Australian Marine Conservation Society

The Australian Marine Conservation Society (AMCS) is Australia’s peak, national marine conservation organisation. We are considered experts in this field by government and our peers and we have a reputation for delivering conservation outcomes beyond what our resource base would suggest.

For over 40 years, the Australian Marine Conservation Society has worked to protect Australia’s coasts and ocean environments. Our members, Sea Guardian and Ocean Activist supporters are at the heart of our strength and influence, and along with our staff base, have grown at an incredible 30 per cent per annum, on average, in recent years.

The Australian Marine Conservation Society (AMCS) is seeking a new Director; an energetic and passionate individual to lead our innovative and committed team, to champion marine conservation and be a spokesperson for our precious wildlife.

 

Scope
The Director:
•    Manages the Australian Marine Conservation Society – its direction, staff, campaigns and projects;
•    Operates within the guidelines and directions of the AMCS Board and the AMCS Constitution;
•    Represents AMCS to its members, supporters, government, industry and the wider community; and
•    Works under limited direction and is accountable to the Board.
Reporting
The Director:
•    Reports to the Board on a monthly basis, or at other times as required by the Board;
•    Reports to the general membership at Annual General Meetings and special meetings of the Society and through the “Turning the Tide” magazine AMCS Annual Report and other publications as required; and
•    Directs the work of all staff either directly or indirectly.
Key Responsibilities
1.    Leadership and Management
The Director:
•    Leads the overall strategic direction of the organisation, its campaigns and projects, fundraising and sponsorship;
•    Oversees the General Manager to ensure human resource management including contracts, performance reviews, internal and external communications, training and staff recruitment are managed in an effective manner;
•    Works with the General Manager to ensure AMCS annual budgets, monthly financial reports and annual reports are prepared and delivered;
•    Develops and implements the organisation’s strategic plan consistent with the objectives of the Society as set out in the Constitution;
•    Maintains an appropriate balance between internal development and external roles;
•    Maintains a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of AMCS policies and procedures;
•    Performs a key leadership role within the environmental sector by maintaining and enhancing liaison with groups and organisations concerned with sustainability and environmental issues; and,
•    Ensures that organisational performance is monitored and reported against strategic and operational plans.

2.     Communications
The Director:
•    Ensures effective communication and participation with relevant groups or organisations concerned with the marine environment, at regional, national and (when relevant) international levels;
•    Maximises media opportunities to promote current campaigns or new policies;
•    Acts as a spokesperson for AMCS in the full range of public fora;
•    Initiates and facilitates new projects and campaigns, in partnership with other environmental groups where appropriate; and
•    Maintains and builds strategic liaisons with government agencies and industry.

3.     Marketing and Fundraising
The Director:
•    Works with the Fundraising and Marketing Manager to ensure AMCS fundraising targets and goals are achieved on time;
•    Works with campaign staff and fundraising staff to develop relationships with key philanthropic institutions in Australia and overseas;
•    Oversees fundraising and sponsorship planning and activities, ensuring they are closely linked with campaign activities;
•    Oversees grant applications, project delivery and reporting;
•    Ensures that external communications are of a high quality and delivered on time including annual reports, Turning the Tide, Action alerts, media releases, campaign products and e-communications; and,
•    Ensures that AMCS’s supporter database is managed and utilised appropriately.

SELECTION CRITERIA

1.    Leadership and Management

Strong leadership qualities and strategic thinking, workforce planning and demonstrated staff management experience including a strong commitment to team approaches, to task achievement and to problem solving;

Experience with developing and implementing strategic plans and staff work plans;

Experience in, or in depth understanding of the not-for-profit sector in Australia including the political, financial and social challenges it faces; and,

Commitment to AMCS purpose and values.

2.    Conservation Sector and Campaign Planning

Experience in all aspects of conservation advocacy including organizing campaign teams, involving supporters, shaping and negotiating outcomes with colleagues, politicians and other stakeholders;

At least 5 years experience of working with, and understanding of, the conservation sector;

Experience in designing and delivering conservation campaigns within a socio-political context; and,

Strong conservation policy background, preferably in the marine sphere.

3.    Communication

High level interpersonal communication skills, presentation skills, public speaking and team facilitation skills

Experience with group dynamics and conflict resolution practices and procedures;

Experience in representing conservation issues in the media including an ability to clearly and concisely deliver clear campaign messages in difficult media situations, generate media and develop and maintain relationships with the media; and,

Excellent written, verbal communication and interpersonal skills.

Experience in or understanding of the importance of developing and maintaining campaign messages in delivering a successful campaign.

4.    Finances and Fundraising

Experience in or understanding of fundraising and the philanthropic sector within the non-profit sector;

Understanding of marketing and fundraising techniques;

Experience in, or understanding of how to integrate campaigns with marketing and fundraising strategies; and,

Experience in budgeting and financial systems. 

Salary

$69,000 - $78,000

Contact Details

Please submit your application, including a letter of application, resumé and supporting statement addressing the selection criteria, to

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