Optometry Australia is the peak professional membership body for Australian optometrists. The organisation represents around 85% of all registered optometrists. Optometry Australia is the national body of a Federated group of five state membership organisations, each organisation being members of Optometry Australia and each, having optometrists as their members.

Optometry Australia supports the state organisations through the provision of core member services and benefits. Our organisation offers a flexible work environment.

KEY RESULTS AREA

The Strategic Project Officer’s primary role is to support the delivery of strategic projects and activities that advance the profession of optometry.

KEY RESULTS AREAS

Project Management

This role is focused on supporting the implementation of strategic projects, primarily through providing secretariat support to project advisory groups, including scheduling meetings, preparing agendas, and documenting meeting minutes. The role is also expected to contribute to the development of project plans and other resources, and to support communication of these to internal and external stakeholders.

At the outset, this role will focus on further development of Optometry Australia’s Advanced Practice Recognition project, but the role may also support other strategic projects as required, at the discretion of the Director, Optometry Advancement.

Special Projects

The role may also be called upon to assist with and/or coordinate other projects or activities, specifically those related to pursuing the vision articulated for optometry through Optometry Australia’s Optometry 2040 project.

The role may also be required to undertake other reasonable duties, as required from time to time and requested by the CEO or Policy and Advocacy Manager.

Health and Safety

This role is expected to contribute to a safe and healthy working environment as it relates to all staff. Continued awareness of work surroundings to ensure safe practices will be continually maintained including an awareness of Evacuation and First Aid policies and procedures.

Staff health and welfare are paramount to Optometry Australia with adverse causes of stress to be identified early where possible and discussed with the CEO and/or the OH&S Committee for planning of required solutions.

Member Engagement

Optometry Australia provides essential professional support in areas ranging from ethical advice to professional practice issues, business marketing and political representation, and offers a wide range of resources, publications, marketing materials and discount programs. Within a changing optometry sector active member engagement is paramount across all roles.

Each staff member of Optometry Australia is responsible for identifying and implementing opportunities to increase member awareness and understanding of what we do, and effective representation of the Organisation’s professional reputation along agreed lines.

VALUES

Embrace and work within, Optometry Australia’s FIRST values:

Forward Thinking

We are at the forefront of change, and we accept that change never stops. We are excited about the future and the role we play in growing the optometry sector and advancing eye health care. Our approach means that we are always learning and adapting as we find new ways to collaborate, listen and communicate.

Integrity and Respect

We conduct our business according to the highest professional and ethical standards and practices. Fairness, honesty, openness, and trustworthiness are at the heart of all we do. We value diversity and treat everyone with respect and dignity. As industry leaders, we do not take our role for granted and understand that we are judged by how we act.

Responsive and Accountable

We are committed to engaging with our stakeholders in a timely, proactive and accurate manner. We recognise that positive, long-term relationships result from being responsive, relevant and accountable.

Strategic Vision

Our plans are visionary, designed to achieve our individual and sector goals. We work with intent and build on our strengths to realise our strategic vision. We do not work alone; respecting the opinions of others and the power of a united voice.

Teamwork

We value, support and listen to each other. Our positive energy creates a dynamic workplace that inspires innovation, friendship and mutual respect.

KEY SKILLS & COMPETENCIES REQUIRED

• Demonstrated project delivery expertise in the health care sector is preferred
• Strong project planning and management skills
• Strong stakeholder engagement skills
• Sound desktop research capabilities
• Sound verbal and written communication skills
• Sound computer literacy skills
• Ability to manage multiple competing priorities
• Ability to work both collaboratively and independently as required

Be yourself, express yourself:

We are committed to creating a safe and inclusive work environment for all. We strive to represent the communities we serve and recognise the skills, knowledge and experience a diverse team brings to our organisation. We strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and other diverse groups.