Executive Assistant & Operations Manager (Canberra) – 13‑Month Contract

Australasian Society of Association Executives; Canberra; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

The Australasian Railway Association (ARA) is seeking an Executive Assistant & Operations Manager for a Canberra-based, 13-month maternity leave contract from mid-November 2026 to end December 2027. You will support the CEO, COO and Chair while coordinating daily office operations.

This role combines high-level administrative duties with leadership of an Administration Officer and engagement with internal teams and external stakeholders.

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 discretion with confidential information.
• Ability to coordinate office operations and administration.
• Experience with stakeholder engagement and relationship management.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, SharePoint and CRM systems.

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 and key activities.
• Help manage executive communications, documentation, actions and internal follow-through.
• Oversee office management and administration to support a professional workplace.
• Manage and support the Administration Officer to ensure strong administrative support.
• Coordinate general office operations, enquiries, supplies, mail-outs, travel and practical team support.
• Support internal systems and IT coordination, including liaising with external providers and maintaining the IT asset register.
• Build strong working relationships across the team and with external stakeholders, members, suppliers and industry contacts.
• Support the Chair with scheduling, travel coordination and administrative requirements as needed.

Skills

Executive support

Diary management

Meeting coordination

Stakeholder engagement

Office coordination

CRM systems

SharePoint

Microsoft Office

Tools

CRM systems

SharePoint

Microsoft Office

Job description

The Australasian Railway Association (ARA) is seeking an Executive Assistant & Operations Manager for a Canberra-based, 13-month maternity leave contract from mid-November 2026 to end December 2027. You will support the CEO, COO and Chair while coordinating daily office operations.

This role combines high-level administrative duties with leadership of an Administration Officer and engagement with internal teams and external stakeholders.