• Partner with the CEO to turn strategy into action and keep priorities moving
• Lead projects, contracts, research and reporting in a fast-paced environment
• Drive performance through strong execution, insight and follow-through

Your Impact

Working across the organisation, you’ll operate as a trusted partner to the CEO in a fast-paced environment where responsiveness, judgement and execution matter.

As Executive Officer – Projects, Research & Policy, you will drive organisational follow-through across projects, contracts, research, governance reporting and strategic initiatives. You’ll bring structure to complexity, and turn strategic priorities into action.

The Role

Reporting to the CEO, you will:

• Manage contracts, grants and associated reporting requirements
• Coordinate projects and drive implementation of strategic priorities
• Undertake research and prepare executive briefings and recommendations
• Develop reporting and systems that support organisational performance
• Track risks, actions and organisational commitments to ensure follow-through
• Liaise internally and externally on behalf of the CEO
• Take ownership of delegated initiatives within approved authority

Success in this role requires someone who can think strategically while operating with strong attention to detail and disciplined execution.

The Organisation

Community Early Learning Australia (CELA) is a national not-for-profit peak body representing and supporting Australia’s early childhood education and care sector.

For almost 50 years, CELA has worked to strengthen quality early learning through advocacy, professional learning, research and member support. CELA amplifies the voices of community-based and small providers and supports more than 1,800 member organisations employing over 27,000 educators and teachers nationally.

To learn more about CELA visit the website: https://www.cela.org.au/ 

What You Bring

You bring a combination of strategic thinking, project discipline and strong judgement, alongside:

• Experience in complex or high-compliance environments
• Strong research, analysis and executive briefing capability
• Contract management experience
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to manage competing priorities and navigate ambiguity
• Strong stakeholder engagement and influencing capability
• Tertiary qualifications in Public Policy or a related field

You thrive in fast-moving environments, remain calm under pressure and consistently deliver high-quality outcomes.

Questions?

Please review the advertisement thoroughly, and if indicated above, the client website. If you have questions that are not covered there, please email [email protected] using the subject line: Executive Officer, Projects, Research & Policy - Community Early Learning Australia enquiry via EthicalJobs with the specific questions and we’ll respond as soon as we can.

How to Apply

Please click "Apply Now" and send your CV and cover letter addressing the “What You Bring” section of the advertisement. We’ll be in touch as soon as possible to let you know the status of your application.

Closing Date

Recruitment will commence as soon as suitable applications are received, and the role may close once sufficient suitable applications are collected. Please apply as soon as possible.

As we are retained to recruit this role, all third-party and indirect applications will be forwarded to Social Impact Careers.