Great Barrier Reef Community Campaigner (Maternity Leave Cover)

As the Australian Marine Conservation Society’s Community Campaigner your job is to be a catalyst for change – building support for the protection of the Great Barrier Reef in Far North Queensland.

The Australian Marine Conservation Society has been protecting Australia’s oceans and marine life for over 50 years. We are one of Australia’s most influential environmental charities. As an independent, not‐for‐profit conservation group we advocate for the changes necessary to safeguard our oceans and their wildlife, which are some of the richest and rarest on earth.

The window for stopping runaway global warming is closing. With a Federal election looming and intense scrutiny from UNESCO and the World Heritage Committee, the next six months will be critical in securing greater protection for the Great Barrier Reef.

Purpose of the Position:

With a focus on Cairns and FNQ, the role of the Great Barrier Reef Community campaigner is part of a broader public campaign to build support and engagement amongst sections of the Australian community for the protection of the Great Barrier Reef.

• To raise awareness in the Cairns and Far North Queensland community about the impacts of global warming and poor water quality on the Great Barrier Reef, and to build public support and pressure for action.
• To work with other Cairns community groups and volunteers to build pressure on decision-makers and local politicians to commit to protecting the Reef.
• To work with the Great Barrier Reef team to engage the tourism industry and other important stakeholders in calling for action to protect the Great Barrier Reef.
• To build and maintain an active volunteer base for action on climate.

• Maintain and strengthen existing relationships with the stakeholders in the Cairns community.
• Undertake local media for the Reef campaign in Cairns, including acting as a spokesperson for the campaign.
• Activate and support others to be active in the media including through letters to the editor, social media and media comment.
• Remain abreast of campaign news and developments and identify campaign and organising opportunities.
• Engage as needed with political decision-makers including local MPs and councillors.
• Undertake general campaign and staff activities as required to support the marine conservation work of AMCS, including drafting e-bulletins, social media posts and public speaking.

Essential Selection Criteria

• Experience in community outreach, public engagement and event organising.
• Excellent written and spoken communication skills, including the production of written and online campaign materials.
• Experience in volunteer recruitment, management and growth.
• Demonstrated planning and project management skills
• Experience in coordinating alliances with diverse groups of people to achieve a shared end goal.
• Ability to work autonomously, with limited supervision.
• Commitment to upholding AMCS’ values and to protecting our oceans.

Desirable Selection Criteria

• An understanding of community organising principles and practice and demonstrated community organising experience.
• Digital communication skills
• Current motor vehicle licence
• Creative and strategic thinking