Executive Officer (Maternity Leave Cover) - Urgent Hiring - Part-Time

The Company

The University of Newcastle Research Associates Limited (TUNRA) is a subsidiary (Controlled Entity) of the University of Newcastle and represents an important part of the University’s overall strategy of leveraging capability and assets to create additional value for the University. 

TUNRA has a long history of service excellence and industry engagement, delivering a range of services to customers both in Australia and overseas. The strength of the TUNRA operating model has been in its ability to engage directly with industry and to provide research services that contribute further to the University’s research and innovation objectives.

The Role

TUNRA is seeking a professional and organised Executive Officer to join the team. This role is being offered as a 12 month contract position to cover a period of maternity leave. 

The Executive Officer will provide high level project and administrative support to the General Manager in a confidential environment that contributes to the efficient management of the office, including the successful implementation of projects, systems and procedures. Working within the corporate team the Executive Officer will work with the General Manager across a number of divisions to identify, develop and execute strategies aligned to each specific division. The role will work across a range of stakeholders, both within and external to the business, and will be involved in all aspects of the TUNRA business. The role will suit someone who is organised, motivated, and enjoys working with a range of people on operational, strategic and policy related business matters.  

Key Responsibilities for the role:

• Contribute to the development, periodic monitoring and successful implementation of the TUNRA Business Plan. 
• Identify, prepare briefings and reports, and effectively communicate complex issues that have the potential to have a significant impact on TUNRA’s business model and its alignment with the University’s strategic priorities.
• Build and develop relationships with key stakeholders and their support staff within and outside TUNRA, ensuring effective communication and collaboration.
• Provide secretarial support for meetings and committees, including preparation of agendas, minutes and actions arising, and coordinate the submission of reports from divisional units.
• Provide high level administrative and office management support including the organisation of meetings, appropriate records and information management.
• Support the planning, assessment, approval and implementation of new business projects in conjunction with identified subject matter experts on behalf of the General Manager.
• Provide advice in relation to policy, employment conditions, and required administrative processes.
• Management of policies and procedures across the business including leading the development of new policies and procedures where required. 
• Provide advice to the General Manager in relation to potential areas for improvement; and pro-actively implement process improvements to improve workflow and responsiveness.

Key Requirements for the role:

• Tertiary Qualifications with subsequent relevant experience; or extensive experience and specialist expertise or broad knowledge of strategic or administrative fields; or an equivalent combination of relevant experience and/or education/training. 
• Demonstrable capacity to deliver confidential and outstanding professional and project support in a complex environment whilst exercising judgement and discretion.
• A strong track record in successfully managing a range of competing projects and priorities, applying initiative and resolving complex issues. 
• Excellent written and oral communication skills with an awareness of the importance of relationship building and engaging professional interpersonal, influencing, negotiation and communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively and bring together people from different areas to participate in business initiatives.
• Demonstrable organisational, administrative, project management skills and outstanding attention to detail in a busy, complex and rapidly changing professional environment.
• Relevant systems knowledge and demonstrated high level computer skills including Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Visio), Adobe and MS Outlook (Mail and Calendar).
• Work and operate in a manner which supports the Health and Safety outcomes of our people and our business.

Applications are welcome from a wide range of backgrounds, and prior experience in a research-intensive organisation will be highly regarded. This 12 month contract position is part-time, with the intention being 3 days per week. Flexibility will be provided to the successful applicant to choose their preferred working days. Flexibility in work hours and work from home can be accommodated where the role allows. The salary package will be discussed with the successful candidate based on experience. 

Please include a cover letter with your resume addressing your interest in the role and how your experience relates to the position. Applications will close Sunday 16th June, and note that shortlisted candidates may be contacted before the closing date.  

All applications are treated with confidence. Please address all applications to Tim Donohue, General Manager, TUNRA.