Head of Climate Solutions - Sydney / Melbourne

Environmental Jobs; Sydney; Hybrid; AUD 165,000 - 185,000; Full time

Job summary

Australia Climate Impact Initiative (ACII) seeks a visionary Head of Climate Solutions to lead the creation of a new climate philanthropy function. Based in Sydney or Melbourne with hybrid options, you will curate strategic funding opportunities, translate climate science into actionable donor briefs, and work with First Nations leadership to shape Australian climate philanthropy.

You should bring 10–15 years of senior climate/environment experience, a deep understanding of Australian policy,

Qualifications

• 10–15 years of senior climate/environment experience.
• Deep knowledge of Australian climate and biodiversity policy.
• Ability to translate science into donor briefs and narratives.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Portfolio Curation: curate high-impact funding opportunities across climate, energy transition, nature, adaptation, and First Nations leadership.
• Translating Science into Action: translate complex climate science and policy into donor briefs and tailored portfolios for non-expert philanthropists.
• Due Diligence & Sector Engagement: establish an expert Advisory Group, conduct rigorous due diligence, and integrate First Nations leadership as a foundational dimension.
• Global Alignment: collaborate with Climate Lead’s Global Climate Strategies to adapt methodologies for Australia while contributing local opportunities to the global pipeline.

Skills

Analytical skills

Research skills

Impact measurement

Storytelling for donors

Stakeholder engagement

Job description

Head of Climate Solutions - Sydney / Melbourne

Career-defining leadership role - Build a new function

Flexible location – Sydney or Melbourne (Hybrid WFH options)

$165K - $185K + super - FT or 0.8 considered

The Organisation
Australia Climate Impact Initiative (ACII) is an ambitious, newly established philanthropic initiative dedicated to accelerating high-impact climate and environmental giving across Australia. Incubated by the Australian Environmental Grantmakers Network (AEGN) and partnered with global leader Climate Lead, ACII provides intelligence, connections, and guidance to major philanthropists, free of charge, to unlock environmental giving at scale.

The Role
Reporting to the Founding Executive Director, the Head of Climate Solutions will set the strategic vision for and build a new Climate Solutions function.

• Strategic Portfolio Curation: Act as an impartial expert broker to curate high-impact funding opportunities across climate, energy transition, nature, adaptation, and First Nations leadership.
• Translating Science into Action: Translate complex climate science and policy into clear, compelling funder briefs and tailored portfolios for non-expert philanthropists.
• Due Diligence & Sector Engagement: Establish an expert Advisory Group, conduct rigorous due diligence, and integrate First Nations self-determination and land stewardship as a foundational dimension of Australian climate philanthropy.
• Global Alignment: Partner with Climate Lead’s Global Climate Strategies team to adapt global due diligence methodologies to the Australian context while contributing local opportunities to the global pipeline.

The Candidate
You bring substantive senior experience in the climate and environment sector (typically 10-15 years) alongside deep knowledge of the Australian climate and biodiversity policy and advocacy landscape. You possess strong analytical, research, and impact measurement skills, paired with an exceptional capability to write inspiring, accessible narratives for donor audiences.

You demonstrate high cultural competency and a strong commitment to First Nations rights and leadership. Characterised by an entrepreneurial start-up mindset, sound ethics, and a collaborative approach, you thrive in evolving environments and excel at working across diverse theories of change.

The Offer
This is a unique opportunity to shape the strategy and future of climate philanthropy in Australia at a critical inflection point. The position is offered on a full-time basis (with flexibility for 0.8) based in either Sydney or Melbourne, featuring flexible hybrid work arrangements. The salary on offer ranges from $165K - $185K + superannuation, in line with experience.

Johnson Recruitment actively embraces diversity in the workforce through inclusive community representation of gender, culture, thought, and work arrangements.