• Governance and finance focus
• Mission-focussed organisation
• Based in Mascot, Sydney close to public transport

About us

The Society of the Sacred Heart (the “Society”) is an international congregation of Catholic women religious in 41 countries, whose mission is to discover and reveal God’s love in the heart of our world. Education, in its broadest sense, is the main work.

The Society in Australia consists of 14 Sisters and is led by the Provincial with support from her Leadership Team. The Province’s headquarters are located in Coward Street, Mascot, close to the train station.

We are seeking an experienced and flexible Executive Officer to join our small team.

The role

Reporting to the Provincial, and functionally to the Canonical Treasurer and Province Chief Financial Officer, you will be responsible for assisting Leadership and the Sisters with the planning and administration of the financial and other assets of the Society in Australia, so as to advance the mission of the Society and maintain the ongoing well-being of the Sisters.

The role involves being relational and caring of the Sisters, and operating both at a strategic and practical hands-on level across multiple areas, including governance and legal, finance, risk management, property management and human resources.

You will act in an ambassadorial capacity for the Society, and with the Provincial, lead aspects of the organisation’s planning processes.

You will oversee the work of the Society’s Accountant, assist with the preparation of budgets for the Society entities, and ensure the financial reports prepared by the external Accountant include the financial position and monthly statements of the communities.

You will act as Secretary and member of the Australian Investment Advisory Committee.

With the assistance of the Accountant, you will prepare and present annual financial reports to the membership, ensuring that the Sisters have all necessary information to exercise their stewardship role. You will provide the annual budgets and audited accounts for review by the Finance Committee, of which you will be a member.

You will monitor asset acquisitions, sales, leases, contracts, appraisals and taxes and negotiate and supervise the insurance programs of the Society. In conjunction with the local community and individuals, you will be responsible for the replacement of cars, computers and other major assets and arrange for the maintenance of Society properties.

You will co-ordinate human resources management of the Provincial Office, including management of staff issues and maintenance of human resources records and policies.

In undertaking your work, you will uphold and champion the mission of the Society and ensure its intent is integrated into your work.

The role is a part-time role, 30 hours a week, ideally to be worked over four days. The days and hours to be worked are negotiable.

About you

Your experience in a senior governance and/or finance role and willingness to work at a strategic level but also take a hands-on, “do anything” approach to work are critical for this role. Just as important is your empathy and understanding of the elderly Sisters’ issues.

Specifically, as the ideal candidate for this role, you will meet the following Key Requirements:

• Relevant tertiary qualifications and experience, including in governance, finance (ideally also in investments) and human resources, and experience at a managerial level in the not-for profit sector
• Strong knowledge and understanding of governance models and processes, as well as experience developing papers and organising meetings
• Ability to be creative and innovative in long-range planning and problem solving.
• Strong written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills, and a collaborative style of leadership
• Skill in adapting to and introducing change and ability to establish and rearrange priorities according to changing dynamics
• Very strong organisational and time management skills
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality and to handle the affairs of the Religious with sensitivity, honesty and integrity
• High level of computer skills, particularly in Microsoft Excel and Word, accounting packages and databases.

What’s on offer

As well as an opportunity to work for an organisation with a strong mission focus, we offer the following benefits:

• Attractive salary based on experience and qualifications
• Flexible working arrangements and negotiable workdays and hours
• On-site parking.

Enquiries and application process

For a confidential discussion, and to obtain a copy of the Position Description and instructions on how to apply, please contact Nevine Piperides at Reach HR on 0418 698 327 or [email protected].

Applications close Monday, 7 April 2025.

Additional requirements

Preferred candidates must have a Working with Children Check and National Police Check clearance prior to employment.

Preferred candidates must be willing and have the capacity to travel both domestically and overseas, although this is likely to be required very occasionally.