Volunteer Coordinator

Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority; Torquay; On-site; GBP 51,000 - 59,000; Full time

Job summary

The Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority is seeking a seasoned leader to design and run the organisation-wide volunteer program in Torquay. You will drive strategy, oversee recruitment, training and retention, and partner with Traditional Owners and communities to deliver meaningful conservation and visitor experiences.

This role focuses on governance, compliance, risk management and continuous improvement, with a strong emphasis on collaborative leadership and community engagement across

Qualifications

• Experience managing volunteer programs in public or environmental settings.
• Ability to develop policies, governance processes and compliance.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and partnership management.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and implementation of the volunteer framework, annual work plans and long-term priorities.
• Coordinate end-to-end volunteer experience: recruitment, onboarding, training, support, recognition and retention.
• Develop opportunities that support conservation, citizen science, visitor experiences and community engagement.
• Build relationships with volunteers, Traditional Owners, community organisations and partners.
• Establish policies and governance frameworks to ensure safe, inclusive participation.
• Provide expert advice to leaders on volunteer management and program design.
• Monitor performance and outcomes using data to drive improvements.
• Represent the authority at volunteer and community forums and events.

Skills

Volunteer management

Stakeholder engagement

Policy development

Governance & compliance

Risk management

Communication skills

Partnership building

Relationship management

Team leadership

Project management

Education

Volunteer management qualification

Environmental management degree

Project management certification

Job description

Salary: $97,420.00 - $113,656.00
Job Type: Permanent - Full Time
Location: Torquay
Job Category: Communications and Engagement

The Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority is responsible for protecting and managing one of Australia’s most iconic coastal landscapes. We care for parks, reserves and marine environments along the Great Ocean Road, including internationally recognised visitor sites. Working closely with Traditional Owners, communities and stakeholders, we protect environmental, cultural and heritage values while supporting sustainable visitation and long‑term conservation.

Job Description

About the role

Join the Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority (GORCAPA) and play a pivotal role in shaping and leading our organisation-wide volunteer program.

What You’ll Do

• Lead the development and implementation of GORCAPA's volunteer framework, annual work plans and long-term program priorities.
• Coordinate the end-to-end volunteer experience, including recruitment, onboarding, training, support, recognition and retention.
• Develop volunteer opportunities that support conservation, environmental restoration, citizen science, visitor experiences and community engagement.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with volunteers, Traditional Owners, community organisations, educational institutions, government agencies and other partners.
• Establish policies, procedures, systems and governance frameworks that support safe, inclusive and effective volunteer participation.
• Provide expert advice to leaders and teams on volunteer management, program design and continuous improvement.
• Monitor program performance, compliance and outcomes, using data and insights to drive informed decision-making and program enhancement.
• Represent GORCAPA at volunteer, stewardship and community forums and events.

Desired Skills And Experience

What we’re looking for

We're seeking an experienced and collaborative professional who is passionate about community participation, environmental stewardship and creating meaningful volunteer experiences.

You’ll Bring

• Demonstrated experience managing volunteer programs, community participation initiatives or similar programs in a public-purpose, environmental or community-focused setting.
• Strong program and project management skills, with the ability to lead initiatives across multiple teams and stakeholders.
• Experience developing policies, procedures, governance frameworks and compliance processes.
• Excellent relationship-building, stakeholder engagement and partnership management skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare reports, briefings and recommendations.
• Sound understanding of volunteer management, risk management, health and safety, privacy and compliance requirements.
• The ability to influence, collaborate and build trust across diverse stakeholder groups.
• A commitment to Aboriginal self-determination, cultural safety, inclusion and environmental stewardship.

Qualifications in volunteer management, community development, environmental management, project management or a related discipline will be highly regarded.

Why join us?

We Offer

• Meaningful work that supports environmental conservation, community connection and cultural outcomes.
• The opportunity to establish and shape an organisation-wide volunteer program from the ground up.
• A supportive and collaborative workplace culture that values innovation, inclusion and continuous improvement.
• Flexible work arrangements and a commitment to employee wellbeing.
• Professional development opportunities and the chance to build lasting partnerships across government, community and environmental sectors.
• The opportunity to make a genuine impact on the future of the Great Ocean Road coast and parks.

Applications close 11.59pm, Thursday, 12th November 2026.

To be successful in this role, you'll be required to hold or obtain a National Police Check, Working with Children Check, current Australian Driver's Licence and evidence of Australian work rights.

Everyone is welcome at the Authority.

Here at the Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority we are committed to creating a workforce that is diverse and is inclusive of all. We value and embrace the various experiences and perspectives people may have, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, religion, cultural background, disability, or sexual orientation.

We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we work and live and all First Nations peoples, and we pay our respects to their Elders past and present.