ABOUT THE GBRF

Are you purpose driven and wanting to make a difference? Do you love working with smart and passionate people who are dedicated to creating impact for Australia’s most recognisable natural wonder? Do you long to work in a flexible and supportive workplace? We have the role for you!

At the Great Barrier Reef Foundation, we think big. We know the threats to coral reefs are too complex for one person or one solution to solve. That’s why we built a collaborative organisation to raise funds, invest in innovative ideas and design real-world, scalable conservation programs. We work in close partnership with communities, scientists, businesses and governments to do our work, in Australia and in the Pacific.

Our mission is to create a better future for coral reefs.

We collaborate with more than 500 dedicated partners on conservation projects in Australia and the Pacific. Our work is broad, but falls under our four overarching pillars:coral reef restoration, coastal habitat restoration, Pacific partnerships, and working with Traditional Owner communities. This is the critical decade for the world’s reefs. We cannot achieve our mission alone.

You could be the right fit for our team.

BENEFITS

• Flexible working arrangements
• Birthday Leave & recharge days
• Paid parental leave for permanent roles
• Additional leave offered over the Christmas break
• Flexible working arrangements
• Cultural, Religious and Ceremonial leave
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Opportunities to visit the reef and volunteer within our programs
• Option to purchase additional leave
• Tailored induction program
• Salary Packaging (Please note, the Foundation is an environmental charity and as such employees are not exempt from FBT for salary packaging for some expenses, therefore the staff member will be required to pay the FBT on the relevant expenses they chose to package)

ABOUT THE ROLE

The Great Barrier Reef Foundation is seeking an exceptional candidate to lead its newly launched Coral Reef Restoration program. This program is a world-first that aims to scale emerging tools and technology for coral reef restoration across the Great Barrier Reef and the Pacific. This is a very large-scale multi-country, multi-partner program with three core focus areas –restoration technology, locally-led on-ground delivery models and sustainable financing. If you are passionate about conservation, are skilled in navigating complex landscapes and are impact-driven then this role is for you.

The Coral Reef Restoration Lead will manage and oversee the Coral Reef Restoration program and will report to the Director of Coral Reef Restoration. This role is integral to ensuring the strategic alignment and operational success of this program, contributing directly to the overall impact of GBRF’s portfolio.

Key responsibilities include developing and implementing the program’s strategy, managing projects and contracts, overseeing budgets, and reporting progress to the Director. The Lead will also focus on building strong relationships with partners and stakeholders, including scientists, Traditional Owners, local communities, and donors. They will be responsible for supporting program governance, securing investments, and fostering collaboration within the team and across the organisation to strengthen integration across emerging themes across the GBRF Portfolio. Over time this role will have a number of direct reports focused on program management.

This role is essential in ensuring the program’s objectives are met and aligned with the organisational strategy, while maintaining a culture of operational excellence and innovation.

THE SUCCESSFUL APPLICANT WILL HAVE THE FOLLOWING SKILLS

• Experience: 7-10 years of experience managing programs or subprograms within sectors such as conservation, international development, or environmental management. Experience in the international coral reef context and international networks (particularly in the Pacific) is advantageous.
• Educational Background: Degree in a relevant field such as environmental science, social science, or conservation management. Expertise in marine science will be highly regarded.
• Project Leadership: Proven experience leading complex projects in highly complex operating environments, creative problem-solving and systems thinking as well as managing contracts and budgets and delivering measurable outcomes.
• Strategic Partnerships: Strong experience in developing and managing strategic partnerships with government agencies, NGOs, and other diverse stakeholders and rightsholders, such as scientists, Traditional Owners and communities
• Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to engage diverse audiences and present complex information clearly.
• Adaptability: Proven ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment, managing multiple priorities effectively.

OTHER INFORMATION ABOUT THE ROLE

• The role is based in a GBRF office (Brisbane, Townsville, Cairns)
• The role is permanent full-time
• Flexible work arrangements are available
• The annual salary range is $140,000 - $160,000 plus super (11.5%)

A position description is attached.