Join Women’s Environmental Leadership Australia as Leadership Programs Director | $135,000 + Super

Experienced leaders passionate about climate action, leadership development, and systems change have an exciting opportunity to join Women’s Environmental Leadership Australia (WELA) as its next Leadership Programs Director. Offering a salary of $135,000 plus superannuation, this permanent position provides the chance to help shape Australia’s next generation of women and gender-diverse climate leaders while contributing to one of the country’s most influential environmental leadership organizations.

Applications close on July 10, 2026, and candidates are encouraged to apply early as applications are being reviewed on a rolling basis.

About Women’s Environmental Leadership Australia (WELA)

Women’s Environmental Leadership Australia (WELA) is a national organization dedicated to strengthening leadership across Australia’s climate and environmental movements. For nearly a decade, WELA has supported women and gender-diverse changemakers by providing leadership development programs, networking opportunities, scholarships, advocacy initiatives, and collaborative events.

Built on the principles of feminist leadership, environmental justice, and systems change, WELA believes that solving the climate crisis requires diverse, courageous, and inclusive leadership.

The organization has developed a strong national reputation for empowering emerging and established environmental leaders to create meaningful change across communities, organizations, and public institutions.

Why This Leadership Role Matters

The Leadership Programs Director will work closely with the Chief Executive Officer and senior leadership team to guide WELA’s flagship leadership programs while supporting organizational growth and strategic partnerships.

This is a unique opportunity to influence how leadership is developed across Australia’s climate movement while mentoring a talented team and strengthening relationships with philanthropic partners and key stakeholders.

The successful candidate will help ensure WELA continues delivering high-quality leadership experiences that equip participants with the confidence, skills, and networks needed to lead environmental and climate solutions.

Key Responsibilities

The Leadership Programs Director will divide their focus across three major areas:

• Leading and developing a high-performing programs team.
• Strengthening the design, delivery, and quality of leadership programs.
• Building strategic partnerships that support sustainable organizational growth.
• Supporting revenue generation and long-term financial sustainability.
• Working alongside senior leadership on organizational strategy.
• Monitoring program outcomes and participant experiences.
• Improving systems, processes, and operational efficiency.
• Representing WELA within Australia’s environmental leadership ecosystem.

The role requires an experienced leader who can balance strategic thinking with practical implementation while fostering a collaborative and values-driven workplace culture.

Who Should Apply?

WELA is seeking professionals with significant leadership experience, ideally gained within nonprofit organizations, education, leadership development, social enterprises, community organizations, or other purpose-driven sectors.

Successful candidates should demonstrate:

• Strong people leadership and coaching experience.
• Executive-level organizational management skills.
• Experience delivering leadership or learning programs.
• Strategic partnership development expertise.
• Financial management and commercial awareness.
• Strong communication and relationship-building abilities.
• Experience supporting organizational growth.
• Systems-thinking and operational improvement skills.
• Passion for environmental sustainability and climate leadership.

Candidates should also value feminist leadership, diversity, inclusion, and collaborative approaches to solving complex environmental challenges.

What Makes This Opportunity Unique?

WELA has become one of Australia’s leading organizations focused on developing women and gender-diverse climate leaders. During the past year alone, the organization supported more than 140 participants through leadership programs, awarded over 50 scholarships, engaged hundreds of event attendees nationwide, and collaborated with numerous environmental partners and philanthropic organizations.

Joining WELA means contributing to a growing national movement that is helping shape future environmental leadership across government, nonprofit organizations, advocacy groups, and local communities.

The organization also offers a flexible, remote-friendly working culture built around trust, collaboration, wellbeing, and sustainable work practices.

Salary, Location and Employment Details

The Leadership Programs Director position offers:

• Salary of $135,000 plus superannuation (pro-rated for 0.8 Full-Time Equivalent if applicable).
• Permanent full-time position, with flexibility for 0.8 FTE for the right candidate.
• Strong preference for candidates based in Sydney, Melbourne, or Brisbane.
• Fully remote working arrangements with occasional domestic travel.
• Open to Australian residents with full working rights.

This role provides an excellent opportunity for experienced leaders seeking meaningful work while maintaining flexibility and contributing to national climate leadership initiatives.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should first create a profile on Ripple Opportunities before submitting their application through the job listing.

Applicants are required to submit:

• An up-to-date resume.
• A cover letter (preferably in PDF format).
• A written application of up to 1,000 words addressing the requested selection criteria, including leadership experience, motivation for applying, relevant achievements, salary expectations, availability, and preferred working hours.

Applications should be submitted through the Ripple Opportunities platform.

For questions regarding the recruitment process, applicants can contact:

hey@rippleopportunities.com

Applications close on July 10, 2026, although early applications are strongly encouraged due to rolling assessments.

Final Thoughts

The Leadership Programs Director position at Women’s Environmental Leadership Australia offers far more than a senior management role. It presents the opportunity to influence the future of climate leadership by supporting women and gender-diverse changemakers who are driving environmental progress across Australia. For experienced leaders committed to systems change, leadership development, and environmental justice, this role provides an exceptional platform to create meaningful and lasting impact.

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Disclaimer: Remote Job Opportunities (RJO) is not the organization offering this opportunity. For any inquiries, please contact the responsible organization directly. Please do not send your applications to RJO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of  emails we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.