Join the ECMS Team: Company Secretary (0.6 FTE)
Are you passionate about making a difference to young minds and future generations?
ECMS is seeking an accomplished Company Secretary (0.6 FTE) to provide senior-level governance leadership and expert secretariat support to the Board and its Committees. Operating at the heart of the organisation's governance framework, this part-time role is accountable to the full Board and plays a critical part in ensuring exemplary governance standards, regulatory compliance, and effective Board operations.
ECMS is a proud not-for-profit community organisation dedicated to enriching the lives of children and families. With 76 kindergartens and early learning services across Melbourne, our team of 1100+ passionate people work together to create joyful, meaningful learning experiences — all with the building lifelong learning at the heart of everything we do.
Reporting primarily to the Chair of the Board, with a secondary reporting line to the CEO, the Company Secretary acts as a trusted governance adviser, supporting decision-making and ensuring all Board processes are conducted efficiently, transparently and in accordance with legislative and governance requirements.
Role Purpose
The Company Secretary is the custodian of the organisation's corporate governance framework. This part time role facilitates the smooth and effective functioning of the Board and its Committees by delivering high-quality governance services, ensuring compliance with statutory and regulatory obligations, and promoting best-practice governance across the organisation.
Key Responsibilities
* Provide timely and accurate minutes for Board meetings, Committee meetings and Annual General Meetings.
* Deliver a comprehensive governance service to the Board, ensuring compliance with all legislative, regulatory and governance requirements.
* Ensure adherence to the organisation's corporate governance framework, including Board and Committee approval processes.
* Maintain statutory and governance registers, including interests, conflicts of interest, related party transactions and key management personnel.
* Maintain the currency and completeness of Board-approved policies and procedures.
* Manage the Board portal, ensuring Directors have secure and timely access to papers and documentation.
* Coordinate Board member induction programs in consultation with the Chair.
* Support the Chair in coordinating annual Board and Committee performance reviews, external evaluations and skills assessments.
* Oversee governance and documentation requirements associated with the Annual Meeting.
* Provide additional governance support as requested by the Chair of the Board.
About You
You are a highly organised governance professional with exceptional attention to detail and the ability to operate with confidence at Board level. You bring strong interpersonal skills, sound judgement, and the ability to build trusted relationships with Directors and senior executives.
Essential Qualifications and Experience
* Relevant formal qualifications or extensive senior-level governance experience.
* Demonstrated expertise in corporate governance, including the development, implementation and review of governance frameworks, policies and procedures.
* Proven experience delivering high-quality secretariat services to Boards and Committees.
* Strong knowledge of the legal and regulatory framework within the general government sector.
* Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to provide clear, concise advice.
* Strong organisational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities.
* Proficiency in the Microsoft Office suite.
* Evidence of contemporary governance education or insights.
Desirable
* Degree qualifications in Law and/or Governance.
* Membership of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD).
Why ECMS?
* We have a supportive and inclusive culture where everyone feels valued and appreciated – 84% of our team recommend ECMS as a great place to work
* We offer generous salary with salary packaging options
* Generous benefits – 50% childcare discount, discounts to hundreds of major retailers, paid parental leave, and funded first aid.
* We offer award winning professional development opportunities including unlimited access to online resources, annual conference, 2% annual personal PD budget, and PD days.
* We're committed to making a positive impact in our communities – we're a proud place based, for purpose, not for profit, who put people at the centre of our work.
Join us in shaping the future of early education
ECMS is committed to the safety,
wellbeing and inclusion of all children. Successful applicants are required to
adhere to our child safe practices and policies located on our website.
Applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and people from
diverse communities and backgrounds are encouraged. If you're an organised, proactive and values-led professional looking
to support impactful work at the highest level, we encourage you to apply
today
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, please ensure you include
both a cover letter and resume.
For more information, contact Tess Beatson