• Shape ALEC's future by driving financial growth, operational excellence, and meaningful environmental advocacy.
• Enjoy a salary circa $110,000 (negotiable beyond for exceptional candidates) plus super, relocation support, five weeks of leave, and more!
• Transition to meaningful work with a passionate team in Alice Springs, surrounded by stunning desert landscapes.

Arid Lands Environment Centre - Defending Australia’s Iconic Desert Country

For over 40 years, the Arid Lands Environment Centre (ALEC) has been Central Australia’s peak environmental organisation, advocating for nature, sustainable living, and grassroots community action in the desert. ALEC’s initiatives inspire local action, empower people with knowledge to live sustainably and foster partnerships that build resilient desert communities.

As a defender of Australia’s iconic desert country and a voice for Traditional Owners and Indigenous communities, ALEC works tirelessly to promote strong environmental policies, innovative projects, and meaningful connections with government, private, and community stakeholders.

ALEC acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we work, their enduring connection to Country, and their wisdom and care for the land over countless generations.

About the Opportunity

Arid Lands Environment Centre is seeking a proactive and passionate Business Manager to join our team in Alice Springs, NT. This role can be tailored to suit availability from 0.8 FTE to 1.0 FTE and offers an exciting opportunity for someone looking to transition from a corporate role into more meaningful work with a strong community focus.

In this hands-on role, you will report to the ALEC Board and lead the implementation of our Strategic Plan, ensuring financial growth, operational excellence, and alignment with ALEC’s mission. You will oversee daily operations, manage finances, drive fundraising and grant acquisition, and build a unified team of staff and volunteers dedicated to environmental advocacy.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Providing strategic leadership to achieve ALEC’s goals and objectives
• Developing and managing operational and financial plans, budgets, and reports
• Securing grants, donations, and philanthropic relationships to drive sustainable growth
• Building robust systems for IT, finance, HR, and operational efficiency
• Managing OHS policies to ensure compliance and a safe workplace for employees and volunteers
• Implementing risk management practices, including maintaining ALEC’s risk register
• Overseeing IT systems, ensuring data security and up-to-date processes

About You

To qualify, you will need demonstrated experience in successful business management and qualifications in Business Management, Accounting, Finance, Administration, or a related field across functions such as finance, IT, HR, operations, and WHS. A minimum of 3–5 years’ experience in a management role is essential.

Highly advantageous experience includes:

• Fundraising and preparation of successful grant submissions
• Financial management, including developing and monitoring budgets, managing cash flow, and producing financial reports
• Administering cloud-based IT systems, accounting software (e.g., Xero or MYOB), and CRM/databases
• Developing and implementing organisational strategies, policies, and procedures
• Recruiting, managing, and leading teams effectively

Additional valued skills and knowledge:

• Managing financial audits and reporting to the ACNC
• Understanding the legal obligations of charities and small employers
• Overseeing grant-funded projects, including reporting and acquittals
• Familiarity with Australia’s environmental sector and grassroots activism
• Awareness of Aboriginal history and the current context in Central Australia

As the ideal candidate, you will be passionate about ALEC’s mission, committed to building the organisation’s capacity, and eager to lead with initiative. This is very much a hands-on role. This role is ideal for someone eager to bring their expertise to a community-focused organisation and expand ALEC’s impact.

This is a highly impactful role for a skilled leader who is passionate about environmental advocacy and ready to drive meaningful change in Australia’s arid lands.

About the Benefits

This role offers a competitive salary package comprising a base salary of $110,000 FTE plus super. For an exceptional candidate, the salary is negotiable beyond this range, with the potential for performance-based increments and bonuses.

Additional benefits include:

• Relocation assistance is on offer for the right candidate
• Five weeks of annual leave to support work-life balance.
• Opportunities for professional growth and leadership development.
• A supportive and inclusive organisational culture that values diversity and collaboration
• Work with a passionate, mission-driven team dedicated to sustainability and environmental advocacy
• The chance to live and work in Mparntwe (Alice Springs), a culturally rich town surrounded by stunning desert landscapes.

Join us and make a difference in one of Australia’s most iconic desert communities!

Applications will be reviewed upon submission, and the campaign will close once a suitable candidate is appointed, so don’t wait—apply now to avoid missing out on this exciting opportunity!