People and Operations Director

Invasive Species Council; Canberra; Hybrid; AUD 125,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary packaging

Paid study leave

Field work leave

Extra annual leave

Job summary

The Invasive Species Council in Canberra is seeking a senior People and Operations Director to lead the finances, people, governance and systems. The role reports to the CEO, with two direct reports and travel to all-staff gatherings.

Hybrid office plus work-from-home arrangement supports flexible working. You will own annual budgeting, HR policies, recruitment, onboarding and performance, while safeguarding staff wellbeing and a collaborative culture, and overseeing governance, risk and

Qualifications

• Track record in hands-on operational management in a fast-growing organisation.
• Financial literacy and strong relationship skills.
• Sound judgement regarding risk/compliance and improving systems.
• Commitment to ISC’s mission and values.

Responsibilities

• Lead annual budgeting, financial and management reporting.
• Own people and HR policies, recruitment, onboarding, and performance.
• Support staff wellbeing and a collaborative culture.
• Manage governance, legal and compliance processes.
• Lead on risk, safety and insurance management.
• Drive improvements in operational systems and automation.
• Contribute to senior strategy, annual operational planning, and impact reporting.
• Partner closely with fundraising and support cross-functional teams.

Skills

Leadership

Budgeting

People management

HR policies

Risk management

Governance

Strategic planning

Education

Finance qualification

HR qualification

Law qualification

Governance qualification

Job description

Location: Canberra, ACT | National impact advocating for biodiversity, hybrid office and WFH flexibility, senior role shaping organisational growth

Position: People and Operations Director

Senior Leadership Team: Member alongside Policy, Advocacy, Media & Communications, and Philanthropy & Fundraising directors

Reports to: CEO

Direct reports: 2 x Operations support officers, operational contractors

Basis: Permanent full-time

Location: Canberra (ACT), Wollongong (NSW) or Brisbane (QLD). Hybrid office plus work-from-home role

Salary range: $125,000 - $150,000 per annum plus super, depending on skills and experience. Salary packaging, paid study or field work leave, plus extra annual leave are part of the package

About the Invasive Species Council

The Invasive Species Council is Australia’s only national environmental organisation dedicated solely to advocacy on invasive species. In the past 5 years we have grown from 8 to 25 staff, and from $750,000 to more than $3.5 million a year in income. Our staff work around the country, mainly from home, with an office currently in Wollongong (NSW). Our Board-approved strategy is to be a truly national organisation by 2030, with state-based advocates and strong policy and communications capability, which will mean further growth in staff.

Purpose of the role

This new senior role will ensure the Council has the people, systems, and governance needed to deliver its mission. The Director owns responsibility for finances and budget, people policies, governance, legal and risk, and operational systems, in partnership with the CEO. This is both strategic and hands‑on, with a small team and a broad operational remit. Some travel is required, including to all-staff gatherings.

• Lead annual budgeting, financial and management reporting
• Own people and HR policies, recruitment, onboarding, and performance
• Support staff wellbeing and a collaborative culture
• Manage governance, legal and compliance processes
• Lead on risk, safety and insurance management
• Drive improvements in operational systems and automation
• Contribute to senior strategy, annual operational planning, and impact reporting
• Partner closely with fundraising and support cross-functional teams

Selection Criteria

• Track record in hands‑on operational management in a fast-growing organisation
• Financial literacy and strong relationship skills
• Sound judgement regarding risk/compliance and improving systems
• Commitment to ISC’s mission and values

Desirable: NFP/advocacy sector experience, Board engagement, and qualifications in finance, HR, law, or governance.

Applicants must have full Australian working rights. A current National Police Check and possibly a Working With Vulnerable Persons Check are required.