Manager – Secretariat and Governance

Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority; Townsville City; On-site; AUD 94,000 - 107,000; Full time

Job summary

A government agency focused on environmental protection in Townsville is seeking a Manager – Secretariat and Governance to ensure best practice governance and provide strategic advice. Candidates should have proven experience in governance and project management, along with exceptional writing and collaborative skills. This role offers opportunities for professional growth in a supportive team culture.

Benefits

Flexible work arrangements

Supportive team culture

Professional development opportunities

Work alongside passionate experts

Lead initiatives with national impact

Qualifications

• Proven experience in governance, project management, or business leadership.
• Exceptional writing, editing, and proofing skills under tight deadlines.
• Strategic thinking with strong judgement and problem-solving ability.
• Confidence in advising senior leaders and managing key forums.
• Collaborative spirit and ability to lead, support, and inspire others.

Responsibilities

• Ensure best practice governance, project management, and administration.
• Provide governance advice and strategic support for committees.
• Support the Reef Authority's Board Chairperson and Board members.

Skills

Governance expertise

Project management

Exceptional writing skills

Strategic thinking

Collaborative spirit

Job description

Manager – Secretariat and Governance

APS6

Townsville, QLD

$94,563 - $106,775 PA

Ongoing/Non-ongoing; Full-time

Applications close 11:59pm, Monday 27 October, 2025

The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (the Reef Authority) is a Commonwealth non-corporate entity, and a statutory agency established by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Act 1975 (Marine Park Act), reporting to the Minister for the Environment and Water. Our objective is the long-term protection, ecologically sustainable use, understanding and enjoyment of the Great Barrier Reef for all Australians and the international community through the care and development of the Marine Park.

Managing a reef roughly the size of Italy demands many skills and talents, so you don't have to be a marine biologist to contribute to our mission. From finance to marketing roles, we have a team almost as diverse as the ecosystem we protect. Our commitment and dedication to the Great Barrier Reef and the Australian public have a long-lasting impact, and we are looking for individuals who can bring their unique skills, experience, and knowledge to our high-performing and inclusive organisation.

We are seeking a highly skilled business and governance professional to join our Strategic Governance section. The section provides quality governance advice that informs strategic direction, enhances decision making, and guides organisational integrity.

The Manager – Secretariat and Governance ensures best practice governance, project management, and high-level administration is applied to our key governance body, the Marine Park Authority Board (the Board), and the role provides governance advice and strategic support for the two committees that report to the Board.

The position provides dedicated high-level executive assistant support to the Reef Authority’s Board Chairperson and Board members, and supports other committees and activities administered by the Strategic Governance section. The position also contributes to the section’s activities, which includes corporate planning.

What’s in it for You

• Be part of a purpose-driven agency protecting the Great Barrier Reef
• Work alongside passionate experts in a high-performing governance team
• Enjoy flexible work arrangements and a supportive team culture
• Lead strategic initiatives with national environmental impact
• Develop professionally in a role that values your leadership and insight

What You’ll Bring

• Proven experience in governance, project management, or business leadership
• Exceptional writing, editing, and proofing skills under tight deadlines
• Strategic thinking with strong judgement and problem-solving ability
• Confidence in advising senior leaders and managing key forums
• Collaborative spirit and ability to lead, support, and inspire others

Join the Reef Authority and lead governance excellence at the heart of one of the world’s most iconic ecosystems. Shape strategic direction, support senior leaders, and make a lasting impact on the future of the Great Barrier Reef. Apply your leadership, precision, and passion to a role that matters. Apply now!