The Principal Associate, Protecting Australia’s Nature, plays a vital role in supporting the delivery of the Western Australian campaigns in Pew’s Protecting Australia’s Nature project. The role requires a proactive, organized, and accomplished advocate with high level communication and mature interpersonal skills.

Reporting to the WA Manager, Protecting Australia’s Nature, the role collaborates with the Senior Officer (Partnerships and Protected Areas landscapes) and a national team to integrate strategy and tactics focused on Government and stakeholder engagement, media, and communications.

Pew’s WA protected area campaign is entering a new phase, following the delivery of 6.5 million hectares of new national and marine parks, and nature reserves through the WA Government's Plan for Our Parks. The campaign is now focused on securing the delivery of additional protected area opportunities, including co-management with Traditional Owners, by 2030 and in line with Australia’s and WA’s commitment to global biodiversity goals.

This position is based in a Pew office in West Perth. This position participates in Pew’s hybrid work program with core days in the office and the flexibility to work from home the remaining days. Staff also enjoy four remote working flex weeks per year.

Responsibilities

• Lead the implementation of an agreed strategy alongside the campaign manager.
• Identify opportunities and co-ordinate campaign initiatives, including agreed measurement of progress and outcomes.
• Document, track, and report on campaign progress, milestones, and impact.
• Develop and maintain positive working relationships across government, media, and stakeholders aligned with the campaign strategy.
• Support briefings and development of relationships with key decision-makers in WA.
• Prepare briefing materials, meeting notes, and follow-up actions for engagement with officials.
• Record and report on, as needed, engagement with officials.
• Support the development and activation of the WA Better by Nature alliance and Pew’s participation in the alliance.
• Co-ordinate strategic relationships with stakeholders, including non-profits, Traditional Owners, private conservancies, landholders, and other community groups.
• Foster a work environment that inspires excellence, values impact, encourages transparency, builds mutual trust and respect, embraces and values diversity, and is collaborative, caring and compassionate.
• Participate in activities that support program and Pew-wide objectives.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent industry experience in public policy, political science, law, journalism, environmental management, advocacy, or other related field such as project management.
• Generally, 6 years of experience in advocacy, government relations, media and/or communications, or related discipline, such as project management, and a demonstrated commitment to conservation.
• High-level project or campaign management skills.
• Experience in establishing and maintaining positive stakeholder or project partner relationships.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated experience managing multiple priorities and performing under time pressure, including in a small team.
• Analytical skills and experience synthesizing and summarizing public policy developments and focusing on the essence of an issue.
• Experience working with complex conservation issues and developing sophisticated communications.
• Skill in thinking strategically and creatively, adjusting to changing circumstances, remaining attentive to details, and exercising sound judgment in problem-solving.
• Demonstrated time- and project-management skills, including meeting multiple deadlines by maintaining a high level of organization.
• Aptitude to apply a non-partisan, evidence-based approach to projects and campaigns that require support across the political spectrum.
• A valid driver’s license is essential; 4WD experience is desirable.

Travel
This position requires domestic and occasional international travel for work purposes.

Salary Range
Australia Pay Range: $115,700 - $129,200.
The actual salary offered will consider many factors including but not limited to job-related knowledge, skills, and experience, internal pay equity, and business need.

Pew is an equal opportunity employer and makes employment decisions without regard to race, ethnicity, gender, or any other protected characteristics.