About Us
Led by CEO Mike Baird, The Susan McKinnon Foundation (SMF) develop and invest in solutions that enable better governments for a stronger Australia.
The Foundation was established in 2015 because our Founders believe in the power of exceptional government to shape Australia’s future. SMF is a truly independent, non-partisan organisation, we take a long-term view in facilitating the development of political leadership, public sector capability and our democratic institutions. Through our work, we help shape enduring policy outcomes that strengthen democracy and create opportunities for all Australians.
In a world of increasing complexity and challenge, improving the quality of our democracy, enhancing the capability of our institutions, and elevating the calibre of our political leadership have never mattered more.
Joining us at this critical time of growth and opportunity means you can meaningfully contribute to shaping the future direction of governments and policy. Our team is motivated by purpose, collaboration and support. Our work is fast paced, intellectually stimulating, and highly fulfilling. If you’re searching for your next challenge and want to contribute to a stronger Australia we’d love to hear from you.
About the Opportunity
The Susan McKinnon Foundation is seeking two Executive Assistants to join our team—one to support three leaders and the other to support the CEO of the McKinnon Institute for Political Leadership. These roles are a vital part of the Susan McKinnon Foundation’s ongoing success and responsible for providing executive support by undertaking a wide range of administrative functions. They are responsible for developing and maintaining effective relationships, coordinating and following up information, briefings and papers, and providing an exceptional secretarial and administrative support service to Executives.
Key responsibilities include:
Schedule and Travel Management:
- Strategically manage Executive schedules, prioritizing key tasks and appointments.
- Handle diary management, including room bookings, logistics, and problem-solving.
- Organize travel for stakeholders, including expense reconciliation.
Meeting and Document Management:
- Coordinate team meetings, conferences, and events, overseeing logistics, catering, tech support, and tracking attendance.
- Prepare briefing documents, draft agendas, take minutes, and ensure follow-up on action items.
- Greet external meeting attendees.
Executive Workflow and Administration:
- Manage document organization and ensure proper formatting.
- Prioritize correspondence and draft professional communications.
- Reconcile expenses, ensuring compliance with organizational policies.
Relationships and Team Support:
- Liaise with internal stakeholders, suppliers, and partners.
- Assist with employee onboarding/offboarding, including coordination with HR and ICT.
- Provide support to the Executive Assistant & Strategic Adviser to the CEO.
- Maintain office supplies and ensure a smooth office environment.
Skills and Experience:
We are looking for a highly skilled and experienced individual with a strong alignment to our mission and values. The ideal candidate will possess the following:
- 3+ years’ executive-level support experience
- Strong time management and organizational skills with the ability to prioritize and meet deadlines.
- Proven team player with sound judgment, initiative, and decision-making abilities.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, adept at engaging diverse stakeholders and resolving issues.
- Advanced computer literacy, including Microsoft Office and Adobe Acrobat.
- Strong administrative skills, with attention to detail and the ability to handle confidential information.
How to Apply
The Susan McKinnon Foundation values diversity and strives to maintain an inclusive team environment. Please notify us if you require any adjustments to the recruitment process – we’ll do our best to accommodate your needs.
To apply, please send your application to Tristan.carter@kornferry.com by midnight on Monday 17th February.
* Please note that only candidates with valid working rights in Australia will be considered for this role. Unfortunately, we are unable to accept applications from individuals without the appropriate working rights. Thank you for your understanding.