Volunteer Program Lead - Conservation & Community Engagement

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

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