About the ESA

The Ecological Society of Australia (ESA) is the peak group of ecologists in Australia, representing members from across Australia who work in universities and other research organisations, government agencies, NGOs, private industry and consultancies. We are a national not-for-profit organization formed in 1959.

Our mission is to foster excellence in ecological science and practice. We create an inclusive community to support research and knowledge sharing to better understand ecological systems. We apply this knowledge for the benefit of people and nature.                                                

We coordinate and deliver a diverse range of activities to achieve our mission including support for science through research grants, publishing two academic journals, engagement with Indigenous Australians, policy engagement, science communication, support for ecological education, and a range of support services for members including mentoring and wellbeing support.

The ESA is a registered charity with the ACNC and has deductible gift recipient status. The organisation is overseen by a Board elected by the membership, and has a small team of staff to deliver core functions. An extensive network of volunteer working groups helps to deliver activities of the organisation.

Further information is available on our website: ecolsoc.org.au/about

Position summary:

The Executive Officer (EO) works alongside the ESA Board to deliver on the Society’s strategic plan, is responsible for day-to-day running of the organisation, and serves as the primary contact point for the Society.

Key Responsibilities:

• Work with the Board to develop and implement the Society’s strategic and operational plans
• Lead the day-to-day activities of the ESA on behalf of the Board, including financial and business management
• Provide leadership and management of ESA employees and contractors
• Participate in key strategic Working Groups including: Finance Governance & Management Working Group, Conference Working Group, Membership Working Group, Indigenous Engagement Working Group, Equity & Diversity Working Group, & Holsworth Management Committee. Involvement in other Working Groups as operationally required.
• Responsible for the operation of the annual conference including liaison with the contracted Professional Conference Organiser and Local Organising Committee.
• Uphold effective and efficient governance and procedures, and ensure compliance with Australian legislation and ACNC requirements
• Oversee effective and efficient administration of the Society’s financial and membership processes
• Attend ESA Board meetings, Executive Committee meetings, the Annual General Meeting and the annual planning meeting, and assist and advise the ESA Secretary in organising the meetings
• Actively facilitate the involvement of ESA office bearers in the operations of the Society through induction, pro-active communication and support and advice in managing their portfolios
• Serve as the point of contact for external enquiries and represent ESA as required at external meetings
• On behalf of the Society, maintain relationships with other relevant organisations (government, non-government, educational) within Australia and internationally
• Promote and oversee the Society’s awards program, including the Holsworth Wildlife Research Endowment, in collaboration with relevant Office bearers.

Key Selection Criteria:

Essential

• Experience in business management, including record-keeping and budgeting procedures
• Experience in strategic management including forward planning, project development and management
• Well-developed and demonstrated oral and written communication skills
• A high level of personal organisation, and the capacity to prioritise and generate future-focused work plans
• Ability to work under limited supervision and as a team member
• Demonstrated ability to think strategically and exercise initiative
• Experience with basic office management software including word processing, spreadsheets, financial management, video conferencing, web-browser and web-authoring
• Some flexibility to vary the day-to-day work pattern to suit short-term priorities

Desirable

• Experience in working in a not-for-profit environment
• Previous experience in the management of associations or similar membership organisations
• Familiarity with ecology and science
• Proven ability to liaise effectively with a wide range of organisations and individuals
• Well-developed facilitation and problem-solving skills

Reporting:

The position reports directly to the ESA President on behalf of the ESA Board and membership. Although the ESA President will be the main point of contact, regular liaison between the Executive Officer, Board members and Working Group chairs is critical. ESA is a national organisation with Board members in different geographical locations so the capacity to use a variety of online media, as well as the capacity to undertake occasional travel, is important.

Current staff reporting to the Executive Officer are: Communications Coordinator, Finance Officer, Membership and Digital Services Officer, Social Media Officer, and Policy and Project Officer. All staff are part time positions.

From time-to-time other contractors or casual staff are engaged to fulfil specific operational requirements and in most cases, they will report to the Executive Officer. 

Terms:

This is a fixed-term part-time position at 0.8FTE (Four day/week), contracted for 3 years with the opportunity to renew. Travel within Australia may occasionally be required to attend meetings, and work outside normal office hours will be required from time to time. Attendance at the annual Planning Day and annual conference is expected.

Remuneration: Set and incremented to match the ANU Professional Officer Schedule Level 7.1 – 8.2 hourly rate plus superannuation guarantee levy in accordance with legislative requirements  to the fund of the employee’s choosing.

Hours per week: 30 hours per week, with a negotiated spread across 3-5 days

Recreation Leave: 4 weeks annual leave (pro rata)

Long service Leave: Accrued at the rate of 13 weeks (pro rata) for the first 10 years of continuous paid service, and thereafter accrue on a pro-rata basis per year

Sick leave: 10 days per annum (pro rata) accrued in arrears

Probation period: 6 months

Location: Location is negotiable, with a home/self provided office location preferred although alternatives will be considered if necessary.