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Job Title


Chief Executive Officer


Company : GetUp!


Location : Sydney, New South Wales


Created : 2025-06-01


Job Type : Full Time


Job Description

GetUp is seeking a dynamic and visionary CEO to lead the organisation through a period of renewal and transformation. The next CEO will be pivotal in envisioning how GetUps members can hold the newly-elected government accountable, while pushing for bold and systemic change that addresses the urgent challenges facing Australia from climate change to First Nations justice, to ensuring equity is at the heart of Australias health and education systems.LocationSydney or Melbourne preferred, with other locations consideredWho is GetUpGetUp is an independent movement of over a million people, working to build a progressive Australia and hold power to account.In 2025, GetUp celebrates 20 years of impact, marking two decades of people-powered activism that has shaped the national conversation and achieved significant policy wins. Since its inception in 2005, GetUp members have fought to protect ABC funding, put climate action on the national agenda, challenged Australias inhumane refugee policies, and mobilised communities in support of marriage equality and the Voice to Parliament.The 2025 election result has confirmed that our values are widely held by the Australian public, with progressive ideas winning at the ballot box. Now, it is our responsibility to ensure our Government understand this election result as a mandate for transformative action, rather than pursuing incremental change or maintain the status quo.As we look to the next 20 years, GetUp must evolve to enable over 1 million members to create impact in a changing political and technological landscape. The challenges we faceincluding rising authoritarianism, declining media diversity, and a shifting funding environmentrequire bold leadership, strategic adaptation, and renewed engagement with our members and everyday Australians.About the roleThe CEO will be responsible for developing and executing a strategic vision that builds on GetUps legacy while adapting to new political, technological, and financial realities. This includes revitalising how GetUp mobilises over 1 million members and maximises impact in evolving advocacy, media, and technology landscapes.The Board is open to innovative leadership models, including a co-CEO structure or building out complementary expertise at the Executive or Board level to ensure the organisation is equipped with the full range of skills, perspectives, and capacity needed to drive bold, systemic change.The CEO will:Lead GetUps mission to advance progressive public policy and empower members to take action on critical issues.Shape and implement a strategic vision that ensures GetUp remains a leading force in advocacy and movement-building.Ensure GetUp holds the government accountable for its promises and works to push beyond the status quo, advocating for bold actions on climate change, social justice, and economic fairness.Foster a culture of innovation, resilience, and bold campaigning, ensuring GetUp adapts to the changing political and digital landscape.Represent GetUp to key stakeholders, including policymakers, media, donors, and partner organisations.Drive financial sustainability by deepening donor relationships, enhancing member-driven fundraising, and diversifying revenue streams.Collaborate closely with the GetUp Board, staff, and members to ensure alignment with organisational values and long-term sustainability.The next CEO of GetUp will be a strategic, courageous, and people-focused leader who is excited to embrace change and set the course of the organisation for decades to come.This is a unique opportunity to lead one of Australias most impactful advocacy organisations at a critical moment in its history.Key ResponsibilitiesStrategy and PlanningDevelop and drive an ambitious strategy for GetUp to advance progressive public policy in Australia.Enact GetUps fierce commitment to political independence in all that we do.Develop annual plans and oversee organisational budget in line with organisational strategy.Communications and Stakeholder RelationshipsLead GetUps advocacy and campaigns by driving strategy, building strong relationships with policy experts, government leaders, communities, and partner organisations.Champion GetUps values and vision through public engagement, ensuring a strong, credible presence in media, political, and community spaces.Strengthen connections with GetUp membership and communities affected by issues they care about, creating meaningful opportunities for people to influence national issues with their time, money, and voice.Oversee the development and delivery of compelling communications and campaign content across all channels, ensuring alignment with GetUps mission and independence.Campaign EffectivenessOversee the design, delivery and quality of campaigns, ensuring they result in real-world impact.Stay abreast of current political and community engagement trends, and anticipate future trends likely to impact our campaigns.Analyse and measure the success and impact of the organisations campaign efforts; refine or change campaigns/projects in response to that information.Financial SustainabilityEnsure financial stability and growth to power GetUps long-term impact.Cultivate high-value relationships with philanthropic leaders and partners.Partner with the Executive and Board to develop a financially sustainable operating plan consistent with GetUps impact model and strategy.People and CultureLead and develop GetUps culture of calculated risk-taking and seizing opportunities.Ensure the high performance of a cohesive team that is both innovative and accountable.Recruit and maintain a team with the relevant skills and experience, applying a strong social justice, equity, diversity and inclusion lens.Lead a team of advocates - prioritising presence, decision-making, transparency and collaboration.Governance and RiskContinue to build an independent, ethical and innovative organisation that conducts itself with integrity, with appropriate regard to corporate, structural and governance standardsManage risk in line with GetUps risk appetite.Key StakeholdersGetUp membersBoard of DirectorsDonorsCampaign partnersCommunities affected by the issues we campaign onGovernment bodies and regulatorsMembers of ParliamentMediaExperience, Knowledge and SkillsLeadership & Strategic Vision: Proven experience as a senior leader, with the ability to develop and execute a strategic vision that aligns with GetUps mission and values.Campaign Expertise: Deep understanding of how to engage the public to effect political change for progressive causes in critical moments.Mobilisation Expertise: Demonstrated experience in designing and leading impactful advocacy campaigns, mobilising large-scale grassroots movements, and engaging diverse communities.Stakeholder & Government Relations: Experience in media relations, government engagement, and building partnerships with policymakers, donors, and advocacy groups.Commitment to Political Independence: Strong dedication to maintaining GetUps political independence, ensuring advocacy efforts remain issue-driven and free from partisan influence while upholding the organisations values and integrity.Organisational stewardship: financial acumen, effective people management, and sound governance oversight to drive sustainable, inclusive, and accountable operationsalongside the ability to empower leaders with complementary skillsets to address areas of personal or organisational development.How to apply:We recognise that no candidate will be an expert in every area listed below. These represent the key capabilities we believe will set the next CEO up for success. If you bring strengths in somebut not allof these areas, we still encourage you to apply or reach out to CEO.recruitment@getup.org.au to discuss your candidacy.Please submit a cover letter and resume by 9AM AEST, 16th June 2025. We welcome applications before the deadline date and may progress candidates for interview prior to the closing date. #J-18808-Ljbffr