Manager Executive Governance and Secretariat

Tafe Nsw; Sydney; On-site; AUD 191,000 - 217,000; Full time

Job summary

TAFE NSW is seeking an experienced Manager Executive Governance and Secretariat to lead the Executive Governance and Secretariat function within the Strategic Planning and Policy division. You will strengthen executive and Board governance, translate strategic priorities into agendas, and provide high-quality advice to support informed decision making.

Leading a small team of governance professionals, you will drive continuous improvement, build stakeholder relationships, and deliver value

Qualifications

• Extensive experience leading executive governance and secretariat functions.
• Strong strategic planning and forward work program management.
• Proven people leadership and stakeholder engagement capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Executive Governance and Secretariat function.
• Strengthen executive and Board governance, ensuring strategic priorities translate into meaningful agendas.
• Deliver high-quality advice to support informed decision-making and sound governance processes.
• Drive continuous improvement in governance practices and stakeholder relationships.

Skills

Executive governance

Strategic planning

People leadership

Communication

Analytical skills

Continuous improvement

Public sector governance

Education

Degree or equivalent

Job description

Manager Executive Governance and Secretariat

Manager Executive Governance and Secretariat

Location negotiable across Sydney metropolitan TAFE NSW campuses (subject to campus availability), with regular attendance at Ultimo required.

Permanent Full Time

$216,638 salary package – includes base salary ($190,867), plus employer’s contribution to superannuation and annual leave loading.

At TAFE NSW, we are dedicated to life-changing impact.

That’s why we offer world-class training and education that delivers the skills needed for the jobs of today and tomorrow.

Life-changing impact starts with an incredible team that sees their career as an opportunity to transform someone’s world. Whether that’s inspiring students, supporting each other, or helping our communities and industries flourish.

We live by TAFE NSW values: Customer Focus, Integrity, Collaboration, and Excellence. They define who we are, how we work, and inspire our performance.

We invest in our people

At TAFE NSW, you will discover a diverse, dynamic, and collaborative environment, where you can innovate, create value, and do meaningful work.

We provide you with tools, ongoing training and professional development, health and wellbeing programs, and a 35-hour working week with a variety of flexible working options.

About the role

An exciting opportunity exists for an experienced governance leader to shape and lead the Executive Governance and Secretariat function within TAFE NSW’s Strategic Planning and Policy division.

As the Manager Executive Governance and Secretariat, you will play a pivotal role in strengthening executive and Board governance, ensuring strategic priorities are translated into meaningful agendas, delivering high-quality advice and supporting informed decision‑making.

This role goes beyond traditional secretariat coordination. You will work closely with senior executives, board stakeholders and governance forum chairs to proactively shape forward work programs, influence strategic agendas and ensure governance papers are supported by sound analysis, policy insights and clear recommendations.

Leading a small team of governance professionals, you will drive continuous improvement in governance practices, strengthen stakeholder relationships, and build a high‑performing function that delivers strategic value across TAFE NSW.

About you

You are an experienced leader with a strategic approach to executive governance, strong stakeholder engagement skills and the confidence to advise and influence senior executives.

You will bring:

Extensive experience leading executive governance and secretariat functions, supporting executive and board decision‑making and the provision of high-quality advice.

Strong strategic planning skills, including managing governance priorities, agendas and forward work programs.

Proven people leadership experience, with the ability to develop and lead high‑performing teams.

Excellent communication and influencing skills, building trusted relationships with senior executives and key stakeholders.

Strong analytical skills, with the ability to review complex information and provide sound advice.

A continuous improvement mindset, with experience strengthening governance processes and service delivery.

A relevant degree or equivalent skills, knowledge and experience.

Highly desirable: Experience working within NSW public sector governance frameworks, protocols and decision‑making processes.

Our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion

TAFE NSW is committed to building a culturally safe and inclusive workplace that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and encourage you to apply. If you require adjustments during the recruitment process, please contact our Talent Acquisition Advisor listed below.

Targeted Question: Describe a time when you set the strategic direction of a high‑level executive or board governance forum. How did you influence the strategic agenda to support organizational priorities, engage senior stakeholders, shape the provision of high‑quality advice to support informed decision making and ensure sound governance processes?

Applications close 11:55pm AEDT Wednesday 28th October 2026

General recruitment and adjustment enquiries:

Contact Renae Lindner, Talent Acquisition Lead, via email at **************@tafensw.edu.au or phone [phone]***

Role-specific enquiries:

For support with preparing your application and understanding the recruitment process, visit our Application Process page, and explore the helpful resources available through I Work for NSW.

This is a child‑related position. Successful candidates must hold a valid NSW Working with Children Check (WWCC) prior to commencing. TAFE NSW will also conduct an Australian National Criminal Record Check on the preferred applicant as part of the pre‑employment process.

To be eligible for a position at TAFE NSW, you must be an Australian citizen, a permanent resident of Australia, or a New Zealand citizen with a current New Zealand passport.

A talent pool, valid for 18 months, may be created for this position and used to fill future vacancies.

Location is negotiable across our Sydney metropolitan TAFE NSW campuses. Please note that preferred campus location is not guaranteed and is subject to campus availability at the time of offer.