Executive Officer

Full Time – Permanent

Step beyond traditional executive support to deliver projects, resolve complex matters and progress priorities with the Director, Strategy, Engagement and Community.

About the Position

This is a diverse role providing executive and administrative support to the Director, Strategy, Engagement and Community, across a broad portfolio spanning strategy, sustainability, economic growth, communications, engagement, community services, libraries, customer experience and recreation.

Beyond traditional executive support, the role undertakes research and analysis, plans and delivers Director-sponsored projects, supports business and performance activities, and identifies opportunities to improve systems and ways of working.

Working across Council and with government, industry and community stakeholders, the position helps progress Directorate priorities and supports the effective delivery of services and initiatives for our community.

About You

You are a proactive and resourceful professional who thrives on variety, thinks on your feet and enjoys turning competing priorities into action. You anticipate what is needed, exercise sound judgement and are comfortable progressing work independently while knowing when to seek direction or escalate.

You bring strong executive and administrative capability together with project delivery, research and problem-solving skills. You can quickly get across new and complex matters, bring structure to ambiguity and produce clear, high-quality work in a fast-moving environment.

A natural relationship builder, you communicate with confidence, discretion and diplomacy and are equally comfortable engaging with Executives, Elected Members, colleagues, government, industry and community stakeholders. Curious and improvement-focused, you look for better ways of working and take pride in helping others get things done.

Key Selection Criteria:

1. Demonstrated experience providing executive support, effectively managing competing priorities, information and emerging matters.
2. Proven ability to exercise sound judgement, initiative, discretion and confidentiality when navigating complex and sensitive matters.
3. Highly developed communication and relationship skills, with experience engaging senior leaders and diverse internal and external stakeholders.
4. Demonstrated experience planning, coordinating and delivering projects, including monitoring progress, risks, issues and outcomes.
5. Strong research and analytical skills, with the ability to interpret complex information and prepare clear reports, briefings and recommendations.
6. Demonstrated success in identifying and implementing improvements to systems, processes and ways of working.

Working for Council

Some of the benefits of working with us include:

• Competitive salary
• Generous leave entitlements including 3 additional paid days over Christmas
• Flexible ways of working
• Free parking
• An expansive health & wellbeing program
• Salary sacrificing options

We encourage applicants to contact Shana Green, Human Resources Business Partner on 04•• ••• 158 to discuss this opportunity in more detail.

Application Process:

To be considered for this position, all applicants must submit a resume and a cover letter addressing how they meet each of the key selection criteria detailed within this advertisement. It is mandatory to provide detailed explanations of relevant experience and qualifications related to the criteria outlined above.

Applicants will be assessed based on their ability to demonstrate relevant experience for the position and alignment with the City of Onkaparinga’s Values and Behaviours.

The City of Onkaparinga is committed to a diverse, inclusive, and accessible workplace. We welcome applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and individuals with disabilities. For any adjustments during the recruitment process or on the job, contact humanresources@onkaparinga.sa.gov.au.

The City of Onkaparinga advises that the recruitment process includes a medical assessment – including drug and alcohol testing, confirmation of experience and stated qualifications and may also include psychometric testing.

Applications close – 9am Wednesday 9 September 2026

“We reserve the right to close this vacancy early should a suitable pool of candidates be identified. Applicants are encouraged to apply early.””