Executive Director Participation and Engagement

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.

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.

Position objective         

The Executive Director Participation & Engagement is a pivotal role responsible for delivering inspirational leadership to grow community participation and engagement in bird conservation impact including increased support through fundraising. This role will be the driving force behind BirdLife Australia’s participation strategy with responsibility for identifying fundraising opportunities, crafting compelling and successful advocacy campaigns, managing donor communications and volunteer involvement, membership growth, and public awareness about bird conservation.

What you need to know:

This is a full time position (1 FTE), offered on a max term 2 year contract. Salary is at ELT Level (based on Level / Grade Remuneration Scales).

 For further information please refer to the attached position description. Any questions can be directed people@birdlife.org.au. If you are unable to access the position description, please contact People & Safety on people@birdlife.org.au.

Applications close by 5pm, Friday, 6th November, 2026.

Your application must include a cover letter, a statement briefly addressing the selection criteria and your current resume.