Leadership Programs Director (Social Impact)

About the role

The Leadership Programs Director will shape and deliver WELA’s flagship programmes that empower women and gender‑diverse changemakers across Australia’s climate and environmental sectors. Reporting to the CEO and working closely with the Communications & Engagement Director, you will drive strategic growth, nurture a high‑performing team, and deepen partnerships that amplify feminist leadership for climate action.

Key responsibilities

• Define and execute the strategic roadmap for national leadership programmes, intensives, and place‑based initiatives.
• Lead, coach and develop a multidisciplinary team, fostering collaboration and high performance.
• Analyse programme data and cohort feedback to continuously improve curriculum, delivery models and impact measurement.
• Strengthen ecosystem partnerships with funders, NGOs, academic institutions and industry experts.
• Support organisational decision‑making, operating rhythms and growth planning alongside senior leadership.
• Represent WELA at events, advocacy forums and thought‑leadership platforms.

Required profile

• Proven experience designing and managing leadership or capacity‑building programmes, preferably in the social‑impact or environmental sector.
• Strong strategic thinking with a track record of scaling programmes and managing stakeholder relationships.
• Demonstrated commitment to feminist leadership, climate justice and gender equity.
• Excellent communication, facilitation and team‑development skills.

Required skills

What we offer

• Opportunity to influence national climate leadership and gender equity.
• Collaborative, mission‑driven work environment.
• Professional development and networking with leading environmental organisations.