Business and Operations Manager

Location: Alice Springs

Term of Position: 0.8FTE fixed term till June 2013 with initial 3 month probation period

Remuneration: $55 000 - $60 000 depending on experience, skills and qualifications, plus 9% superannuation + holiday leave loading.

Relocation assistance will be negotiated with the successful candidate.

Position Objective

The establishment and management of ALEC's operational systems to assist in the delivery of ALEC programs and projects.

OVERVIEW

About Arid Lands Environment Centre (ALEC)

The Arid Lands Environment Centre is an incorporated association of 250 members with a shared vision: “Healthy futures for arid lands and people”.

Based in Alice Springs, ALEC celebrated its 30th Birthday in 2010. ALEC's Mission is to:

• Provide leadership and inspiration in achieving sustainability in the arid lands.
• Maintain and enhance the biodiversity of Australia‟s arid ecosystems.
• Connect people with the environment through education, information, involvement and action.

• Provide strong independent and representative voice on environmental issues.
• Be an ethical, innovative and sustainable organization

As an employer, ALEC's contracts follow the Environment Victoria Workplace Agreement. The working environment is professional and has a strong team spirit. ALEC leases a building that provides a community hub for ALEC, DesertSMART COOLmob, Beyond Nuclear Initiative, Live & Learn Environmental Education, Birth & Beyond Parent Resource Centre; and Medicine Tree NT.

ALEC coined the term 'DesertSMART' in 2005 to describe sensible urban sustainability actions in arid towns. ALEC hosts the highly successful DesertSMART COOLmob program encompassing 750 member households in Alice Springs, and hosts the annual DesertSMART EcoFair.

ALEC is also establishing a Community Garden Network in Alice Springs, advocates on natural resource management issues including biodiversity conservation, mining, water conservation and land-use.

Business and Operations Manager

1. The Business and Operations Manager is responsible to the ALEC Coordinator for the establishment and management of ALEC's operational systems. The Business and Operations Manager will collaborate with the ALEC Coordinator to build ALEC's organisational effectiveness and capacity. The Business and Operations Manager is also expected to collaborate with other Managers and where appropriate contribute to the effective management and delivery of ALEC programs, projects and campaigns.

Responsibilities

2. Assist the ALEC Coordinator all aspects of the day to day management of the ALEC including management and delivery of programs and projects, collaboration with and management of staff, financial management and general office administration;
3. Work with the Coordinator and Managers to establish appropriate administrative systems for the effective delivery of all ALEC programs and projects including but not limited to DesertSMART COOLmob, Desert Smart Water, Beyond Nuclear Initiative and the Community Gardens Project
4. Manage ALEC's financial management and bookkeeping system and work with the bookkeeper to ensure:

• Payment of wages and invoices,
• Maintenance of program and project budgets (including production of monthly reports),
• The Treasurer and ALEC Finance Committee receive appropriate reports

5. Review ALEC's Human Resources policies and procedures and manage ALEC's human resource management systems including recruitment and selection, contracts of employment, occupational health and safety and anti- discrimination.
6. Work with and assist the ALEC Coordinator in the development of the ALEC strategic plan and operational plan;
7. Manage the ALEC building and ensure compliance with relevant building and occupational health and safety requirements and in collaboration with the COOLmob Manager ensure that best practice is adopted around energy, water use and waste efficiency systems in the building;
8. Ensure the day to day management of the ALEC building including the provision of office supplies, office cleaning and maintenance, office security and access systems, booking systems and tenant enquiries and services;
9. Ensure compliance with contracts and that reporting requirements of the Associations Act are met;
10. Assist the Coordinator and other staff with grant applications and other measures to ensure ALEC's financial viability including the identification new grants and other funding sources;
11. Carry out other duties that are within the broad scope of the position as directed by the ALEC Coordinator.

Reports to: ALEC Coordinator

IDEAL CANDIDATE ATTRIBUTES

Work Organisation:

• Self-motivated
• Highly confident with good oral and written communication skills
• Enthusiastic about passing on knowledge to others
• Efficient and well-organised
• Punctual and well-presented

Work Knowledge:

• Qualifications in business administration, human resources or relevant area
• Formulation and implementation of organisational policies and procedures
• Understanding of financial management - creating and adhering to budgets
• Computer competency - Word, Excel and MYOB (desirable)

Work Experience:

• Experience in administration, financial management, organisational development and human resources.

Team Member:

• A willing, inclusive and respectful team member able to work efficiently in a team and also independently

• Is able to develop professional relationships within the workplace

Communication:

• An excellent standard of oral and written communication skills
• Able to adjust personal style to meet receivers needs

Interpersonal:

• Is able to develop immediate relationships of trust and confidence with staff and clients.
• Able to develop good partnerships

SELECTION CRITERIA

Applicants should specifically address the following criteria:

Essential

1. Confident and engaging with good oral and written communication skills
2. Efficient and well-organised
3. Punctual and well presented
4. Demonstrated experience in administration, financial management, organisational policy development and human resources.
5. Enthusiastic and demonstrated ability to work as part of a team
6. Drivers licence
7. Computer competent - Microsoft Office.

Desirable

1. Tertiary qualification in business administration, human resources or relevant area
2. Experience working with community based organisations
3. Experience with MYOB software and financial accounting