Role: Director of Campaigns
Location: Sydney preferred, but open to other locations for the right candidate
Contract: Full-time (negotiable)
Salary: $92,000 (not including superannuation)
Join us to grow a movement for liveable, equitable and sustainable communities
Sweltering Cities is looking for a Director of Campaigns to take our community-led advocacy to the next level. This is a new and pivotal role, responsible for scaling up our organising capacity, building systems to mobilise communities, and ensuring our campaigns win real change for people living in Australia’s hottest suburbs. The person in this role will be working closely with our Executive Director and will have the opportunity to help shape the future of the organisation and our strategy.
If you’re an experienced organiser or campaigner who thrives in a collaborative, fast-moving environment, and you’re excited to build power with communities to push for climate justice, we want to hear from you.
About the Role
As Director of Campaigns, you’ll be working closely with our Executive Director to lead Sweltering Cities’ work to build a powerful grassroots movement for climate justice. You’ll create and implement organising strategies, mentor and support staff, and ensure our campaigns are impactful, scalable, and sustainable.
This role is for someone who is hands-on, strategic, and people-focused. You’ll be setting up the systems and frameworks that help us grow, while also leading on-the-ground organising efforts, building partnerships, and enabling communities to take action.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and lead national organising strategies – Scale up Sweltering Cities’ community-led campaigns and engagement.
- Mentor and support the team – Working closely with our Executive Director, help to build internal culture and systems to ensure our team of Community Campaigners thrives.
- Expand our reach and impact – Develop digital and offline strategies to grow our movement, working with diverse communities across the country.
- Win campaigns that change lives – Work with people in hot suburbs, homes, towns and workplaces to push for policies that make homes, cities, and workplaces safer in extreme heat.
- Represent Sweltering Cities – Engage with government, media, and stakeholders to advocate for policy change.
- Create sustainable organising systems – Develop tools and frameworks to track and measure impact, ensuring long-term growth.
About You
We’re looking for someone who:
- Has strong leadership and organising experience, with a track record of mobilising communities and running winning campaigns. This experience doesn’t need to come from the climate movement, and we’re open to hearing from people who have worked with a wide range of communities.
- Is a great communicator and facilitator, able to build relationships with grassroots groups and powerful stakeholders alike.
- Understands progressive movement-building and what it takes to engage people long-term and build relationships.
- Has experience building strong, healthy teams and fostering a positive, accountable work culture.
- Is skilled in digital organising tools (online actions, CRM, email marketing) and systems that help scale grassroots movements. Curiosity about new organising tools is desirable.
- Is committed to climate justice, social justice, and community-led change.
- Has the ability to balance strategy and hands-on organising, leading by example and supporting the team.
- Comfortable with responding quickly to external events and testing new strategies and tactics.
We don’t expect candidates to have every skill or experience listed—but if you’re excited about this role and believe you can contribute, we encourage you to apply.
Why Join Us?
- Real impact – Be part of a growing organisation creating safer, more liveable communities.
- Flexible, collaborative culture – Work in a supportive and dynamic team where leadership is based on responsibility, not hierarchy.
- Help shape the future of Sweltering Cities – This is a new role with the opportunity to make a big impact on our strategy and direction.
How to Apply
To apply, send your CV and a one page cover letter (max one page) explaining why you’re interested in the role and how your experience aligns with the position.
Applications close: 11:59pm (AEST) April 6th
Submit your application to: info@swelteringcities.org
Sweltering Cities celebrates the benefits of a diverse and inclusive workplace. We encourage applications from women (cis and trans), Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, sexuality and gender diverse people, people with disabilities and people from diverse cultural backgrounds.
For a confidential discussion about the position with our Executive Director or a Board member, email info@swelteringcities.org with your questions or request.