Executive Officer

About Association Professionals (‘employer’)

Association Professionals is a vibrant, innovative consultancy providing a broad range of benefits to clients in the not-for-profit sector. Services provided include secretarial and governance, operations, membership, finance, website, social media, marketing, and conference management services.  We provide tailored best-practice solutions in consultation with each client, to enhance the association’s sustainability, deliver growth and contribute to strategic objectives.  Our team is always: professional, respectful, approachable, collaborative and supportive.

About the client

The College of Emergency Nursing Australasia (CENA) is the peak professional body representing emergency nurses across Australasia. CENA provides leadership in emergency nursing through advocacy, education, research, collaboration and professional development.

CENA works closely with nurses, health services, governments, universities and sector stakeholders to strengthen the emergency nursing workforce and improve outcomes for patients and communities.

About the position

CENA is seeking a highly organised, driven and proactive Executive Officer to lead and support the operations, governance, advocacy and stakeholder engagement activities of the organisation.

This is a flexible, remote role suited to a confident self-starter who thrives in a small team environment and is comfortable working independently across a broad range of strategic and operational responsibilities.

The Executive Officer will work closely with the Board, committees, members and external stakeholders to help deliver CENA’s strategic priorities and support the ongoing growth and sustainability of the organisation.

CENA currently has outsourced administrative support arrangements in place, with administrative assistance available to support the Executive Officer across routine operational and coordination tasks.

Key responsibilities include:

Strategic leadership

·         Lead implementation of CENA’s strategic plan in partnership with the Board

·         Identify emerging opportunities and risks across the emergency nursing and broader health landscape

·         Provide strategic advice and regular reporting to the Board of Directors

·         Drive organisational growth, sustainability, and ongoing relevance for members

·         Support the development of new partnerships, initiatives and member value opportunities

Governance and board relations

·         Support effective Board governance, including preparation of Board papers, agenda management and follow-through on resolutions

·         Support implementation of Board decisions and strategic priorities

Membership and stakeholder engagement

·         Serve as a key representative and advocate for CENA and the emergency nursing profession

·         Build and maintain strong relationships with members, government, media, health services, universities, professional associations and sector stakeholders

·         Support member engagement, communications and growth initiatives

·         Coordinate media engagement, public communications and social media activity in line with CENA’s strategic priorities

·         Represent CENA at national and international forums, conferences and policy discussions as required

Advocacy and policy

·         Lead CENA’s advocacy and policy agenda on issues affecting emergency nurses and the populations they serve

·         Develop submissions, position statements and responses to government and sector consultations

·         Monitor emerging policy and workforce developments relevant to emergency nursing

·         Build coalitions and collaborative relationships with aligned organisations to strengthen CENA’s voice and influence

Operations and financial management

·         Oversee the day-to-day operations of CENA including contractors, volunteers and external service providers

·         Work within a small and collaborative operating environment, supported by outsourced administrative services

·         Ensure robust operational systems, processes and governance frameworks are in place

·         Support financial oversight, budgeting and reporting processes in conjunction with the Treasurer, Board and external providers

Programs and professional development

·              Work alongside the CENA Education Consultant to support CENA’s education and professional development offerings

·              Support delivery of conferences, webinars, workshops and member programs

·              Secure sponsorship, funding and strategic partnership opportunities

About you:

 The successful candidate will demonstrate:

·         A proactive, self-directed approach and ability to work independently

·         Confidence operating within a small, fast-moving team environment

·         Strong organisational and project coordination skills

·         Excellent written and verbal communication abilities

·         Experience supporting Boards, committees or senior executives

·         Ability to operate confidently with senior government and sector stakeholders

·         High attention to detail and ability to manage competing priorities

·         Strong stakeholder engagement and relationship management capability

·         Initiative, professionalism and a willingness to take ownership of tasks and outcomes

·         Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving capability

Desirable experience

·         Experience working within a health, nursing, membership or not-for-profit organisation

·         Understanding of government relations, advocacy or policy processes

·         Experience securing and coordinating sponsors and strategic partners

·         Familiarity with governance and compliance requirements for associations

·         Experience working with Boards or volunteer-led organisations

What we offer

·         Flexible hours and remote working arrangement designed to accommodate work-life balance

·         Meaningful work supporting emergency nurses and healthcare outcomes

·         Opportunity to work with national nursing leaders and stakeholders

·         Supportive and collaborative working environment

·         Opportunity to help shape the future direction of a growing national organisation

Employment conditions

This position is part-time, 0.6 FTE (three days per week). Some flexibility in how the three days are worked across the week may be required at times to accommodate key meetings and organisational requirements. A six-month probationary period applies. From time-to-time work outside these hours may be required to support CENA requirements, meetings and and deadlines, and time off in lieu of overtime will be negotiated in these instances.

As an employee of Association Professionals, this position can be a remote role or based at our offices in Dingley (Melbourne) and supported by its Managing Partners.  The incumbent’s work plan and key performance indicators as well as reporting requirements will be set in consultation with both Association Professionals and CENA.