Corporate Governance and Sustainability Manager

• Minimum 6-month contract position, starting in October 2025
• Based on Gadigal Country in our National Office in Glebe, Sydney
• Salary package up to $15,900 per year

Our Organisation

The Benevolent Society's vision is to build a just society where all Australians can live their best life. For more than 200 years we have supported people at the margins of society: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians; children, young people, and their families; older people; carers and people with disability. We are an independent, non-religious service provider which supports people to live life their way.

As part of The Benevolent Society's vision, we are strongly committed to reconciliation with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people of Australia. We remain steadfast in our commitment to promoting the economic, political, and social inclusion of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

About the role

As a key member of our Governance team, this role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the strategic direction and ethical stewardship of The Benevolent Society.

Working closely with the Group General Counsel and Group Company Secretary, you will play a pivotal role in advancing our corporate governance agenda, ensuring our organisation remains resilient, transparent, and aligned with its mission to serve the community. This multifaceted position spans governance, secretariat support, sustainability initiatives and project coordination, making it ideal for a proactive professional who thrives in a purpose-driven environment.

What you get to do

• Drive Corporate and Board Governance Excellence - Support the implementation and optimisation of governance frameworks, ensure compliance with statutory obligations, maintain key governance documentation, and facilitate effective communication between the Board and stakeholders.
• Lead Secretariat and Board Support Functions - Manage Board and Committee programs, oversee governance cycles including the AGM, support Directors on governance matters, and prepare governance reports, minutes, and action lists.
• Champion Organisational Governance and Sustainability - Contribute to internal governance processes, lead ESG and human rights initiatives, prepare the Modern Slavery Statement, and provide insights on legal and policy reforms.
• Deliver Strategic Projects and Legal Initiatives - Advance social justice projects and support ad hoc governance, legal, and sustainability matters as directed by the Group General Counsel and Group Company Secretary.

Our Benefits

We support people to live their best life. That includes you, our employee. A 'best life' is unique to everyone and can change as life changes:

• Salary Benefits - You can package up to $15,900 pa of your pre-tax salary to pay for everyday expenses before income tax is calculated, meaning you take home even more pay
• Recognition and Reward - Sector competitive remuneration, various recognition programs and access to long service leave after 5 years.
• Wellness - Stay fit with a Fitness passport, utilise our Employee Assistance Program, and even purchase additional leave.
• Professional Development - We tailor career development opportunities to all employees and volunteers for career enrichment, fulfilment, and growth.
• Our Reconciliation Commitment – Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees are entitled up to 2 days paid plus up to 10 days unpaid cultural leave, as well as the option to be a voice on reference networking groups, the opportunity for cultural and professional development that supports career pathways and your social and emotional wellbeing.

Skills and Requirements

• Qualifications and Experience - Tertiary qualifications in law or company secretariat, with desirable credentials in human rights or a related field. Minimum two years of post-qualification experience.
• Governance and Legal Knowledge - Understanding of legislation, case law, legal processes, and governance frameworks, with a willingness to learn the diverse legal areas relevant to The Benevolent Society.
• Communication and Relationship Building - Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to build constructive relationships across internal and external stakeholders and provide sound, diplomatic advice.
• Analytical and Problem Solving Skills - Demonstrated research, analytical and decision-making capabilities, with a proactive and creative approach to identifying issues and implementing effective solutions.
• Professionalism and Time Management - Excellent personal organisation, attention to detail, confidentiality, and judgment, with the ability to multitask, prioritise, and deliver timely results in a collaborative environment.

If you identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples, then we want to hear from you. The Benevolent Society recognises and values cultural knowledge and wisdom of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, we therefore strongly encourage you to apply. We are strongly committed to being an Employer of Choice, one who offers, provides, and practices cultural safety in our workplace.

Interested? Apply online today

Contact Elaine Leong on for a friendly, confidential discussion.

• Internally the title for this role is Corporate Governance & Sustainability Officer

and Assistant Company Secretary

The Benevolent Society respects and promotes human rights and diversity. We are committed to building an inclusive culture where individuals from all backgrounds and identities are not only welcomed but valued. We pride ourselves on being a client safe and child safe organisation, which is why all staff and volunteers undergo comprehensive employment screening. We value relationships with local Aboriginal community and welcome applications from its members. To ensure you are best supported with your application if you have any specific needs requiring a reasonable adjustment, let us know what accommodations you require.