About EDO
Environmental Defenders Office is the leading public interest environmental law centre in the Australia-Pasifik region, with a 40-year track record of using the law to protect nature, climate, culture and communities. With a multidisciplinary team located across Australia – and with partners in the Pasifik – EDO has been a cornerstone of public interest environmental law in the region and plays a key role in the development of Australia’s environmental and climate jurisprudence and law reform.
Every year, EDO delivers thousands of legal assistance services to communities facing environmental injustice and seeking to protect our shared environment. As a specialist CLC, EDO is the only public-interest legal centre that provides frontline legal services to the community with expertise in environmental and planning law.
The Opportunity
This is a rare opportunity to lead a globally significant, values-driven, organisation at the forefront of climate and environmental justice. As CEO, you will guide EDO’s next chapter – consolidating growth, deepening partnerships and advancing the law addressing escalating threats to nature, climate and cultural heritage. You’ll be working with an experienced and engaged Board and a high performing team with experts across Australia and partners in the Pasifik.
Summary of Role
The CEO provides strategic and cultural leadership, financial stewardship, and high-level external engagement. You’ll be responsible for delivery of EDO’s 2025–2030 strategy, building a strong and inclusive ‘One EDO’ culture, and securing diverse income to sustain and grow the organisation’s impact. A strong public presence and commitment to EDO’s mission are essential.
The full Job Specifications can be found here: https://www.edo.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/CEO-Job-Spec-2025-FD.pdf
What you will have
We are looking for a legally qualified, experienced leader, who ideally demonstrates some or all of the following:
– Alignment with EDO’s charitable purpose and public interest services.
– Knowledge / experience in EDO’s field of work
– CEO or Executive experience.
– Strong cultural competency (or a clear willingness to learn and grow in this area)
– Brings strong communication and fundraising capabilities
– Brings political Community Engagement experience
Application
For a confidential discussion, or to express interest in being considered for the role, please call Tony O’Leary at O’Leary Partners on 0413047778 or email tony@olearypartners.com.au.
The final date to express interest is 7 June 2025, however the recruitment is active and EOIs at the earliest opportunity are encouraged.
