Executive Officer, Governance & People

About the Company

The Australian Rural Leadership Foundation (ARLF) is an independent, not-for-profit organisation dedicated to strengthening leadership capacity across rural, regional, and remote communities. Established over 30 years ago, ARLF designs and delivers impactful leadership programs both nationally and internationally.

The organisation collaborates with community groups, businesses, philanthropic partners, and government sectors to foster sustainable development and thriving communities. With a strong commitment to integrity, inclusion, and leadership excellence, ARLF plays a vital role in shaping the future of regional Australia.

Employment Type

• Full-time

• Fixed-term (2 years)

Salary

• AUD $120,000 – $130,000 (base)

Reporting Structure

• Reports to: Chief Executive

• Team: Executive

• Direct Reports: 1

Job Overview

The Executive Officer, Governance & People is a key leadership support role responsible for ensuring strong governance, compliance, and organisational culture within ARLF.

This position provides high-level support to the Chief Executive, Board, and Executive Team while overseeing governance frameworks, risk management, and People & Culture operations.

It is ideal for a professional who thrives in a dynamic, high-trust environment and is passionate about contributing to leadership development in rural and regional Australia.

Key Responsibilities

1. Corporate Governance

• Provide executive and secretarial support to the Chief Executive, Board, and committees

• Coordinate board meetings, agendas, reports, and minutes

• Manage governance systems and documentation

• Support board member recruitment and onboarding

• Ensure compliance with regulatory bodies (ATO, ACNC, ASIC, WHS)

• Advise on governance matters, including First Nations Governance (desirable)

2. People & Culture

Employee Lifecycle Management

• Manage recruitment, onboarding, and offboarding processes

• Maintain employee records and ensure legal compliance

• Support managers with HR documentation and workforce queries

• Provide practical People & Culture guidance

Workplace Culture & Engagement

• Support leadership and capability development initiatives

• Contribute to employee wellbeing and engagement strategies

• Promote diversity, equity, and inclusion

• Manage external HR service providers (payroll, recruitment, training)

• Maintain HR systems, policies, and performance processes

3. Risk Management

• Maintain and support the organisational risk management framework

• Coordinate risk reviews and maintain risk registers

• Promote a risk-aware organisational culture

4. Policy & Compliance

• Draft, review, and update organisational policies

• Ensure compliance with legislation and internal standards

• Maintain compliance registers and governance records (e.g., SharePoint)

• Provide guidance to policy owners

5. Additional Responsibilities

• Support organisational initiatives and team activities

• Assist in monitoring budgets and operational performance

• Perform additional duties as required

Benefits & Opportunities

• Direct collaboration with executive leadership and board members

• Strategic influence across governance, HR, and organisational culture

• Opportunity to contribute to impactful rural leadership initiatives

• Flexible remote working arrangements

• Strong organisational values and supportive work environment

Candidate Requirement

Applicants should have experience in:

• Governance

• People & Culture (HR)