• Shape and strengthen governance across a national Catholic education organisation
• Part-time (0.6 FTE) ongoing role working closely with the Board Chair, Directors and Chief Executive Officer
• East Melbourne location with competitive remuneration and salary packaging available

An exciting opportunity has become available for an experienced Company Secretary to join the National Office team of Mercy Education Limited. Located in East Melbourne, this influential 0.6 FTE ongoing role will provide trusted governance leadership and support to the Mercy Education Board and its committees.

About the Organisation

Mercy Education Limited is a company limited by guarantee that leads, governs and supports 13 Mercy Colleges across Victoria, South Australia and Western Australia. Continuing the rich history and tradition of colleges founded by the Sisters of Mercy, Mercy Education is inspired by the ministry of Venerable Catherine McAuley and the work of the Sisters in being living witnesses of God’s mercy in the world.

In addition to its 13 Colleges, Mercy Education supports the works and promotes the Mercy ethos in 27 Mercy-affiliated schools across Australia. Our vision is to continue to enrich a dynamic community of Catholic schools committed to the spirit of Mercy.

Mercy Education is one of several not-for-profit ministries of Mercy Ministry Companions, a Ministerial Public Juridic Person operating throughout Australia.

About the Role

As Mercy Education’s principal governance officer, the Company Secretary supports the Board and its committees to operate effectively, lawfully and in accordance with the organisation’s mission, constitution and governance framework.

The Company Secretary reports operationally to the Chief Executive Officer and is accountable to the Board through the Board Chair for company secretarial responsibilities. Working closely with the Board Chair, Directors, Chief Executive Officer and Executive Team, the successful candidate will provide independent, accurate and practical advice on governance, risk, compliance and ethical decision-making.

Key responsibilities include:

• Providing company secretarial and governance support to the Board and its committees.
• Attend Board meetings and general meetings and prepare resolutions as required.
• Overseeing Board and committee calendars, agendas, work plans, meeting processes and maintenance of corporate governance records.
• Supporting compliance with the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth), ACNC requirements, Mercy Education’s Constitution and other applicable obligations.
• Maintaining statutory and governance registers, including records concerning Directors, officers, interests, conflicts, delegations and executed instruments.
• Developing and maintaining governance policies, processes, charters and related documentation.
• Advising the Board, Chief Executive Officer and Executive Team on corporate governance requirements and good practice.
• Coordinating Board and committee recruitment, succession planning, appointments, induction, formation and professional development.
• Supporting ongoing evaluation and continuous improvement of Board and committee effectiveness.
• Building trusted relationships with Mercy Ministry Companions, regulatory bodies and other key stakeholders.
• Contributing governance expertise and advice as a member of the National Office Executive Team.
• Actively contribute to National office’s Executive Team, collaborating on shared work and providing expert advice and support on Board/governance-related matters.

About You

You will be an experienced Company Secretary, governance professional or legal adviser who brings sound judgement, integrity and the confidence to work effectively with Board Directors, senior executives, members, regulators and other stakeholders.

The successful candidate will possess:

• A relevant tertiary qualification in law, governance, business administration, finance or a related discipline.
• Demonstrated senior-level experience supporting a Board and its committees.
• Sound working knowledge of the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth), ACNC requirements and the governance obligations applying to companies limited by guarantee and registered charities.
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, together with the ability to operate confidently and discreetly.
• The capacity to provide independent, practical and well-reasoned governance advice.
• Exemplary judgement when managing privileged, confidential and sensitive information.
• Strong organisational and project management skills, attention to detail and the ability to meet fixed statutory and Board deadlines.
• Ability to work flexibly, independently and within a team environment to plan and prioritise workflow, to meet deadlines and deliver high-quality outcomes
• A sound understanding of governance controls, risk management, compliance, audit and assurance.
• Proficiency with governance software, secure Board portals, records management systems and Microsoft 365.

A professional governance or company secretarial qualification is highly desirable, as is experience within the education, Catholic, faith-based or broader not-for-profit sector. Applicants must also demonstrate a commitment to Mercy Education’s mission, vision and values and to the broader ethos and mission of Catholic education.

In accordance with the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth), the successful candidate must not be disqualified from managing corporations under Part 2D.6 of the Act. The position also requires a current Victorian Working with Children Check.

Benefits

• Competitive remuneration.
• Salary packaging available.
• Ongoing, part-time appointment at 0.6 FTE.
• Hybrid working arrangements in accordance with Mercy Education policy.
• Onsite parking when available.
• Convenient East Melbourne location close to public transport.

Why join us

You’ll be part of an organisation grounded in the values of Justice, Compassion, Hospitality, Service, Respect and Courage, contributing to the mission-aligned work of Mercy Colleges across Australia.

How to Apply

If this opportunity appeals to you, we would welcome your application.

Please email your cover letter and résumé to Mercy Education’s Human Resources Manager, Justin Groenewaldt, at [email protected]. For a confidential discussion or to obtain a copy of the position description, please contact Justin Groenewaldt on 03 9377 5913 or 0403 518 740.

Applications close: Friday 9 October 2026.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Mercy Education places a high priority on the safety of students across its Colleges. Candidate screening, including reference checking and other relevant pre-employment checks, will form part of the recruitment process.