Plastics Campaign Manager

Are you passionate about fighting plastic pollution and protecting Australia’s ocean wildlife? We’re seeking an experienced campaigner to lead our ocean plastics program. In this role you will work across policy development, communications and community engagement, working in alliance with a range of groups to secure evidence-based solutions. Make a difference as you work to stop ocean plastics at the source and safeguard our amazing oceans.

To lead AMCS ocean plastic pollution campaign and secure policies to stop pollution at the source.

As manager of AMCS’ ocean plastics program, this position oversees campaign strategy, while also undertaking media, advocacy and government relations. Managing a small team, you will work with AMCS staff, partner organisations, community members, stakeholders and government to deliver projects that raise awareness of issues relating to ocean plastics, and mobilise the community in support of evidence-based solutions.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

CAMPAIGN MANAGEMENT

• Provide leadership, strategic direction, coordination and management of AMCS’s ocean plastic pollution campaigns and programs.

• Manage a small team of staff, including developing and overseeing the delivery of campaign strategies and work plans for high-impact projects such as our Supermarket Plastics Audit.

• Collaborate with AMCS communications, campaigns, operations and fundraising staff to coordinate activities and staff tasks required to execute the campaign strategy.

• Develop and manage advocacy programs, supported by strong communications, to bring about the policy and behavioural change required to reduce the threat to wildlife posed by marine debris.

• Build relationships with other organisations and alliances working to reduce plastic pollution in Australia.

• Manage the campaign budget, ensuring reporting to and liaison with funding partners and granting bodies.

ADVOCACY AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

• Lead AMCS engagement in policy development on the issues of marine debris and plastic pollution, writing submissions and advocating the AMCS position to government and other bodies.

• Keep abreast of emerging marine debris issues and solutions, informing campaign priorities and keeping staff informed of key developments in the field.

• Commission research reports and short-term consultants, where appropriate, to identify and build the case for solutions to the threat of marine debris and plastic pollution.

• Engage and develop critical relationships with key stakeholders, such as researchers, waste management representatives, policy makers or community leaders, in order to strategically build the support required to bring about transformational change.

• Engage AMCS supporters in campaign work, building awareness of plastic pollution and impactful ways everyday ocean lovers can help deliver the solutions needed to save wildlife.

• Represent AMCS to its members, supporters, government, industry and the wider community as needed.

COMMUNICATIONS

• Generate media and act as spokesperson for AMCS’s ocean plastic pollution campaign, working with the AMCS communications team.

• Work with the communications team to develop communications strategies, working with internal staff and external agencies to develop communications material, commission polling or deliver other activities to engage and mobilise supporters to act on plastic pollution.

• Work with the communications team to deliver effective social media and advertising programs on plastic pollution.

OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES

• Proactively fundraise in support of the long-term sustainability of AMCS’s plastics campaign, working with the AMCS fundraising team.

• Ensure AMCS Board is briefed on key issues relevant to the ocean plastic pollution program and participate in Board Meetings when required.

• Participate in AMCS Senior Manger’s meetings, weekly AMCS staff meetings and AMCS planning meetings.

• As capacity allows and where necessary, provide limited input into or engagement with other marine conservation issues beyond the post holder’s core work areas.

WHAT YOU’LL NEED TO BE SUCCESSFUL IN THIS ROLE

ESSENTIAL SELECTION CRITERIA:

• At least three years experience in developing, implementing and leading campaigns for an advocacy organisation.

• Significant knowledge of, and experience in, work to reduce plastic pollution of the environment.

• Experience working with and engaging different stakeholders, including scientists, community organisations, NGOs, government and business.

• Experience in managing and mentoring staff.

• Experience in developing, planning and implementing work plans and projects within budget, including the ability to prioritise competing demands.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including media engagement.

• Commitment to protecting the marine environment and upholding AMCS’ values.

DESIRABLE SELECTION CRITERIA:

• Campaign experience with an environmental organisation.

• A degree in marine science, conservation, social science or similar.

• An understanding of federal politics, plastics and packaging legislation and policy, and/or global treaty processes.

• Knowledge and experience of fundraising, grant making and supporter engagement.

OTHER INFORMATION

• We would prefer the person in this to be based in Brisbane however applications from other locations will be considered.
• This role will be offered on a full-time basis, 38 hours per week (part-time arrangements may be considered for exceptional candidates).

WHY WORK WITH US

You’ll play an important role in protecting our oceans. You will be part of a committed group of passionate advocates who have defended Australia’s marine environment for almost 60 years. We care about our team and creating a supportive workplace.

What we offer:

• Superannuation contribution of 12%
• Genuine flexibility around work hours and location (where possible)
• Four weeks of annual leave (pro-rata), plus additional days over the holiday period
• 10 days of personal leave (pro-rata for part-time)
• Additional paid parental leave (subject to eligibility conditions)
• Flexibility with public holidays, as well as time off to support related conservation and community initiatives
• Opportunities and support for training and professional development
• Regular all-team meetings and annual in-person team retreat
• Access to our Employee Assistance Program

APPLY NOW

If this role sounds like you we encourage you to apply as soon as possible. Applications may be assessed as they’re received. 

Please see attached for a full position description and further details on the role here. For more information on our work and our people please visit our website.

PLEASE NOTE

• Applicants must have the right to work in Australia. That is, you must be an Australian citizen or permanent resident or a New Zealand citizen, or hold a valid visa with permission to work on an ongoing basis.
• Applications must include a cover letter addressing the selection criteria, or it may not be included for further review.

AMCS is a strictly non-partisan and an equal opportunities employer. We strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with a disability, LGBTIQ+ people, and people from culturally and linguistically diverse communities.

Applicants must have the right to work in Australia. That is, you must be an Australian citizen or permanent resident or a New Zealand citizen, or hold a valid visa with permission to work on an ongoing basis.

A POSITION DESCRIPTION IS ATTACHED.