The organisation
As Australia’s only national bird conservation charity, we are on a mission to put birds and nature on
the path to recovery within a decade, leading and facilitating action that halts biodiversity loss and
restores ecosystems. We can only achieve this with the help and support afforded to us by our diverse
stakeholders including supporters, campaigners, donors, members and like-minded conservation
organisations
BirdLife Australia takes a science and evidence-based approach to bird conservation. Where strong
conservation plans are in place and well-resourced the evidence tells us that threatened species can
be brought back from the brink of extinction. With a 100-plus year history and Australia’s strongest
and longest-lived collection of data and surveys, BirdLife Australia brings a wealth of observation
and experience to the protection of native birds.
BirdLife Australia is a diverse organisation with more than 330,000 supporters, donors, volunteers,
campaigners and members, over 130 staff across Australia, and a network of more than 40 voluntary
community groups.
BirdLife Australia is truly local to global, with a network of more than 40 voluntary community
groups on the ground in Australia and is the Australian member of the BirdLife International
partnership, the world’s largest partnership for conservation.
Our growing network of people generously give their time, expertise, voice and financial support,
standing together with us to help protect Australia’s unique birdlife.
A significant part of BirdLife Australia’s work is done by volunteers acting either alone, in organised
groups or serving on Committees. It is important that all staff understand and appreciate the
contribution made by volunteers, and are also mindful of their varying skills, interests and
motivations.
BirdLife Australia acknowledges the important role First Nations People throughout Australia have
played, and continue to play, caring for Country. We acknowledge their continuing connection to
land, sea and community and pay respect to Traditional Owners and their cultures, and to their Elders
both past and present. BirdLife Australia endeavours to facilitate the further engagement of
Indigenous Australians in the research and conservation of our native birds.
The Role
The Manager Participation plays an integral role in helping BirdLife Australia achieve its strategic
goal of improving the conservation status of threatened birds.
Manager Participation (Acting)
Save Birds. Save Life. birdlife.org.au
Reporting to the Senior Manager Participation, the Manager Participation will work across the
organisation to support, nurture and empower volunteers, engage new members of the public and
ensure easy, equitable, diverse and meaningful participation in BirdLife Australia’s work.
Position title
Manager Participation
Position objective
To lead implementation of BirdLife Australia Participation Strategy, which will create the
conditions for anyone who wants to protect birds and their habitats to be able to take part in
BirdLife Australia’s conservation programs, projects and other activities aligned with our new Bird
Conservation Strategy.
Status
This is a part-time (0.8 FTE) position on a maximum term contract for two years.
Staff reporting
The Volunteer Services Coordinator, Volunteer Services Officer (NSW Southern) and WA Office
Manager reports to this role.
Remuneration / Job Level
Part-time Salary at a Level 4 (based on published Level / Grade Remuneration Scales)
Location
The location of this position is flexible.
Reporting
This position reports to the Senior Manager Participation
Key relationships
Internal: Senior Manager Participation, Executive Director Participation & Engagement,
Executive Director Conservation & Science, Executive Director Finance & Business Improvement
and their teams, and the BirdLife Australia volunteer Network, Branch and Special Interest Group
office bearers, other BirdLife volunteer groups, champions and members.
External: Conservation and other relevant organisation volunteers and volunteer managers or
Network leaders.
Travel requirements
Some travel within Australia may be required.
Duties
• Support the implementation of BirdLife Australia’s Participation Strategy to organise and
support Branch and Networks, volunteers and activists across Australia to deliver our bird
conservation goals.
• Work with Conservation Program Leaders and Strategy and Governance to support volunteer
safety and compliance.
• Work within the Participation and Engagement Team to develop and implement effective
engagement journeys to deepen volunteer relationships with BirdLife Australia.
• Work with BirdLife Volunteer Network Branches to align activities with BirdLife Australia’s
national Bird Conservation Strategy.
• Develop volunteer policy, induction and training documents and procedures and ensure they
are consistently applied across the organisation.
• Work with BirdLife Volunteer Network Branches to update and implement effective governance
structures.
• Work with Communications and Engagement Managers to develop and promote an effective
and consistent Story of Us across BirdLife Activities.
• Work with Conservation and Science Managers to identify, empower and support volunteer
champions to lead conservation and advocacy activities on the ground.
Selection Criteria
Essential
• Demonstrated experience of actively supporting organisations to grow their community
footprint, preferably in a member-based, not-for-profit organisation.
• Experience of volunteer management including recruitment, governance, and conflict resolution
• Demonstrated ability to develop and implement engagement journeys.
• Experience managing staff.
• Ability to liaise and negotiate with a diverse range of stakeholders.
• Excellent communication skills including the ability to build rapport between staff and
volunteers.
• Excellent time management and coordination skills, and an ability to work with minimum
supervision remaining outcome and priority focused.
Desirable
• Experience working with Salesforce or other CRM / relationship management databases /
platforms.
• Experience in developing and delivering change management strategies in a volunteering
context.
• Experience in grant administration.
Workstyle, attributes, and attitudes
• A team player
• Adaptable and willing to embrace innovation and change
• Works positively, effectively and sensitively with a wide range of people
• Models BirdLife Australia’s values and behaviours
• Takes responsibility
• Outcome oriented
• Reliable and responsive
• An open and transparent communicator
• Adaptable working style
Applications close at midnight, Friday,23rd of May.
Your application must include a cover letter, a statement briefly addressing the selection criteria and your current resume.
BirdLife Australia is an equal opportunity employer. Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander peoples, people from culturally diverse backgrounds and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
Living our Values
• Promote and role model appropriate behaviours that support BirdLife Australia’s culture and
values
• Actively demonstrate organisational values
Passion
Excellence
Leadership
Collaboration
Integrity
Impact
OH&S statement
Employees and potential employees should be aware that the requirements of the position include,
but are not limited to:
• Limited attendance at evening or weekend meetings
• Possible driving for extended periods and interstate travel
• Long periods of sedentary desk and computer duties and telephone use
• Possible lifting and moving of heavy equipment and objects
• Overnight and weekend work in the field and at conference
