(3 Days Left) Director of Governance and Operations

Overview

WHO WE ARE

The Australian Indigenous Governance Institute (AIGI) is an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisation recognised for its Indigenous governance leadership, knowledge, and excellence. We connect Indigenous peoples, organisations and communities with tools, resources, and networks to achieve self-determination through strong self-governance.

AIGI’s headquarters are located at the Brisbane Technology Park in Eight Mile Plains, Queensland, with staff working remotely in various Australian states and territories. AIGI is governed by an all-Indigenous Board of Directors. Our current strategic plan was launched in 2025 and will complete its cycle in 2028 with a strong focus on Indigenous Governance Leadership and Success, Indigenous knowledge and wisdom, and Sustainability.

To find out more about our organisation, visit our website www.aigi.org.au.

The Opportunity

The Director of Governance and Operations will collaborate with the CEO and executive leadership team to lead AIGI. This is a parental leave cover of 12 months with possibility of extension, commencing as early as late October 2025.

This role is focused on providing advice and guidance to the management team to ensure that the organisation has the policies, processes, workforce, resources and culture to achieve its goals. This position may deputise for the CEO when required.

The Director of Governance and Operations will work closely with the CEO designing and executing operational plans, policies and procedures to align with the organisation’s strategic growth and annual priorities. The position will also play a key role in supporting the governance of the organisation, including through supporting administration of the Board and Sub-committees.

- Provide strategic advice on legal, risk, and compliance obligations to the CEO and Board.
- Support the development and delivery of the Annual Business Plan and other external reporting.
- Undertake company secretariat duties for the Board and its sub-committees, including preparing papers and minutes.
- Oversee day-to-day operations and organisational development in collaboration with the executive team.
- Manage and foster a positive workplace culture, ensuring compliance with all Workplace Health and Safety (WHS) requirements.
- Ensure compliance with all funding agreements and oversee partnerships, consultancies, and outsourced services.
- Maintain effective operational systems, including data management and external business support services like HR, legal, and IT.
- Engage with external legal counsel on behalf of AIGI when required, under the direction of the CEO.

What you need to succeed

To be successful in this role, you ideally have:

- Demonstrated ability to work closely with Indigenous organisations, communities and individuals in culturally appropriate ways, including an ability to communicate effectively and sensitively with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
- Proven experience providing secretariat and administrative support to a Board, including preparing papers, reports, and managing risk registers.
- Ability to develop, lead, and implement strategic and operational plans that align with organisational goals.
- Capacity to design, improve, and oversee key systems like quality assurance, business continuity, and process optimisation.
- Expertise in managing legal, financial, reputational, and cultural risks, as well as ensuring compliance with funding and contract requirements.
- Proven ability to work and communicate effectively with a wide range of stakeholders, including Indigenous communities, Elders, funders, and government agencies.
- Excellent written and analytical skills for reporting and presenting to Boards, funders, and other key stakeholders.
- Demonstrated high-level leadership, financial, and people management skills, with the ability to manage competing demands and deadlines.
- Knowledge of corporate and not-for-profit governance, including the ability to apply Indigenous governance principles is preferred but not essential.
- Experience leading human resources functions such as workforce planning, recruitment, and staff wellbeing is preferred but not essential.
- Ability to align and manage technology systems to support operational needs is preferred but not essential.
- Experience with in-house legal support, including contract review, negotiation, and management is preferred but not essential.
- Ability to lead impact evaluation and reporting for program improvement is preferred but not essential.

Who you are

You are a highly skilled and strategic professional with a strong understanding of corporate and not-for-profit governance frameworks. You have a proven ability to lead and support an organisation's operations, ensuring compliance and managing risk effectively.

You are a people-focused leader who excels at building an efficient, positive, and inclusive workplace culture. You enjoy working closely with a Board, senior leadership, and various stakeholders, using your exceptional communication and analytical skills to provide expert advice and support. You are adept at managing multiple priorities and ensuring all legal, contractual, and operational systems are robust and aligned with the organisation's strategic goals.

How to apply

We ask that you provide a cover letter addressing the selection criteria including your skills, experience and qualifications (maximum 2 pages) as well as your resume with your application. Should you have any questions, or need support in preparing these, please contact Poppy Whale at pwhale@partale.com.au.

AIGI is committed to achieving diversity and we strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people.

AIGI acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognise their continuing connection to land, waters and culture. We pay our respects to their Elders, past present and emerging. This job advertisement comes from Gadigal Country.

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