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  1. Home
  2. About
  3. Join our team
  4. Executive Officer to the CEO
Join our team

Executive Officer to the CEO

Be a trusted partner to a busy CEO. Bring structure, judgement and influence to one of Australia's most recognised animal welfare organisations.

  • Canberra (Deakin), Full-time.
  • Work closely with the CEO and Board in a newly established, influential role.
  • Support the delivery of RSPCA Australia’s strategy to 2030.
  • Enjoy genuine autonomy, senior stakeholder engagement and meaningful work.
The Opportunity

Some executive support roles are about managing what’s in front of you. This one is about anticipating what’s coming next.

RSPCA Australia is seeking an accomplished Executive Officer to work alongside its CEO at an important point in the organisation’s evolution.

With a new strategy to 2030 and an evolving organisational structure, this newly established position offers the opportunity to shape how the CEO’s office operates, strengthen governance processes and help drive organisational priorities.

You’ll be a trusted partner to a busy CEO, protecting his time, managing competing demands and ensuring the right matters are progressed, resolved or escalated. You’ll bring structure to complexity, anticipate what's needed and help create the space for the CEO to focus on strategic leadership.

Your Responsibilities
  • Managing the CEO’s diary, executive commitments, correspondence and priorities.
  • Coordinating Board and Committee meetings, agendas, papers, minutes and governance activities.
  • Preparing high-quality executive briefings, reports and correspondence.
  • Building trusted relationships with Board members, senior executives and state and territory stakeholders.
  • Tracking decisions, coordinating strategic initiatives and ensuring actions are progressed.
  • Identifying opportunities to improve executive office processes and organisational effectiveness.

You’ll have exposure to senior decision-making across a national federation, with the autonomy to exercise judgement, influence outcomes and make a visible contribution.

This is an opportunity for someone who enjoys being the person who keeps things moving, sees the bigger picture and takes pride in enabling a senior executive to perform at their best.

 

What You'll Bring

You may currently be an Executive Officer, Senior Executive Assistant, Board Secretariat Manager or governance professional, with experience in government, a national peak body, not-for-profit or another complex organisation.

More important than your sector background is your ability to operate confidently and independently at this level.

You'll bring:

  • Proven experience supporting a CEO, senior executive or Board in a complex environment.
  • Strong governance and secretariat skills, including Board and Committee papers, minutes and action tracking.
  • Sound judgement and confidence to act on behalf of the CEO, engage senior stakeholders and recognise when to escalate.
  • Exceptional written communication skills, including executive correspondence and briefings.
  • Strong stakeholder management skills, with the diplomacy to influence and constructively challenge across a federated organisation.
  • Proactive, resilient and resourceful, with the ability to anticipate needs, balance competing priorities and bring a genuine commitment to RSPCA Australia's purpose and values.

What RSPCA Australia offers

  • A close working relationship with an approachable CEO who welcomes new ideas and better ways of working.
  • The opportunity to shape a newly created role, with genuine autonomy and Board-level exposure.
  • Meaningful work within a nationally recognised, purpose-driven organisation.
  • Flexible working arrangements, purchased leave and additional paid leave during the Christmas–New Year shutdown.
  • A 50% staff discount on selected Royal Canin pet food.
  • Access to free on-site and nearby parking.
  • The ability to retain frequent flyer points earned through work-related travel.

The position is based in Deakin, Canberra, with a regular office presence important to building a close and effective working relationship with the CEO, staying connected to organisational priorities and providing responsive, hands-on executive support. Some flexibility is available, recognising that effective working arrangements go both ways.

Occasional interstate travel and attendance at meetings outside standard business hours will also be required, with time off in lieu arrangements.

About RSPCA Australia

RSPCA Australia is the national voice for animal welfare, working to improve the lives of animals through science, advocacy, policy and collaboration.

As the national office of a federated organisation, it works closely with state and territory member societies, government, industry and other stakeholders to influence animal welfare standards and outcomes across Australia.

With approximately 50 employees nationally and a newly approved strategy to 2030, RSPCA Australia is focused on strengthening its effectiveness, sustainability and impact.

Interested?

For a confidential discussion, contact Jo Shapley, Director and Principal Consultant, Turning Stones Executive Search, on 0400 388 990, or email applications to [email protected].

Applications will be assessed as they are received, and suitable candidates may progress to interview before the advertising period concludes. Early applications are encouraged.

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