Executive Assistant & Operations Lead — 13-Month Contract

Elaine Woolstencroft; Canberra; On-site; AUD 95,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Australasian Railway Association (ARA) in Canberra is seeking an Executive Assistant & Operations Manager for a 13-month maternity leave contract (mid‑November 2026 – end December 2027). You will provide high‑level support to the CEO, COO and Chair while overseeing office operations.

This Canberra‑based role involves diary management, meeting coordination, stakeholder liaison and leading a small administration team to ensure smooth daily operations and a welcoming workplace.

Qualifications

• Experience providing executive support to senior leaders.
• Strong diary, meeting and workflow management skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• High attention to detail, accuracy and follow-through.
• Ability to manage confidential information with discretion.
• Experience supporting office operations and administration.
• Proactive, flexible and team‑oriented approach.

Responsibilities

• Provide proactive executive support to the CEO and COO, including diary management, meeting coordination, correspondence, travel bookings and workflow support.
• Act as a key coordination point for requests to the CEO, helping triage priorities and manage follow-up.
• Ensure the CEO is well prepared for meetings, commitments and key activities.
• Help manage executive communications, documentation and internal follow-through.
• Oversee office management and administration to support a professional and welcoming workplace.
• Coordinate general office operations, enquiries, supplies and team support.
• Support internal systems and IT coordination, liaising with external providers and maintaining the IT asset register.
• Build strong working relationships across the team and external stakeholders.

Skills

Executive support

Diary management

Meeting coordination

Communication skills

Confidentiality

Office operations

Stakeholder engagement

Tools

Microsoft Office

SharePoint

CRM systems

Job description

Australasian Railway Association (ARA) in Canberra is seeking an Executive Assistant & Operations Manager for a 13-month maternity leave contract (mid‑November 2026 – end December 2027). You will provide high‑level support to the CEO, COO and Chair while overseeing office operations.

This Canberra‑based role involves diary management, meeting coordination, stakeholder liaison and leading a small administration team to ensure smooth daily operations and a welcoming workplace.