About Us

At the Gum Tree Foundation, we’re dedicated to creating transformative change for people and planet. We are a philanthropic trust committed to regenerating nature, addressing the root causes of inequality and environmental destruction and progressing decolonisation.

We are focused on long-term outcomes and relationships. We know this involves being patient, thinking deeply, being flexible and taking necessary risks. We have large ambition but know we’re at the beginning of a journey with a long way to go. That’s why we invest in the development and capacity of our team to ensure ongoing learning and growth.

Trust and connection are central to everything we do. We build strong partnerships and provide flexible funding and support to First Nations, environmental and humanitarian organisations in Australia and internationally. Most of these organisations bring about change through on-the-ground action, education, collaboration and advocacy.

Please note: Our office is in Kangaroo Valley, NSW. We will consider hybrid working arrangements for candidates who can spend a minimum of 2 days a fortnight in the office.

What we can offer you

• Competitive compensation based on experience and qualifications between $95,000 - $115,000 per annum + 11.5% superannuation
• Hybrid working arrangements and flexible hours to support your lifestyle and wellbeing
• Opportunities for professional advancement, including workshops, mentorship and conferences
• A unique office environment on a regenerative farm with daily communal lunch made from local ethically sourced produce (when working on site)
• The option to participate in weekly virtual yoga classes

The Role

We have big ambitions for impact in the coming years, and we are looking for an Operations and Communications Manager to fill a critical role in our small but growing team. The successful candidate will oversee both internal processes and external communications, ensuring alignment with the foundation’s mission and goals.

The Operations and Communications Manager would develop and implement organisational and administrative processes and practices to enhance collaboration and communication for effective decision-making. They would shape and amplify our communications and ensure smooth day-to-day operations of the foundation. At times, they would also support projects and programs in our focus areas, often in collaboration with our partner organisations.

Key Responsibilities

• Establish and maintain effective organisational systems e.g., for stakeholder relationship management (CRM), donations, project management, budgeting, record-keeping and collaboration.
• Develop and constantly improve organisational processes, records and resources for efficiency and effectiveness.
• Manage donations processes including overseeing payment process and record-keeping.
• Support with day-to-day operational activities, including scheduling meetings and administration.
• Advance existing - and design new - ‘ways of working’ to ensure a high functioning and collaborative team environment.
• Support with the process, tracking, communication and reporting of donations to partner organisations.
• Create and implement a communications strategy to support our goals
• Develop and distribute external and internal communications materials eg. new website, board papers, funding proposals 
• Amplify the work of partner organisations, e.g., through advocacy, communications, events and references.
• Build and maintain relationships with advisors and external contractors.
• Deliver events, projects and programs that support our goals, often in collaboration with partner organisations.
• Coordinate meetings, workshops and events, ensuring all logistical and communication needs are met.
• Attend select partner events to represent the Gum Tree Foundation.

What We’re Seeking

We’re seeking a candidate who is deeply committed to social and environmental change, with strong collaboration, critical thinking and communication skills.

Essential experience, skills and attributes:

• 3+ years’ experience in a similar role, ideally in the not-for-profit sector
• A deep passion for the environment, social equity and justice
• Excellent written and verbal communications skills
• High proficiency with digital tools including Microsoft and Google systems
• Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills
• Good attention to detail and ability to juggle multiple priorities
• Ability to connect and build relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders
• High integrity, resilience, and commitment to ethical practices

• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a dynamic environment
• Excited by new approaches and out of the box ideas - happy to challenge the status quo

Desired experience, skills and attributes:

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field
• Experience developing communication materials including websites
• Experience managing a CRM
• Strong event and project management skills
• Experience working in remote teams and across varying locations
• Good understanding of at least one of the sectors we work in – First Nations self-determination and justice, environmental conservation and international development

Next steps

Please read the attached position description for more information and click Apply Now to submit your application.

We are committed to building an organisation that fosters belonging and justice, and know that we can’t achieve our mission without this. We strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, young people, people of colour, women, people with disability, people from LGBTIQA+ communities and people with lived experience of economic and racial injustice.

Please note: Applicants must have the right to work in Australia.