Carbon Positive Australia is a leading environmental charity committed to taking tangible climate action through large-scale land restoration and tree-planting projects. Since our inception, we have empowered individuals, communities, and organisations to make positive environmental changes by sequestering carbon, restoring biodiversity, and regenerating ecosystems across Australia.
Our projects go beyond carbon offsetting. We focus on holistic land restoration by partnering with landholders, Indigenous rangers, community groups, industry experts, and volunteers to rejuvenate landscapes, create habitats, and foster resilient ecosystems. We aim to leave a legacy of restored landscapes that benefit people and the planet.
Position Summary Carbon Positive Australia seeks an inspiring and visionary Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to lead the organisation through its next phase of growth and impact. The CEO will execute the organisation's mission and strategy, build relationships with diverse stakeholders, further develop our long-term vision, and ensure operational excellence.
The CEO will act as the organisation's key ambassador, managing relationships with donors, partners, government bodies, and communities. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in Australian non-profit leadership and a deep commitment to fighting climate change through restorative practices.
Key Responsibilities Strategic Leadership Development of the organisation's long-term strategy in collaboration with the Board of Directors. Lead, shape and drive the culture, vision, mission, strategy and goals of Carbon Positive Australia to ensure sustained growth and impact in the environmental sector. Champion the organisation's commitment to holistic land restoration, carbon sequestration, and climate action. Fundraising and Financial Stewardship Lead the development and implementation of a comprehensive fundraising strategy to diversify revenue streams. Drive Carbon Positive Australia's participation in carbon, nature, and biodiversity markets, leveraging emerging opportunities for growth in carbon credit generation, sales, and partnerships. Maintain responsibility for the organisation's financial performance, working closely with the Board of Directors to set and manage budgets. Ensure transparency and accountability in managing finances, regularly reporting to the Board on financial status, risks, and opportunities. Organisational Management Oversee day-to-day operations, ensuring financial health, operational efficiency, and compliance with relevant regulations and standards. Lead and inspire a passionate team, fostering a positive, collaborative, high-performing organisational culture. Ensure that the organisation's capabilities and resources (financial, human technological) are effectively utilised to achieve its goals. Stakeholder Engagement, Media and Partnerships Develop and maintain strong relationships with corporate buyers, investors, landholders, Indigenous groups, conservation partners, volunteers, and government agencies. Serve as the primary spokesperson for Carbon Positive Australia, representing the organisation at conferences, public events, and in media. Build partnerships to grow and secure funding from the government, private sector, philanthropic organisations, and individual donors to support project delivery and organisational growth. Carbon Project Development and Management Oversee the planting, implementation, and management of large-scale planting and land restoration projects to meet carbon and biodiversity market demands. Ensure projects adhere to Australian recognised standards for carbon sequestration, such as the Clean Energy Regulator's Emission Reduction Fund or other relevant carbon accounting frameworks. Understand and prepare for the emerging Nature-Positive biodiversity market opportunities including, but not limited to, high-integrity biodiversity market instruments. Using the latest science and technology, innovate new project approaches to increase the carbon storage sequestration potential of intact natural restored landscapes. Project Oversight and Impact Evaluation Oversee the planning and execution of large-scale planting and land restoration projects, ensuring they are completed on time, within scope, and to the highest environmental standards. Monitor and evaluate project success, providing detailed impact reports to funders, stakeholders, and the Board of Directors. Ensure all projects comply with best practices in sustainability, biodiversity, and carbon sequestration methodologies. Board Governance Work closely with the Board of Directors, providing timely updates on the organisation's progress, challenges, and plans. Support effective governance by contributing to board decision-making processes and strategic discussions. Key Qualifications and Experience Leadership experience: Minimum of 7-10 years of senior leadership experience, preferably within the Australian environmental conservation or related non-profit sectors. Strategic vision: Proven ability to develop and execute high-impact strategies in line with an organisation's mission and goals. Carbon market expertise: Deep knowledge of carbon markets, carbon sequestration methodologies, and relevant regulatory frameworks (e.g., Clean Energy Regulator, Emissions Reduction Fund, and related international schemes). Project management expertise: Experience overseeing large-scale environmental projects, focusing on landscape restoration, carbon sequestration, or conservation. Financial acumen: Strong understanding of financial management, including budgeting, forecasting, and revenue generation. Stakeholder engagement: Excellent relationship-building skills, with experience working with diverse stakeholders, including landholders, government agencies, Indigenous communities, and corporate partners. Fundraising & advocacy: Demonstrated success in leading fundraising efforts, developing partnerships, and advocating for environmental initiatives. Passion for climate action: Deep commitment to climate action, land restoration, and environmental stewardship. Communication skills: Excellent public speaking, written communication, and media engagement abilities. Board governance: Experience working with or reporting to a Board of Directors and an understanding of good governance practices. Skills and Attributes Knowledge of natural resource management, ecological restoration, or carbon planting practices. Familiarity with regulatory frameworks related to environmental and conservation projects. Proven ability to lead in dynamic environments and manage change effectively. Strategic vision: Proven ability to develop and execute high-impact strategies. Why Join Carbon Positive Australia? This is a unique opportunity to lead a dedicated and mission-driven organisation at the forefront of climate action in Australia. As CEO, you will shape leading-edge land restoration projects, working with a committed team and diverse stakeholders to achieve lasting environmental impact.
This is an exciting time for Carbon Positive Australia as the organisation begins to leverage its recognised experience in large-scale land restoration and tree-planting to take advantage of new and emerging market instruments and government policies designed to address nature and climate decline globally and nationally.
We encourage you to apply if you are passionate about the environment, have strong leadership capabilities, and are ready to take Carbon Positive Australia into its next growth stage.
How to Apply: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications, experience, and why you are the right fit for the role to by 31st October 2024. Alternatively, please reach out for a confidential chat with Richard Pearce, our Chair on , or by email to
Carbon Positive Australia is an equal-opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
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