Executive Officer

Executive Officer
Australian Research Data Commons (ARDC)

Location: Melbourne

Employment Type: 2 year fixed-term contract

Salary: $106,789 - $117,128 per year + 17% superannuation

Reports to: Chief of Staff

About the ARDC

The Australian Research Data Commons (ARDC) is Australia's leading research data infrastructure, funded by the Australian Commonwealth Government through the National Collaborative Research Infrastructure Strategy (NCRIS). We partner with the research community and industry to build leading-edge digital research infrastructure, providing Australian researchers with competitive advantage through data.

At the ARDC, we're accelerating Australian research and innovation by driving excellence in the creation, analysis and retention of high-quality data assets. We're committed to diversity, equity and inclusion, fostering an organisational culture that values individual differences and treats all people with respect, dignity and equity.

Our organisational values guide everything we do: Ambition, Focus, Collaboration, Flexibility, Transparency.

The Opportunity

We're seeking an experienced Executive Officer to provide high-level administrative and executive support to the CEO and Deputy CEO of the ARDC. This is a unique opportunity to work at the heart of an organisation shaping the future of Australian research infrastructure.

This role offers genuine autonomy, variety and impact - from managing intricate executive schedules and travel arrangements to supporting Board governance and building relationships with influential stakeholders across the research and innovation sector.

If you thrive in a dynamic, mission-driven environment where exceptional organisational skills meet strategic thinking, this role will challenge and reward you.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide comprehensive executive support including complex diary management, travel coordination, expense processing and correspondence for the CEO and Deputy CEO.
• Deliver administrative support to the ARDC Board of Directors, including meeting preparation, travel coordination, venue arrangements and governance compliance.
• Coordinate meetings for Senior Leadership and Management Teams, preparing materials, managing logistics and taking minutes as required.
• Act as primary liaison for internal and external stakeholders, managing enquiries professionally while maintaining confidentiality and building key relationships.
• Develop and maintain effective administrative systems and practices, ensuring compliance with organisational policies and driving continuous improvement.

Please see the Position Description ) for further detail.

What We're Looking For

Education and Experience:

• A degree with subsequent relevant experience; or
• Extensive experience and specialist expertise in executive administrative support; or
• An equivalent combination of relevant experience and/or education/training.

Knowledge and Skills:

• Demonstrated experience providing high-level executive administrative support in a complex organisational environment, preferably within higher education, technology or government sectors.
• Exceptional organisational and time management skills with proven ability to manage multiple priorities, work to tight deadlines and coordinate complex schedules effectively.
• Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills including the ability to interact professionally with diverse stakeholders, maintain confidentiality, and represent the organisation with discretion.
• Advanced proficiency in digital technology and administrative systems including generative AI (e.g. Claude/Copilot), Google Workspace, Microsoft Office Suite, travel booking platforms, financial management tools and CRM systems.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy in all administrative tasks including financial reconciliation, document preparation and meeting coordination.
• Proven ability to work independently with minimal supervision while exercising sound judgment and initiative in responding to changing organisational needs.
• Experience in Board and/or Committee administration and governance processes including meeting coordination, document management and stakeholder communication, preferably within tertiary or research organisations.
• Understanding of tertiary education and/or research environments, with knowledge of digital research infrastructure, data management and/or cybersecurity highly desirable.

Why Join the ARDC?

• Make a real impact supporting Australia's digital research infrastructure.
• Work closely with senior leadership in a collaborative, values-driven organisation.
• High degree of autonomy in a varied, engaging role.
• Commitment to flexibility and work-life balance.

Ready to Support ARDC Leadership?

If you're passionate about delivering exceptional executive support and want to contribute to Australia's research landscape, we want to hear from you.

Applications must include:

• Cover letter addressing the key selection criteria (maximum 2 pages)
• Current resume

The ARDC is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity. We encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disabilities, and those from culturally diverse backgrounds.

On offer is a two year fixed-term contract with a competitive remuneration package depending on the successful candidate's skills and experience. This role is based in Melbourne, with the option to work from home and in our University of Melbourne/Monash University offices.

To find out more, see the full Position Description ) or contact Emma Crott, Chief of Staff, via email at

Applications close on Tuesday 28 October 2025, 11:59 pm AEDT.

No agencies please.

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