Executive Director

The role of the Director is an opportunity for a passionate, strategic thinker to have a significant impact in the future long-term management of Australia’s landscapes. The role is to enhance the Wentworth Group’s position among Australia’s leading voices for natural resource science in linking science to public policy, and add to it an enhanced capacity to engage more directly with the community.

The purpose of the position is to: 

• Identify strategic opportunities to achieve the Group’s goals, and enhance the Wentworth Group’s position among Australia’s leading voices for natural resource science.
• Foster collaboration with Wentworth Group members and associates including the development of improved models of collaboration and community engagement.
• Lead the delivery and evaluation of programs including water reform and landscape conservation.
• Oversee a range of administrative functions, including financial management, continuous development of strategic, operational and financial plans.
• Develop strategies to engage change makers in government, business and civil society.
• Develop diverse funding streams to secure the long term sustainability of the organisation.
• Manage and develop a small and dynamic secretariat.

SELECTION CRITERIA: 

The successful candidate must demonstrate a substantial standing in a field of natural resource, biophysical or social science; must be a passionate and effective communicator with experience in public policy; and must have a respected reputation as a strategic thinker.

The successful candidate must be an excellent communicator, and be able to demonstrate a high level of competency in synthesising complex scientific, economic and social information. They must also have a demonstrated history of building strong and trusting relationships with people, including people living in regional Australia.

SPECIFIC CRITERIA 

Applicants must have:

• Tertiary qualifications in a relevant discipline.
• Substantial standing in a field of natural resource biophysical or social science policy.
• Extensive experience working in public policy across a range of natural resource management sectors, including industry, government and/or local communities within Australia.
• Competence in adapting scientific knowledge to the practical application in public policy.
• Experience in building and maintaining relationships including with regional communities and high-level decision-makers in business and government.
• An understanding of the role of public communication (including traditional and social media) in the context of advancing public policy in Australia today.
• Experience in working autonomously and collaboratively and be self-driven and highly motivated.
• Project and time management skills with the ability to prioritise a wide range of potentially conflicting demands in a loosely-defined rapidly evolving context.
• Demonstrated ability to build a sustainable funding base in the not for profit sector.
• Well-developed communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Ability to travel domestically often at short notice.

Applicants must have the legal right to work in Australia. Applicants must address all the selection criteria in their application.

The position is located at the Wentworth Group offices in Sydney and reports to the board of directors.

REMUNERATION: 

Salary package commensurate with the qualifications and skills of the successful candidate within the range $150,000-$200,000.