About the role
The primary focus of this role is to elevate the profile and influence of the NRM sector, championing its established capability, operational efficiency, and place-based leadership.
Working closely with the CEO, you will position our network as an indispensable partner not only to the federal government - including key departments such as Environment, Agriculture, Climate Change, Treasury, and Finance - but also to a broader network of stakeholders.
You will lead the development and execution of an engagement strategy that bridges our organisation and members with federal parliamentarians, departmental staff, and these wider stakeholders to create the conditions for long-term, sustainable investment. This engagement will support the CEO to secure the smooth and timely renewal of the five-year federal funding agreements that underpin our members' critical work driving the enhancement of natural capital, community resilience, and economic stability.
Term: 12-month fixed-term contractTime Commitment: Part time (2-3 days per week)Location: Canberra-based or location suitable for frequent travel to CanberraRemuneration: $115,000 - $125,000 FTE + superannuation, commensurate with experienceReports to: Chief Executive OfficerApplications for this position are due by 11:59pm Sunday 2 August 2026Duties & key responsibilities
You will work with the CEO and the broader team on:
Engagement Strategy: Design and deliver a coordinated federal government relations engagement strategy for our organisation and the regional NRM organisations, in collaboration with partners across the environmental, agricultural, climate change and aligned sectors,



including for the forthcoming renewal of the regional NRM organisations’ five-year funding agreements under the Natural Heritage Trust.Relationship building: Work with the CEO to strengthen trusted and productive non-partisan parliamentary and stakeholder relationships across the political spectrum and with other relevant stakeholders.Policy & briefing: Monitor policy consultation processes, discussions and parliamentary and public debates to identify engagement opportunities for the NRM sector. Prepare high-quality briefings, and correspondence, ensuring alignment with the engagement strategy. Lead and contribute to policy submissions as time permits.Other duties as directed.Key deliverables
An engagement plan tailored to the strategic goals of NRM Regions Australia and its members.A stakeholder engagement map and ongoing relationship management strategy.High-quality briefing notes and submissions for federal government and other relevant processes.About NRM Regions Australia
NRM Regions Australia is the national peak body representing 54 regional natural resource management (NRM) organisations. We provide national leadership, coordination, and capability-building across one of the world's most comprehensive regional environmental management systems. Our mission is to support our members in their critical work, ensuring the regional NRM network remains a powerful force in addressing biodiversity loss, climate change, disaster risk, and sustainable land and water management. We are driven by a small, dedicated team supporting a national sector that creates lasting environmental and social impact.
Learn more and apply on our website today https://nrmregionsaustralia.com.au/articles/strategic-engagement-lead/

📌 Strategic Engagement Lead (Canberra)
🏢 NRM Regions Australia
📍 Canberra