About us

Driven by a passion to solve the climate crisis, The Sunrise Project is a team of experienced change-makers with a mission to scale social movements to drive the global transition beyond fossil fuels. With affiliated programs and staff in the United States, Europe and Asia, we have developed a unique model of grant making and campaigning that supports networks of organisations to drive powerful change towards our mission.

We have a dynamic and nimble organisational culture. We’re serious about supporting our people to thrive as we tackle the urgent climate challenge. We believe that a diversity of experiences and perspectives will help us build stronger strategies, teams and movements. We take the broadest possible view of diversity and encourage First Nations people, people of colour, people living outside of cities, people living with disabilities, neurodiverse, and LGBTQIA+ people to apply. We are continually working on becoming a better workplace for everyone. Find out more here.

About the Program

Australia has all the resources it needs to be a renewable energy powerhouse. Yet, electricity generation from coal power still makes the single greatest contribution to our country’s overall domestic emissions.

Our goal is to harness the power of our globally-significant renewable resources to drive the transition beyond fossil fuels – and ensure it happens at the pace and scale required to solve the climate crisis.

We aim to ensure that this shift is fast and fair, with benefits flowing to those most affected by climate change and the energy transition.

The Australian Energy Transformation Team brings our resources – including strategy & analysis; coordination & convening; and strategic grantmaking – to support the diverse network of organisations working to transform and decarbonise Australia’s energy system.

About the Role

The Campaigner is responsible for developing and designing projects to drive the shift from coal to clean energy in a fair, fast, and sustainable way. The role develops campaign plans, tactics and rapid-response interventions to accelerate the transformation of our electricity grid, and provide enabling support to key allies and stakeholders to win stronger climate and energy policies.

The role convenes partners and collaborators, equipping them with the right level of up-to-date information about the state of play and the opportunities for the movement to change the game.

We support networks of organisations to work together to achieve outcomes that would not be possible by individual organisations acting alone. We expect all roles at Sunrise to actively support the capacity building of these networks and partner organisations.

About you

You’re a creative and strategic campainger with an unstoppable hunger for climate justice. You’ve got a track record of identifying, guiding and implementing effective change-making interventions. You know how to structure a series of tactics towards a shared goal that results in real-world outcomes.

Your brilliant people skills and organising skills build a strong culture of collaboration and continuous learning in groups that you work with. You’re constantly working to improve your understanding of how the decisions that shape our lives are really made, and how people who care can work together to change those decisions for the better. You care deeply about social justice, while understanding the value of building effective working relationships with people from all walks of life and points of view.

Key responsibilities

• Develop campaign strategies and plans to help Australia respond to the imperative of climate justice and transition away from polluting energies to renewable energy;

• Provide advice and support to advocates and community groups to help them run more effective campaigns;

• Provide communications and tactical support (media, digital, etc) to help community groups have a greater impact;

• Convene collaborations with stakeholders and partners, and provide organising support to nurture their impact and effectiveness;

• Contribute to the development of outreach strategies that enable community advocates to reach, activate and grow their audience;

• Conduct or coordinate relevant research, analysis and strategic scanning to inform campaigns;

• Align strategies and goals with Sunrise’s mission and Values

Required skills , knowledge and experience

• Previous experience working or volunteering in change-making or campaigning settings (including unpaid, grassroots or lived experience; or other relevant transferable skills and experience);

• Demonstrated ability to develop and articulate strategies and plans that support campaign goals and objectives;

• Excellent interpersonal, written and visual communications skills;

• Strong group work and facilitation skills;

• Ability to stay abreast of a rapidly shifting policy, technology, and business environment;

• A passion for taking action on climate change and a deep commitment to justice, equity, diversity and inclusion. Desirable skills, knowledge and experience

• Subject matter expertise on energy transformation is not required, but an understanding of the drivers for government and corporate decision makers to reduce emissions and increase renewable energy generation is an advantage

• Interest in and willingness to acquire skills and technical knowledge in energy transformation

Job requirements

• You will need full working rights for Australia. The Sunrise Project is unfortunately unable to sponsor applicants for employment visas.

• Employment background checks may be/are required.

• Attend local in person partner actions.

• Intermittent travel domestically, rurally and internationally with advanced notice may be required.

• COVID-19 vaccinations may apply in accordance with local legislation and/or Sunrise policy

How Sunrise supports its staff

The Sunrise Project. is committed to creating a workplace that supports our staff to do their best work and develop professionally. We have the following in place to help us achieve that, noting pro rata will apply for part time staff:

• Superannuation 12.5%

• Workspace Benefits incl: Macbook & accessories, initial $2,000 for home workspace and IT equipment + $800 every 2 years + up to $75/mth
  phone/data/internet.

• Birthday leave (if it’s your birthday, you get a day off)

• Solidarity and community leave 1 week p.a

• Cultural leave (floating public holidays)

• Gifted leave (over Christmas and New Year)

• Paid parental leave (subject to eligibility conditions)

• Access to an Employee Assistance Program

• Professional development (up to $2000 pa)

• Flexible work policy, including hybrid-remote working

• Coaching and management support with regular 1:1 meetings

• Performance reviews and feedback to support you and the team to reflect and grow

• Co-developed initial 3-6 month work plan to support your onboarding

How to apply for this job

We recognize that racism, sexism, ableism, homophobia, classism and other forms of discrimination creates structural barriers that impact opportunities to formal education and experience. When assessing candidates we look at more than the jobs you've been paid to do but the range of ways you've picked up skills and knowledge throughout your life. This is why we assess candidates on how well they respond to application questions and don’t require a cover letter.