C- Suite Executive Assistant

Position overview

The C-Suite Executive Assistant (EA) provides high-level executive, administrative and coordination support across the Chief Operations Officer (COO) and Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) portfolios, with primary accountability to the COO.

The role supports the effective operation of these portfolios by managing complex schedules, coordinating executive priorities, and providing governance and leadership support across the organisation. The role also provides localised, supplementary support to the CEO when in Perth, working collaboratively with the CEOs Executive Assistant to ensure continuity of executive support.

Position context

The Australian Council for Educational Research is a national, independent, not-for-profit educational research and development organisation with a proud history of rigorous research, resource development, and research-based advice to governments and education authorities globally.  

Our mission is to create and promote research-based knowledge, products and services to improve learning across the lifespan. We pursue this mission through collaborative research projects; national, regional and global assessment programs; education system reviews and evaluation studies; and the provision of high-quality, evidence-informed professional resources for practitioners.  

ACER has approximately 460 staff working across Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Perth, and Adelaide with a strong global presence in Malaysia, UAE, UK and India.   

The C-Suite Executive Assistant provides high-level executive, administrative and coordination support to  the COO and CMO by managing communications, coordinating business activities, and supporting key operational and strategic priorities across both portfolios. The role also supports cross-functional collaboration and provides localised, supplementary executive support to the CEO for Perth-based operations.

Job responsibilities

Organisational accountabilities

• Proactively work towards achieving individual, team and organisational objectives while demonstrating ACER’s leadership behaviours:

• Developing Self – involves self-management, self-reflection and self-improvement
• Embracing Change – being open to change and leading change when appropriate
• Pursuing Excellence – ongoing search for new and better ways of working
• Setting Directions – strategic thinking and planning for the future
• Supporting Colleagues – supporting and contributing to the development of others
• Working Collaboratively – building highly effective internal and external relationships

• Actively work to create an equitable, fair and harmonious work environment which is free from harassment, bullying and discrimination by demonstrating respectful and courteous behaviour towards others
• Proactively foster an inclusive and diverse work environment which encourages and respects different experiences and perspectives, and values diversity of thought
• Comply with all occupational health and safety requirements, including following safe work practices for self and others
• Comply with all information security requirements, including completing regular security training and abiding by the standards and procedures laid out in ACER’s Information Security Management System

Work in accordance with ACER’s policies and procedures.

Competencies

Skills, knowledge and experience

Essential

• Extensive (15+ years) experience providing high-level executive support to C-suite executives and senior leaders within complex, fast-paced and highly confidential environments.
• Demonstrated ability to anticipate executive needs, manage competing priorities and deliver high-quality outcomes in support of organisational and executive objectives.
• Highly developed stakeholder management, interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build trusted relationships and influence outcomes across all levels of the organisation.
• Exceptional attention to detail and a proven ability to manage complex executive communications, deliverables and governance requirements with accuracy and professionalism.
• Advanced written communication skills, including the preparation of executive correspondence, reports, briefing papers and presentation materials for senior leadership audiences.
• Demonstrated ability to exercise sound judgement, discretion and initiative, operating independently within a dynamic executive environment.
• High levels of professionalism, integrity and confidentiality, with a proven ability to manage sensitive information and matters of strategic importance.

Education