Migrant Justice Institute is a national research, policy and advocacy organisation. We are dedicated to stopping exploitation of migrant workers and holding business to account for modern slavery. Our research shapes government policy and directly led to the introduction of world-first immigration reforms that enable migrants to safely address exploitation, and establishment of new migrant legal services. We closely collaborate with migrant communities, civil society organisations and trade unions to amplify migrants’ voices and mobilise for change. 

Led by law professors at UTS and UNSW, we are a small independent non-profit organisation with DGR-1 status. We have offices in the UNSW Faculty of Law & Justice in Sydney and David Gonski AC chairs our Board. We have a small talented and passionate team of approximately 5 staff members (including some part-time) and interns, and long-term external bookkeepers who manage our payroll and HR functions. 

The Operations Manager oversees MJI’s governance, finance, HR, and operational functions to ensure the organisation can deliver its mission with maximum impact. Given our lean structure, tasks are sporadic and typically arise at intervals, ensuring that the workload is manageable within the allocated hours. This role provides flexibility and is ideal for someone seeking a part-time opportunity to use their extensive administrative/operations coordination and/or management expertise to contribute to meaningful social change.

Key responsibilities include oversight of finances and budget, engagement with staff and providers, internal risk management, grant management, CRM management, regulatory compliance, and supporting the organisation’s governance functions, including preparing Board papers. It may include supporting fundraising, grant-writing, communications and project impact evaluation. Given our small size, the Operations Manager also makes bookings, orders supplies and takes care of other ad hoc tasks to keep the organisation running smoothly.

You will work with our excellent external bookkeepers who manage payroll, bookkeeping, and some HR functions, as well as our reliable external IT support provider. We have an established CRM system (HubSpot), well-established organisational policies and processes, and a clear strategic direction for our work and impact in the coming years. The Operations Manager will play a key role in ensuring these systems continue to operate effectively while also identifying and implementing potential improvements.

Our organisation operates efficiently with minimal daily operational demands. We manage 2 to 3 long-term grants at any given time, with the majority of our budget allocated to salaries and long-term contractors. While we collaborate with various allies and government and business stakeholders, we do not have direct clients or provide fee-for-service work. Our Board is small and efficient, with strong processes in place for budget management, financial reporting, annual audits, and compliance. We embrace the responsible use of AI to enhance our operations. 

• 5+ years’ experience in operations coordination/management including demonstrated effective oversight of systems and processes to enable a small organisation to thrive;
• Highly competent all-rounder with impeccable attention to detail who can be consistently relied on to get things done well;
• Capacity to oversee governance, compliance and reporting responsibilities of a small charitable organisation with DGR-1 status;
• Demonstrated strong financial capabilities, including capacity to effectively update and manage organisation-level budgets, financial reporting, management and payment of suppliers, and support an external auditor;
• Demonstrated capacity to effectively manage junior staff and external providers;
• Strong digital skills, including capacity to manage a CRM system (Hubspot) and stakeholder EDMs;
• Creative and resourceful, capable of identifying cost-effective solutions to achieve objectives;
• Flexible, enjoys juggling diverse responsibilities, and not afraid to muck in or change plans as needed;
• Desirable – enthusiasm for responsible use of AI to create efficiencies and stronger outcomes

Please apply through the Ethical Jobs website or direct to [email protected].

The position will remain open until filled although we will start reviewing applications and shortlisting from the 22nd July. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible!

The Migrant Justice Institute is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive workforce and particularly encourage candidates from migrant backgrounds to apply for this role.

For further information about the Migrant Justice Institute, see https://www.migrantjustice.org.

For further information about this position, email Laurie Berg, Co-Executive Director, at [email protected] using the subject line: Operations Manager enquiry via EthicalJobs.