Job description
* 15 hrs/week
* Ongoing (Contingent)
* Canberra ACT
Are you passionate about helping communities respond to environmental challenges through practical action, connection, and education?
The Canberra Environment Centre is seeking a collaborative and community-minded Deputy Director to support the next phase of our organisation’s growth and impact.
This role offers the opportunity to work across a diverse range of sustainability initiatives – from workshops and community events to partnerships, volunteer engagement and organisational development – with a focus on areas including local food systems, active travel, waste reduction, biodiversity and climate resilience.
Working closely with the Executive Director, the Deputy Director will contribute to both strategic planning, project management, and day-to-day operations, making this an ideal role for someone who enjoys combining big-picture thinking with practical community-based work that makes a difference.
About us
The Canberra Environment Centre (CEC) empowers people to create a sustainable future for the Canberra community through practical education, community connection and local action.
Our work includes:
* sustainability workshops and events
* community engagement programs
* a community bike workshop (Recyclery)
* community gardening initiatives
* partnerships with government and community organisations
* environmental behaviour change education
We are a small, passionate team committed to creating an inclusive, hopeful and action-oriented community space.
About the role
The Deputy Director supports the Executive Director, the Recyclery Manager and our Workshops and Events Coordinator (as well as all other staff) across strategic, operational and community-facing areas of the organisation.
You will:
* help grow, plan and deliver CEC’s sustainability workshops and events program
* strengthen partnerships across Canberra’s environment and community sectors
* support organisational governance, planning and reporting
* contribute to financial management, budgeting, grant writing and operational systems
* contribute to marketing, communications and community engagement strategies and delivery
* help grow CEC’s volunteer and membership programs
* foster a positive, collaborative and inclusive organisational culture
This role balances strategy, administration, relationship-building and practical program delivery.
We’re looking for someone with:
* experience in community engagement, sustainability education or the not-for-profit sector
* strong organisational and project coordination skills
* excellent communication and relationship-building abilities
* initiative and the ability to work independently in a small team
* experience developing partnerships and engaging stakeholders
* financial / business acumen and demonstrated experience in grant writing, fundraising or securing project funding
* experience developing budgets and supporting organisational financial management
* an understanding of big + local-level environmental issues, sustainability, and community-led change
* experience with events, workshops, marketing or volunteer coordination (desirable)
* experience with governance or operational systems (desirable)
Applied knowledge in one or more of the following areas is highly valued:
* local food systems
* active travel
* waste reduction and circular economy
* biodiversity
* sustainable energy
* community resilience and behaviour change
* climate change
Position details
* Location: Gungaderra Homestead, Harrison, Canberra ACT
* Hours: 15 hours per week (Wednesday and Friday, with occasional weekend and evening hours required)
* Employment type: Permanent part-time
* Salary: SCHADS Level 5, Pay Point 1 ($51/hour)
* Reports to: Executive Director
Why work with us?
This is a unique opportunity to help shape and be part of Canberra’s oldest community environmental organisation and to contribute to meaningful, local sustainability action in Canberra.
You’ll work with passionate and engaged staff, volunteers and community members in a collaborative environment where creativity, initiative and connection are prized.
Applications
Early applications are strongly encouraged, as the position is available for an immediate start and applications may be reviewed as they are received.
Please submit:
* a one-page cover letter addressing your interest in the role
* your CV
* a maximum of 3 pages addressing the ‘we’re looking for someone with’ criteria listed above
* any relevant examples of community, sustainability or project work
Applications from people of diverse backgrounds and experiences are strongly encouraged.
For further information, or if you have any questions, please contact Canberra Environment Centre’s Executive Director: using the subject line: Deputy Director enquiry via EthicalJobs.