Continuing, Full Time Appointment
Professional Employee Level 6/7
Annual salary $89,487 - $105,992 pa + 17% superannuation and 6 weeks annual leave
Dual location between our Casuarina and Dalana | Education and Community Precinct Campuses
The Office of the Vice-Chancellor supports the University's Vice-Chancellor and President in his leadership of Charles Darwin University
About the Position
The Executive Assistant to the Vice-Chancellor takes responsibility for the strategy and agenda of the Vice-Chancellor; for providing advice and support to the Vice-Chancellor, as well as other CDU Executives; for stewarding the business of the University and managing the University's leadership committees; and for coordinating the day-to-day operations of the Vice-Chancellor.
The Executive Assistant provides high-level administrative and executive support to the Vice-Chancellor. This role delivers professional standards in office administration, communications, client services, financial transactions, project support and travel coordination.
About You
What we are looking for:
* Demonstrated experience providing high-level administrative and executive support in a complex office environment, including managing competing priorities, exercising sound judgement, and maintaining confidentiality and professionalism.
* Proven ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including senior staff, to support effective communication, coordination and service delivery.
* Demonstrated capability in managing executive operations, including diary and correspondence management, coordination of meetings and briefings, and ensuring accurate and timely follow-up of actions.
* Experience supporting projects and initiatives, including researching, analysing and collating information, monitoring tasks and timelines, and contributing to the preparation of reports, briefings and documentation.
* Highly developed organisational and time-management skills, with the ability to work independently, manage fluctuating workloads, meet deadlines and respond effectively to changing priorities.
* Strong customer service focus and professionalism, including cultural competency, attention to detail, discretion, and a cooperative, solutions-focused approach to supporting executives and stakeholders.
* Demonstrated competency in digital and administrative systems, including strong proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, records and document management systems, and online meeting and collaboration platforms
Additional Key Selection Criteria at Level 7
* Demonstrated ability to operate with a high level of autonomy and accountability in a complex executive environment, exercising sound judgement, discretion and initiative in the absence of direct supervision.
* Proven capacity to anticipate executive requirements and emerging issues, proactively identifying risks, priorities and opportunities, and taking responsibility for resolving matters or escalating appropriately.
* Highly developed analytical, conceptual and problem-solving skills, demonstrated through contributions to business improvement initiatives, process refinement, and the development of practical solutions to complex operational issues.
* Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare high-quality executive correspondence, briefings, submissions and reports, and to communicate confidently and effectively with senior and executive-level stakeholders.
* Demonstrated experience providing trusted executive support at a senior level, contributing to effective governance, coordination and decision-making, and acting as a key point of contact within an executive office.
Desirable Competencies
* Experience working in a large, complex or regulated organisation, such as a university, Government or public-sector environment.
* General understanding of the higher education sector and the administrative and governance context in which universities operate.
Remuneration
Appointment to this role will be at Professional Employee Level 6/7. The base salary will be in the range of $89,487 - $105,992 per annum.
The total remuneration package will be in the range of $104,699 - $124,010 per annum inclusive of 17% superannuation.
First Nations Priority Recruitment Measures
While this vacancy is open to all applicants, CDU remains firmly committed to increasing representation of First Nations employees. First Nations applicants are strongly encouraged to apply & will be granted priority consideration for this vacancy, in accordance with s57 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1992 (NT More information on First Nations Priority Recruitment at CDU and how to apply, available here
Access Full Position Description
To view the full position description, please click the Apply link which will direct you to our CDU job site, then select Job Attachments.
What's in it for you?
* An enviable lifestyle in the spectacular Northern Territory
* Up to six weeks of paid annual leave plus a range of other generous leave provisions
* Free on-campus parking in designated areas
* 17% superannuation
* Up to 26 weeks of paid parental leave (primary care giver), in addition to government payments (eligibility criteria apply)
* Recognition of prior service with another Australian university / NT Government for Long Service Leave (recognition applied to qualifying period only)
* Ability to negotiate transfer of leave entitlements under the Public Employment (Mobility) Act 1989
* An employer who values your contribution to building a bigger, better and stronger University
* Work with a University committed to changing people's lives for the better through training, education, and research
* Opportunities for professional development, paid study and career progression
* Employee Assistance Program + Salary Packaging opportunities
* Access to over 5,000 courses via LinkedIn learning corporate membership
How to Apply
All applications must be received online via the 'apply' button and should include your resume and a cover letter outlining your interest in the role, relevant skills and experience and response addressing the selection criteria of the role.
For a confidential discussion about the position please contact Melanie Paine via email to set up a time to discuss.
Adjustments can be made throughout the application and selection process, as well as during employment to support applicants and employees with disability. CDU's Workplace Adjustment Policy and Procedure can be found at If you would like to discuss adjustments, please contact the People Services Team on or email
Diversity and Inclusion
At CDU we actively celebrate our diversity. We innovate, embrace new ideas, and act with courage and kindness. We're about what we can give to the world rather than what we take, and we believe in the transformative power of education. We work hard to make sure every member of our University community feels they truly belong. Understanding that it is through our focus on our people and leveraging our differences that will make CDU the most connected University in Australia, we are striving to ensure that our culture and our community are inclusive of all our staff, students, and visitors. We are committed to maintaining a culture where everyone feels respected, safe, encouraged to speak up and supported in achieving their professional goals. Applications from First Nations people, women at all levels, culturally and racially marginalised people, people with disability, neurotypical and neuro-diverse people, LGBTQIA+ people, people with family and caring responsibilities and people at all stages of their careers are welcomed.
You make CDU. And we want you to be exactly who you are.
Applications Close: Tuesday 3rd February 2026