Apply Now: Program Manager – Initiatives

$120 - $150K + super depending on experience

Full-time

Canberra based

Helping Australians work together for fairer and better water outcomes. Established in 2021, Watertrust Australia is a philanthropically funded not-for-profit with a unique approach to building trust, fostering collaboration, and finding common ground on water and catchment policy. We support decision-making processes that consider environmental, cultural, economic, and social values to deliver practical, broadly supported solutions. To achieve this, we use deliberative methods, convene inclusive policy dialogues, and synthesise evidence while engaging closely with institutions.

About the Role

We offer the unique opportunity to work in a truly independent organisation to create systemic change. In this role as Program Manager - Initiatives you will have an enduring influence on the way that decision-making is undertaken in catchment and water policy from local to national scale. Our approach is to work with governments, First Nations, peak bodies, and diverse interests in water contexts in an inclusive, collaborative, and transparent way, avoiding adversarial point scoring. You will help to trial different approaches that inform decision making, analyse and interpret evidence, and build and diversify your networks.

This role is based out of our Canberra office, with regular travel to greater ACT and NSW required.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the day-to-day management of active initiatives, including contracts, sub-contractors, and risk monitoring, with the support of relevant Principals and the Watertrust team.
• Facilitate structured, analytical, and deliberative processes that support policy decision-making and bring diverse interests towards workable outcomes.
• Plan and build stakeholder engagement, maintaining trust and participation across a diverse range of interests while tracking and managing these relationships.
• Research and synthesise information on water-related issues to support initiatives with accessible, accurate, and relevant insights.
• Monitor performance, and track initiative impact, and share learnings with our board, funders, and community.
• Contribute to team and organisational processes, including planning, logistics for key events, strategic communications, and initiative and organisational evaluation.

What You Bring

• Relevant qualifications at a higher degree level, ideally aligned with your experience in water or environmental decision-making, or a proven track record of 5+ years in project management and delivery.
• Skilled in working collaboratively with diverse stakeholders in complex water and environmental contexts, building trust, and delivering results.
• Able to maintain independence and neutrality in contested policy environments, separating personal views from Watertrust’s role as a neutral, trusted broker.
• Demonstrated leadership in managing teams, change, and multiple priorities, guiding employees and volunteers through complex projects.
• Comfortable working independently while contributing effectively to diverse teams, showing initiative and sound judgement with minimal supervision.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage clearly and persuasively with a wide range of audiences.

Who You Are

Grounded. Thoughtful. Trusted. Unflappable under pressure. You excel at steering projects to completion. You bring people together, cut through complexity, and drive progress towards meaningful impact.

What's in it for you

• A strong sense of purpose in your work. Shape how decisions are made on catchment and water policy, from local communities to the national level.
• Enjoy free on-site parking and work in beautiful, light-filled offices in Acton.
• Generous leave, including paid shutdown days to help you fully switch off.
• Access to not-for-profit salary packaging benefits to help lower your taxable income and increase your take-home pay.

If you’re driven by systemic change and eager to join a passionate, purpose-driven team dedicated to fairer and better water outcomes, we’d love to hear from you.

How to Apply

To apply for the role at Watertrust Australia, please email your CV along with a cover letter (maximum 2 pages) addressing your experience relevant to the key responsibilities and personal criteria to jobs@watertrustaustralia.org.au or apply here. Applications close Friday 15 August 2025.

To arrange a confidential chat about the possibilities with Watertrust Australia, email Mike Peat at mike.peat@watertrustaustralia.org.au.

Watertrust Australia is dedicated to providing equal opportunities to all Australians, regardless of gender, race, culture, religion, age, sexual orientation, or ability. We value diverse perspectives and strive to create a culture of respect, learning, and inclusion. We warmly welcome your application or expression of interest to join our team.