View the Position Description (pdf)
The Lead, Governance & Operations is a senior leadership role that sits at the centre of organisational coordination for CAUL. Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, the role partners closely with the Board, Committees, sector stakeholders and suppliers to ensure strong governance practices are seamlessly integrated with effective business operations and high-value member engagement. Beyond providing company secretariat and governance support, this position leads the design and delivery of CAUL’s key events including Council meetings, the CAUL exhibition event, the Awards program and CAUL’s communities of practice—creating professional forums that strengthen collaboration across the higher education library sector. With oversight of corporate administration, contracts, and operational systems, the Lead, Governance & Operations ensures CAUL’s structures, events, and member networks operate cohesively, professionally, and in alignment with strategic priorities.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide high-level governance and company secretariat support to the Board and Finance, Risk & Audit Committee, including agendas, minutes, resolutions, elections, and annual governance calendar management
- Maintain statutory compliance and corporate records, including regulatory lodgements, registers, policies, insurance, and internal control frameworks
- Identify organisational, legal, and operational risks and support the implementation of mitigation strategies and compliance controls
- Oversee corporate administration systems including records management, contracts registers, confidential agreements, and policy documentation
- Support financial operations including budgeting, audit preparation, and banking
- Lead the planning and delivery of high-quality events and engagement initiatives that strengthen member connection and sector collaboration
- Establish and maintain strategic relationships with members, sector partners, suppliers, venues, and service providers
- Coordinate recruitment and onboarding of CAUL Office staff, Board Directors, and Committee members
- Proactively manage administrative and organisational projects, ensuring documentation, timelines, risks, and deliverables are effectively coordinated
- Support and strengthen member engagement initiatives, including communities of practice and sector collaboration forums
What we offer
- Permanent role working 35 hours a week from anywhere in Australia or Aotearoa New Zealand
- Salary between $110,000 to $120,000 AUD p.a. plus generous 17% employer superannuation contribution
- Excellent leave provisions including four weeks annual leave plus Christmas shutdown days
- Collaborative and supportive virtual team environment
- Commitment to professional growth and learning opportunities
- Impactful work contributing to the university library sector
- Home office set up provided, including furniture and equipment
Essential
- Tertiary qualifications in a relevant discipline such as events or project management, business administration and finance or demonstrable experience in an aligned industry or setting.
- Consistent track record of developing and executing project plans according to strict timelines and delivering exceptional outcomes to clients.
- Proven experience working with committees and boards with understanding of the role of Company Secretary.
- Strong financial literacy including interpreting financial statements, preparing budgets, managing risk and compliance.
- Strong interpersonal skills especially in areas of relationship building and coordinating groups with excellent written communication skills and demonstrable experience of producing high level reports.
- High level initiative, judgement, diplomacy and discretion and the ability to prioritise workload and meet deadlines in a fast-paced working environment.
- Outstanding organisational skills, including attention to detail, time management, the ability to predict needs and being comfortable with managing multiple projects and processes at once.
- Ability to work productively as part of a distributed virtual team, contribute to positive team culture and reflect the values of CAUL.
Desirable
1. Hands on experience planning and running large virtual or in-person conferences
Recruitment Process
Applicants are required to submit a cover letter of no more than two pages addressing their eligibility for the role against the selection criteria. The letter should include specific examples that demonstrate their skills, experience, and performance relevant to the criteria. In addition, a current CV must be provided.
Applications must be submitted to Jane Angel at [email protected] with the subject line: Application for Lead, Governance & Operations – Your Name
Applicants must be permanent residents of Australia or Aotearoa New Zealand.
Please note: Applications are now closed.
For more information, contact Jane Angel, CEO, [email protected]
CAUL is committed to creating an inclusive workplace that welcomes and values diverse perspectives and experiences. We encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds, including Indigenous peoples, people with disabilities, neurodiverse people, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and LGBTQIA+ individuals. Reasonable adjustments are available throughout the recruitment process and in the workplace. If you would like to request adjustments for the recruitment process, please let us know of any specific requirements when you apply.