answer the questions.

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 Government Engagement enquiry via EthicalJobs.

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!