Head of Prevention and Advocacy

NFP | Transformational new role | $100k to $110k p.a. +Superannuation | Reporting to: Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
About Us
At Animal Welfare League of Queensland (AWLQ), our vision is for every companion animal to have a safe and caring environment where their needs are met. We are driven by a commitment to integrity, compassion, innovation, and optimism. As a leader in the animal welfare sector, we're dedicated to a brighter future for both animals and our community.

The Opportunity

The Head of Prevention and Advocacy is a newly created pivotal role. Developed in line with our strategic plan, this is an exciting opportunity to join our Leadership Team during a period of significant transformation. Reporting directly to a visionary and fast-paced CEO, you'll be instrumental in shaping a high-performing and engaging workplace culture.

We are seeking an energetic and purpose-driven strategic leader who is ready to make a significant impact with a proven track record in the animal welfare sector. This is a rare chance to assist companion animals to live healthy, safe, and dignified lives by blending proactive preventative initiatives with a platform to be a voice for change. Your passion for a cause will directly be influencing our ability to expand our impact and reach more animals in need. This role is critical for bringing about change in our community by altering the traditional approach from reactive animal welfare care to proactive prevention of animal welfare concerns.

Key Responsibilities

Your Role Will Be Divided Into Three Core Areas:

• Strategic Leadership & Program Development
• Work directly with the CEO to set the vision and strategy for prevention and advocacy initiatives, ensuring they have clear objectives and KPIs.
• Lead the development and implementation of all community-based programs, including Education (e.g., school and bite prevention programs), Affordable Services (e.g., low-cost desexing vet services), and Community Support (e.g., pet food banks).
• Oversee Shelter Diversion initiatives to help keep pets in their homes and reduce surrenders – this also includes our national Getting to Zero (G2Z) and National Desexing Network (NDN).
• Develop and grow a sustainable business model for formal education programs.
• Advocacy & Public Influence
• Lead our advocacy efforts by working with lawmakers to strengthen Animal Protection Legislation, increase penalties for cruelty, and establish better standards for animals.
• Design and launch impactful Public Awareness Campaigns to highlight key issues (e.g., unethical breeding, racing).
• Provide expert opinion and evidence-based research to government inquiries and committees to inform policy decisions.
• Reporting, Management & Operations
• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of passionate employees and volunteers.
• Establish and maintain a concise reporting suite to track results, monitor performance against KPIs, and ensure data integrity.
• Manage the logistics of community events, including scheduling, resource coordination, and location selection.
• Identify grant and funding opportunities to enable the delivery of community prevention projects.

Essential Qualifications And Experience

• Proven prevention and advocacy success in the animal welfare sector.
• Tertiary qualification in communications, animal behaviour, or a related discipline, or equivalent professional experience.
• Flexibility to work outside of business hours to attend events.
• A valid driver's licence and the commitment to attend all sites regularly.

*Essential Skills And Attributes*

• Exceptional Leadership: You have a proven ability to lead, motivate, and develop high-performing teams, fostering a positive and collaborative culture. You are skilled at leading change, managing projects, and engaging stakeholders to drive effective outcomes.
• Strong Commercial & Strategic Acumen: You possess excellent business insight and negotiation skills. You can craft persuasive proposals, manage strategic partnerships, and deliver results that align with the organisation's goals.
• Expert Relationship Builder: You have exceptional communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills. You can build and maintain strong relationships with a wide range of stakeholders and act as a compelling advocate for our mission.
• Highly Organised: You have strong organisational skills and the ability to effectively manage competing priorities and projects in a fast-paced environment.
• Mission-Driven: You are an energetic, purpose-driven professional with an unwavering commitment to the values and mission of the organisation.

Desirable Criteria

• Established personal and professional networks that can be leveraged to benefit the organisation.

We Offer

• Flexible work arrangements and access to a hybrid work policy to support work-life balance.
• A convenient location at our Coombabah (Gold Coast) location with free onsite parking.
• Employee discounts on veterinary services.

How to Apply

If you're an inspiring leader excited by this role and ready to shape the future of animal welfare, we want to hear from you.

Please submit your application, including your resume and cover letter, outlining your relevant experience. Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and we'll close the position once we find our ideal candidate.

Apply Now

About Us
AWLQ is one of Queensland's most dynamic and best-loved charities. Our organisation is the leader in the zero euthanasia movement nationally and is considered a national leader in animal welfare. AWLQ locally provides a safe haven for close to 10,000 stray and homeless animals each year, while also assisting other communities in saving homeless animals.

In addition to our shelter work, we are committed to keeping pets and people together by providing lifesaving support and resources to people in need with companion animals. We are known for our grassroots and innovative community-based animal welfare work including our community vet clinics, Getting to Zero, Golden Hearts Seniors' Support Program and the National Desexing Network.

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