This is an opportunity to work directly to the CEO in a mission-aligned organisation. You'll gain invaluable experience working as part of a small, senior team where your judgement, initiative and ability to think ahead will be genuinely valued.
The role also provides flexibility through a structured hybrid working arrangement, along with four weeks' annual leave plus a two-week Christmas shutdown period.
What you'll do
You'll be the Executive Assistant to the CEO, providing high-level support across executive coordination, stakeholder engagement and, importantly events.
The EA work is the priority, but a major part of this role is the opportunity to become the engine behind ISA's key meetings and engagements. You will help deliver a busy calendar of events including Board and committee gatherings, national workshops, stakeholder functions and regular engagements at Parliament House. Over time, you'll also have an opportunity play a pivotal role in supporting the development of a new national event for the independent education sector.
You will take ownership of executive coordination and office operations - ensuring diaries, travel, meetings and priorities are managed properly and sensibly. This includes travel and accommodation bookings not only for the CEO, but across the broader team, as well as providing practical day-to-day office support such as meeting room setup, supplier coordination, records management and general administration.
You'll liaise confidently with senior stakeholders including MPs' offices, ministerial staff, Board members and member organisations, acting as a trusted and professional point of connection.
You'll support the CEO with high-quality presentations and polished documentation, turning draft content into sharp PowerPoint decks aligned to organisational templates.
In addition, you will provide governance and secretariat support in partnership with the Director, Governance and Operations, assisting with Board and committee coordination, meeting papers, minutes and action tracking as required.
As a small organisation, this is an "all hands-on deck" environment; your role is broad and varied, and will span both high-trust executive support and the essential operational tasks that keep the office running smoothly.
What you'll need
· Demonstrated experience supporting a CEO or senior executive, with a proactive, project-management mindset
· Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities calmly
· Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills
· IT skills, quick to learn new to programs and platforms and find opportunities to leverage technology for efficient and effective working.
· A hands-on attitude, good humour, and comfort working in a small organisation where no two days look the same
· Genuine interest in mission-driven work and supporting the independent education sector
About Independent Schools Australia
Independent Schools Australia is the national peak body representing the Independent school sector. ISA promotes choice, diversity and partnership in education, and advocates for fair, sustainable Australian Government support and funding.
For a confidential discussion
You can call me, Jo Shapley on if you have any questions. Or you can email them to me at
Salary is expected to be in the range of $95,000–$110,000 base + superannuation, with not-for-profit salary packaging available. If the position is of interest but the range feels misaligned, please reach out — there may be some flexibility for the right person.