The National Landcare Network (NLN) was established in 2009 by the 8 State and Territory Landcare peak bodies (called State and Territory Landcare Organisations – STLOs) to be the representative body for landcare in Australia. The NLN works with STLOs to provide advocacy and a support platform for the many and diverse community landcare groups that together make up the heart of the landcare movement.

The Executive Officer is responsible for the overall performance of NLN, working closely with the Board and STLOs in the achievement of the NLNs strategic goals and core values. This role will lead the NLN through a new phase, refreshing the governance and business model and establishing a strategy for consolidation and growth in collaboration with STLOs, staff and the Board.

The three key focus areas for the Executive Officer are:

Leading and supporting NLN staff in the delivery of present and future projects and programs such as the current Australian Government contracts

Working in close collaboration with the 8 STLOs and their senior leadership to ensure delivery of NLN objectives as per the Constitution

Communicating operational matters and responding to strategic direction from the Board, and Members Council, including outward-facing representation of the NLN where appropriate

To deliver the NLN Strategic Direction, the Board seeks an Executive Officer with a proven aptitude for streamlined organisational processes, strategic planning, workflow efficiencies, and judicious use of scarce resources. You will have strong project management skills, and financial and contract management experience.

The ideal candidate will be a skilled communicator and change manager, able to nurture strong and open connections with STLOs, and maintain a safe and respectful working environment for NLN staff and collaborators. You will have had past experience working in the not for profit sector, preferably working in environmental, NRM or agriculture sectors, and have some understanding of community volunteerism and related networks.

This is a unique opportunity for a thoughtful and careful leader who can improve our relationships with members and stakeholders, implement clearer business processes, and secure the trust and confidence of staff.

Job Specifications:

Salary: $130,000 to $150,000 pro rata per annum plus superannuation, allowances and CPI indexation. Negotiable based on experience and qualifications.

Position: Part Time – 0.6 FTE – with potential to increase dependent on funding. 3 years initial contract. Start at or near 1 Aug 2025 to 30 June 2028. This position is ongoing subject to funding.

Location: Working from home/ remotely - with limited travel across Australia. Home / office location negotiable within Australia.

Key Responsibilities:

Lead the ongoing evolution of NLN’s strategic direction with the Board and STLOs, through a review of the current strategic plan, corporate compliance framework and business model;

Advance the objects and purposes of the NLN in collaboration with STLOs and their senior leadership;

Work with partners and investors to ensure organisational effectiveness within NLN through effective financial management, sound governance processes, meeting all statutory and contractual obligations;

Ensure all NLN workplaces are safe, welcoming and equitable for all staff and contractors;

Maintain, improve and expand relationships with relevant stakeholders including related peak representative bodies from the Natural Resource Management (NRM), agriculture, nature conservation and volunteering sectors;

Ensure programs are appropriately designed, implemented and evaluated.

Selection Criteria:

1. Appropriate qualifications or demonstrated experience in executive leadership in Member based volunteer organisations in the not-for-profit sector in Australia. Familiarity with land and environmental management, conservation, or rural community engagement will be highly regarded.

2. High level stakeholder engagement, advocacy, negotiation and conflict management skills with competencies in government contract management.

3. Excellent strategic planning, financial and policy development skills alongside an outstanding commitment to and record of strong governance, policy development, and compliance knowledge.

4. Proven ability to develop and secure funding through grants, sponsorships, and partnerships.

5. Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to inspire and lead teams.

6. Ability to identify growth opportunities and drive organisational impact.

Qualifications:

Tertiary qualification in Environmental, Social or Health Science, Natural Resource Management, Business, Community Development, Project Management, or a related field, or equivalent previous work experience.

Additional qualifications or professional development in governance, leadership, or financial management would be advantageous.

Required competencies:

A current Australian open driver’s licence

To apply please provide:

1. Cover letter outlining why you are interested in the position, your competencies relevant to the position and the Selection Criteria (2 pages maximum).

2. Current CV (3 pages maximum) including contact details for 2 professional referees

*Applications to be emailed to Gerry Butler (NLN Company Secretary) at [email protected].

Further information: Please contact Peter Voller, Board Director: [email protected] / 0429312861

*Download the full application package at: www.nln.org.au/blog/lead-the-future-of-community-landcare-in-australia-join-nln-as-executive-officer/

Closing Date: Applications must be received by 11.59 pm (AEST) Monday 30 June 2025