Executive Officer

The AVA is the peak professional organisation representing veterinary professionals and veterinary students across Australia. For over 100 years, we've been the united voice of the veterinary profession—safeguarding animal health and welfare and building a vibrant future for veterinary professionals.

Our national office is located in St. Leonards Sydney. For the right candidate, remote work will be considered.

Our members are experts in animal health and welfare and one of Australia's most trusted and respected professions. Our organisation promotes and leads scientific progress and outcomes in the field of Veterinary Science.

AVA's special Interest Groups (SIG) are categories of membership within the AVA that are aligned to a species (Small Animal, Cattle, Equine, Pigs, Poultry, etc.) or veterinary science activity (Behaviour, Dentistry, Welfare and Ethic, etc.).

We are seeking a part-time Executive Officer, Special Interest Groups to join our team for a January 2026 start on a job share temporary basis for 12 months with a possibility of an extension. This role is responsible for supporting AVA members and their SIG Committees. Drive and contribute to membership growth, retention and engagement, advocacy, and continuing professional development for their SIG through development and implementation of initiatives to meet strategic objectives of the AVA.

Occasional travel and outside of hours work may be required as part of this role.

Key responsibilities:

• Develop and implement annual SIG membership plans
• Membership coordination, including the promotion of member benefits & maintaining up-to-date records in our CRM.

• Coordination and implementation of timely and relevant communication to members of the groups and committee around events, meetings and membership plans.

• Coordinate a program of social and member functions to drive member engagement and increase memberships.

• Stimulate and coordinate member participation in organisation of activities to build depth of commitment and engagement with the AVA.
• Assist in the development of advocacy plans and submissions though maintaining relationships with key stakeholders and member subject matter expertise.
• Continuing professional development (CPD) management; inclusive of annual conference planning and participation, webinars and other educational activities.
• Governance and financial management looking after financial event and membership activities and preparation of reporting. Identify alternative sources of funding including grants, and sponsorships.

• Tertiary qualifications in business, management, marketing, veterinary science or a related field
• At least 3 years' experience in a committee governance/EO role
• Strong interpersonal, presentation, and communication skills
• Experience in planning and implementing member/customer marketing strategies.
• Demonstrated ability to build, manage and achieve budgets
• Ability to effectively engage with many stakeholders including members and industry.
• Experienced in, and capable of, providing a high level of executive support.
• Demonstrated ability to influence Committees and Groups

• Flexible hybrid working conditions including work from home
• Collaborative, fun and supportive team
• Ongoing training

Visit our website for more information on the AVA.

This is an opportunity to take your passion for education, events and administration, in a values-based organisation that supports one of Australia's most trusted professions. You'll become part of the AVA family, working in a friendly and positive employee culture and team environment.

If you are confident that your skills and experience satisfy the above criteria and you are interested in working for a highly respected organisation, please apply by submitting your resume, a covering letter addressing your suitability and the criteria outlined in the advertisement. Applicants must be an Australian Citizen, Permanent Resident or hold a valid work permit or visa with full unrestricted working rights. Work eligibility will be checked as part of the recruitment process

Please note that only candidates successful in gaining an interview will be contacted.

For more information, please contact Ian McDonald, National Manager Special Interest Groups on  (no recruiters please).