Chief Executive Officer

The Organisation

Beyond Zero Emissions (BZE) is a not-for-profit organisation building support to transition Australia to a zero emissions economy and drawdown of carbon from the atmosphere over the next decade. Our goals are consistent with emissions reductions required to avoid dangerous climate change in line with the most advanced climate science.

BZE undertakes rigorous research to demonstrate that such a transition not only necessary but achievable, affordable and will have many wider social and economic benefits benefits for Australia.

We use the research to build support for decisive action on climate change in the community, including policy makers, thought leaders and stakeholders. BZE is unique among organisations in Australia in advocating for actions consistent with the latest climate science across all sectors of the economy and basing our advocacy on rigorous original research.

Previous research has been highly influential. The BZE Stationary Energy Plan was published by the University of Melbourne and was launched by Malcolm Turnbull, Nick Xenophon and the QLD Premier Anna Bligh. It pioneered the now entrenched idea of 100% renewable energy in Australia and mobilised thousands of volunteer community presentations across the country. It also led directly to the Australian government modelling a 100% renewable energy scenario just two years after the plans release.

Since then BZE has released similar sector wide research on crucial sectors including land use, transport, energy exports and energy efficiency. We also initiated the Repower Port Augusta campaign.

Our unique volunteer led model has enabled BZE to harness the creative energy of hundreds of highly qualified volunteers and other professionals as well as ordinary community volunteers. We enable people from across the community to contribute their skills to the urgent challenge of creating a beyond zero emissions Australia.    

The Role

Beyond Zero Emissions is seeking a passionate and dynamic leader who understands the importance of our work the urgency of the climate crisis.

They must understand our model of using rigorous research to build support for change. They must also includes harnessing the energy of our volunteer base including for research, communications and building support throughout the community.

BZE’s science and engineering based narrative and image allows us to enjoy a uniquely apolitical position that crosses the partisan divide and the new CEO will understand the huge opportunity this presents.

Reporting to and with the support of the Board, the CEO will provide the inspiration, strategic vision, planning, and operational leadership needed to ensure Beyond Zero Emissions can deliver on its ambitious vision and mission.

The CEO will be responsible for giving strategic direction and creating a vision for success.

Ideally the CEO will have strong experience with creating influence and leveraging it for societal or political change.

Key Responsibilities

1       Progress towards our vision

The CEO will develop strategic plans that will ultimately lead to BZE having on a strong influence on climate solutions implementation in Australia. The CEO will develop an annual business plan and budget, submitted to the Board for approval.

2         Stakeholder engagement

Actively engage and energise volunteers, staff, board members, partnering organisations, policymakers and funders. The CEO will develop positive and effective relationships with stakeholders across all key groups.

3         Communications

The CEO will lead the development and implementation of a strategic communication plan to support the BZE vision and achievement of strategic goals, and development of a strong communication team.

4         Fundraising

The CEO will lead the development and implementation of a diverse and innovative fundraising strategy essential to support the work of BZE.

5         People Management and Leadership

The CEO will be responsible for providing staff, volunteers and stakeholders with the management and leadership they need to effectively do their jobs.

6         Operational management

The CEO ensures the development of and adherence to operating policies, systems and practices that meet acceptable standards and allow BZE to achieve its objectives while maintaining accountability to the members and funders.

Selection Criteria

The CEO will be thoroughly committed to and passionate about action on climate change and the mission of Beyond Zero Emissions.

Concrete demonstrable experience and skills include:

Essential

1.    Passion, idealism, integrity, a positive attitude, mission-driven, and self-directed.
2.  Strong understanding of Australian political dynamics and awareness of current events, particularly in the climate and energy space.  
3.    The ability to coach staff, work with volunteers and develop high-performance teams
4. Ability to set and achieve strategic objectives.
5.    Strong relationship skills with the ability to engage a wide range of stakeholders.
6.    Ability to build fundraising, communication and lobbying capacity.
7.    Energy, drive and focus to lead the change required both internally and externally.
8.    Strong written and verbal communication skills; a persuasive and passionate communicator with excellent interpersonal and multidisciplinary project skills
9. Ability to work collaboratively with a motivated and actively involved Board.

One or more of the following would be an asset, but not essential  

1.    Experience working within a research or policy based organisation.  
2.    Active engagement in campaigning with the environmental and/or climate change movement
3.    Interest/experience in or understanding of the technical fields of BZE’s Zero Carbon Australia research plans: renewable energy, buildings, land use, transport or industrial processes

Remuneration and Location

A remuneration package will reflect standard NGO rates with room for negotiation with the successful candidate.

The position is based at the Beyond Zero Emissions head office in Kindness House, 288 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy, Melbourne. Some interstate travel will be required.

The successful applicant will be required to enter into a contract for a maximum of two years with an opportunity for it to be renewed.