About us

Invertebrates make up 95% of Australia’s known animal diversity. They play a vital role in ecosystems and support resilient natural environments, yet there is a knowledge gap in our understanding and accounting for invertebrates, which puts at risk our stewardship of nature.

Invertebrates Australia is a national, member-based, not-for-profit company limited by guarantee, that brings together a holistic science- and evidence-based approach to address the common issues facing Australian invertebrates. Invertebrates Australia works with its extensive network of experts and partners with existing scientific societies and other environmental charities to facilitate, conduct and promote scientific research and conservation activities to inspire engagement, interpret solutions and influence conservation action.

About the role

This is a pivotal role supporting the governance of the organisation. You will work closely with the Chair and play a key role in advising the Board of Directors on governance issues. You will provide secretarial and administrative support to the Board to ensure the smooth operation of Board meetings and that outstanding actions are accurately recorded in the company’s management systems.

Key responsibilities

• Provide secretariat services to the board, including recording, maintaining, and distributing the minutes of all Board meetings.
• Provide support to the Chair, Board of Directors and Managing Director on corporate governance matters.
• Monitor and report on compliance with statutory obligations, including with the ACNC, in accordance with the Corporations Act.
• Work with the Chair to facilitate the administration of the board agenda, ensuring papers and briefs are submitted as required and that board minutes are drafted in an accurate and timely manner.
• Oversee the management of the Conflicts of Interest Register and ensure compliance with the Invertebrates Australia Constitution and other governance charters.
• Work with the Business Manager to review and maintain the company’s compliance framework.
• Present the company’s policies and procedures to the Board for annual review.
• Work with the Chair to set the agenda for the AGM and any EGMs; notify members of same; and record, maintain, and distribute the minutes of same.
• Maintain the Register of Members.
• Any other services the Chair or Board may require.

Essential skills and qualifications

• Legal, accounting or governance qualifications and/or experience that can support engagement as a Company Secretary.
• Understanding of corporate governance principles.
• Extremely well organised, thorough, with attention to detail, and timely in the response to requests and the delivery of tasks.
• Sound written and verbal communication skills with the ability to prepare briefs and written correspondence.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build relationships with philanthropists, industry partners, academics and researchers.

Benefits

• This role is presented as an opportunity to contribute to an organisation at the cutting-edge of biodiversity conservation, essential for positive environmental outcomes for Australia.
• You will work with a diverse and enthusiastic skills-based board which is setting a culture in the organisation of collegial respect and ambitious engagement.
• As with the Board of Directors, the Company Secretary role is voluntary.

Click "Apply now" to submit your application.

If you are seeking further information about this opportunity, please contact the Invertebrates Australia Chair, Dr Robert Burdock on 0405 719 404, or by email at [email protected] using the subject line: Company Secretary (Voluntary) - Remote / Work from Home enquiry via EthicalJobs.

Invertebrates Australia is committed to supporting diversity and inclusion. We welcome all applications regardless of gender, race, physical ability, age, sexual orientation, religious affiliation (or not), or cultural identity/background. We recognise that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islands people are the traditional custodians of the lands and waters of Australia and encourage first nations people to apply.

Please note we will be reviewing applications as they arrive.