Executive Office Lead, Operations & Governance

Housing Australia; Sydney; Hybrid; AUD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Meaningful impact

Flexible hybrid work

Growth opportunities

Collaborative culture

Diversity & equal opportunity

Job summary

Housing Australia is seeking a seasoned executive support leader to back the Chief Operating Officer in a hybrid Sydney-based role. You will manage the COO’s diary, oversee board and committee secretariat tasks, and coordinate governance, risk reporting, and strategic initiatives across the Operations Group.

You will work with internal and external stakeholders, ensuring high standards of communication, autonomy, and professional judgement while supporting cross-divisional priorities.

Qualifications

• Substantial experience in a senior executive support, business management, or chief of staff role within a large or complex organisation.
• Demonstrated ability to operate with significant autonomy in a high-trust, high-discretion environment supporting C-suite leadership.
• Familiarity with governance, board and committee processes, and executive-level communications.
• Executive-level written and verbal communication skills across a broad range of formats and audiences.
• Exceptional organisational capability with the capacity to manage competing priorities without loss of quality.
• Sound strategic judgement and the confidence to act and decide on behalf of the COO’s office.
• Strong stakeholder management skills - credible and effective at senior and board levels.
• A tertiary qualification in business, management, or a related discipline is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day operation of the Office of the COO, coordinating executive office functions, board and committee processes, and communications.
• Establish systems and rhythms to ensure consistent, high-quality executive support.
• Manage the COO’s diary with strategic intent and forward planning.
• Draft and oversee correspondence on behalf of the COO, including sensitive or external-facing communications.
• Lead engagement with board and committees, manage governance calendar, and drive action tracking.
• Act as primary contact for the COO’s office, handling enquiries and relationships on the COO’s behalf.
• Model high standards of judgement, discretion, and professionalism across the office function.
• Coordinate reporting activities to ensure accurate, timely governance reporting.
• Coordinate risk and asset security reporting with executive leadership.
• Provide secretariat support for forums and committees chaired by the COO.
• Drive strategic initiatives with milestones and on-budget delivery.

Skills

Senior executive support

Autonomy

Governance & boards

Executive communication

Organization & multitasking

Strategic judgement

Stakeholder management

Education

Tertiary qualification in business/management

Job description

Housing Australia is seeking a seasoned executive support leader to back the Chief Operating Officer in a hybrid Sydney-based role. You will manage the COO’s diary, oversee board and committee secretariat tasks, and coordinate governance, risk reporting, and strategic initiatives across the Operations Group.

You will work with internal and external stakeholders, ensuring high standards of communication, autonomy, and professional judgement while supporting cross-divisional priorities.