Executive Director sought for GetUp!

GetUp (www.getup.org.au) - the people-powered social and political movement with more

than 280,000 members - is seeking a new Executive Director.

Over the past three years, GetUp has given new life to Australia’s political process. It has

successfully campaigned for significant change in areas including social justice, economic

fairness and environmental sustainability. GetUp is credited as being the most influential

independent political force in the country.

GetUp is a unique organisation with an ambitious goal: to use innovative technology and

new forms of political participation to revitalise progressive politics in Australia. We are

therefore looking for an unusually capable, energetic and inspiring Executive Director.

The Role

As Executive Director you will lead this dynamic and ground-breaking not-for-profit.

Reporting to the Board of Directors, your role will include:

• Developing and executing GetUp’s organisational and political strategy;

• Developing and implementing national campaigns;

• Being the principal public spokesperson for GetUp and representing the organisation in

the media, to decision makers and other organisations;

• Building and further developing GetUp’s membership and providing them with real

opportunities to influence national issues;

• Developing effective working relationships with national decision makers, members,

donors, partner organisations and other stakeholders;

• Shaping the public face of GetUp, its tone, ethos, and online capabilities;

• Leading the staff, including responsibility for hiring, directing and developing the staff

(currently a team of fourteen);

• Raising and managing a >$1m budget, developing relationships with major donors,

overseeing fundraising efforts and ensuring strong financial management at all times;

• Leading an ethical and innovative organisation that conducts itself with integrity and

complies with all laws and regulations.

Qualities we're looking for:

We don't expect a person with deep experience in all the following areas, but we are looking

for someone who can demonstrate a mix of the following skills:

• Self-starting and entrepreneurial: GetUp is still a young organisation and its potential

is only just beginning to be realised. You will need to be able to articulate a vision for

the organisation, make it your own, and energetically look for ways to strengthen

GetUp's impact on national politics, by attracting new members, giving GetUp

members new opportunities to participate in campaigns, generating national media

interest and attracting additional financial support.

• Leadership & management experience: The Executive Director will be responsible

for all aspects of the management of GetUp Ltd. This includes leading a talented team,

directing all campaigns, and managing the organisation and its finances. The Executive

Director will also be responsible for ensuring GetUp's operations are in full compliance

with Australian laws and regulations including the Corporations Act and the Electoral

Act.

• Sharp political judgment and communication skills: We're looking for someone with

excellent political judgment and a healthy dose of pragmatism -- not an ideologue or a

political hack. You must actively follow major public debates, care passionately about

Australia's future and be deeply interested in how best to communicate a political

message to a wide audience. Extensive political experience is not required, though a

strong commitment to progressive politics is.

• Fundraising & financial management skills: The Executive Director will play a key role

in fundraising for GetUp. This will include managing existing relationships with donors,

and identifying and working with potential new supporters. Prior experience raising

funds and working with high net worth individuals is desirable.

• Ability to inspire the confidence of senior stakeholders, supporters and theAustralian progressive community: You will need to be able to mobilise GetUp's

members and stakeholders. You will need to be collaborative organiser and a highly

effective advocate for the organisation with the ability to draw significant new

supporters, and build new partnerships.

• Creativity, online savvy and media skills: GetUp prides itself on its innovative use of

technology and traditional and new media. You will need to foster a creative and

that enables GetUp to remain at the forefront of this type of

social and political campaigning. This includes overseeing the development of compelling

paid media and viral content, translating political messages to the online context, and

selling GetUp's campaigns to local and national media. Media contacts, experience, or

profile are a plus, but not required.

This position will be full time and based in Sydney. Remuneration will be highly competitive

for the sector and be based on experience. Private sector experience will be well regarded. If

you're interested, please send a short resume and cover note explaining why you think you

would be a good fit for the role. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis, and the

sooner we hear from you the better. We'll accept applications until 25 July 2008. Email:

jo@getup.org.au