ABOUT THE GREAT BARRIER REEF FOUNDATION

Are you purpose driven and wanting to make a difference? Do you love working with smart and passionate people who are dedicated to creating impact for Australia’s most recognisable natural wonder? Do you long to work in a flexible and supportive workplace? We have the role for you!

At the Great Barrier Reef Foundation, we think big. We know the threats to coral reefs are too complex for one person or one solution to solve. That’s why we built a collaborative organisation to raise funds, invest in innovative ideas and design real-world, scalable conservation programs. We work in close partnership with communities, scientists, businesses and governments to do our work, in Australia and in the Pacific.

Our mission is to inspire action and wonder for coral reefs.

We collaborate with more than 600 dedicated partners on conservation projects in Australia and the Pacific. Our work is broad, but falls under our two overarching pillars: coral reef restoration, and island and coastal restoration. This is the critical decade for the world’s reefs. We cannot achieve our mission alone.

You could be the right fit for our team.

ABOUT THE ROLE

The Program Manager – Islands and Coasts role sits within the GBRF coastal projects portfolio, which includes the Blue Carbon and Reef Island Initiative. This role is responsible for day-to-day project management across the portfolio. This includes delivering core project management functions, such as budget tracking, workplan oversight, contract management and regular reporting to funders.

This role also contributes to program design and plays a role in monitoring and evaluation activities to ensure the delivery of impactful, measurable outcomes. A significant part of the role involves managing and maintaining strong, productive relationships with project delivery partners, while supporting integration across the portfolio and broader GBRF program landscape.

In addition, the role works closely with partners to support project-level communications and collaborate with GBRF’s fundraising, marketing and communication teams to ensure project outcomes are effectively and accurately communicated to key stakeholders.

The role is suited to a highly organised, adaptable individual who thrives in collaborative, cross-sectoral, environments, and has experience in managing complex projects or programs. It requires a strong ability to work autonomously, problem-solve, and juggle competing priorities in a dynamic and growing portfolio. Experience working with Traditional Owners and delivering programs in partnerships with community and Indigenous stakeholders is highly valued.

BENEFITS

Flexible working arrangements

Birthday Leave & recharge days

Additional leave offered over the Christmas break

Cultural, Religious and Ceremonial leave

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Opportunities to visit the Reef and volunteer within our programs

Option to purchase additional leave

Tailored induction program

Salary Packaging (Please note, the Foundation is an environmental charity and as such employees are not exempt from FBT for salary packaging for some expenses, therefore the staff member will be required to pay the FBT on the relevant expenses they chose to package)

THE SUCCESSFUL APPLICANT WILL HAVE

3-5 years’ experience in project or program management, preferably within sectors such as conservation or environmental management

A degree in a technical discipline such as science, conservation or business management and a keen interest and enthusiasm in science, emerging climate and nature markets and the Great Barrier Reef.

Strong capability in project management including excellent organisational skills, synthesising multiple lines of information, strong time management, good written and verbal communications, contract and budget management.

Experience designing, measuring, evaluating, and reporting or delivering on the impact of projects and programs and drawing on the lessons learned.

A track record in building and maintaining effective partnerships with diverse partners to support information exchange and progress the collaborative design and delivery of projects.

A track record of working effectively in teams and with other people, as well as the ability to work independently and proactively take initiative.

Knowledge of compliance standards and quality assurance practices, with experience in implementing and maintaining them.

Proven experience applying subject-matter expertise to deliver practical, impact-driven outcomes in a real-world setting (e.g. within the NGO, government, or corporate sectors).

Ability to travel on occasion to support project activities.

Experience working with Traditional Owners and delivering programs in partnerships with community and Indigenous stakeholders is highly valued.

JOB LOCATION

Brisbane

OTHER INFORMATION

2 Yr Fixed Term Role - Full Time hours

Flexible work arrangements are available

Salary range is $110,000 - $120,000 plus superannuation

The job ad closes on 28 July 2025 - Applications will be assessed as they are received.

RECONCILIATION

First Nations people are strongly encouraged to apply. The release of the Great Barrier Reef Foundation’s first Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) is a proud moment in our organisation’s 20-year history. We see this achievement as an honour, a responsibility, and an opportunity. Take a look at our RAP plan here.