About the AIJA

The Australasian Institute of Judicial Administration Inc (AIJA) is a research and educational institute committed to advancing excellence in courts and tribunals. It is funded by the Commonwealth states and territories and the New Zealand Ministry of Justice, and by subscription income from its membership, which is primarily made up of members of the judiciary, court administrators and legal professionals.

As an independent institute and not-for-profit charitable organisation, the AIJA advances its interests in court excellence primarily through supporting research and providing resources and educational activities for its membership, within the AIJA’s research areas of interest. The AIJA aims to at all times maintain the upmost levels of service for our membership and stakeholders, and strives to place itself at the forefront of initiatives promoting excellence in court administration across Australia.

About the position

This position reports directly to the Executive Director and is located at the AIJA office in the Sydney CBD, commencing as soon as possible.

As a small, not-for-profit organisation, you will be part of a collegial, collaborative, and dynamic team.

You will have primary oversight of a national portfolio of funded research projects related to court excellence and the administration of justice, in addition to responsibilities for a range of diverse tasks depending on organisational needs and priorities. The position would therefore suit a person with:

• experience managing research projects and funding agreements;
• an interest in the administration of justice;
• a willingness to be adaptable and versatile in their day-to-day work.

Working hours

Employment is on a casual basis for up to 22.5hrs per week, paid commensurate with experience (excluding superannuation).

You must be available to attend regular monthly meetings for the AIJA Research Committee, which are usually held at 4.30-5.30pm (AEDT in summer/AEST in winter) on the first Wednesday of each month.

Otherwise, standard working days are negotiable.

Key responsibilities

Support the Executive Director in overseeing, developing and managing the AIJA’s research activities and projects, including:

• maintaining a watching brief on a portfolio of AIJA research and education activities;
• managing compliance with funding agreements and other reporting requirements;
• preparing a range of internal and external briefing documents; and
• providing logistical support for internal and external events.

You may also be responsible for in-house research tasks that may be required from time-to-time.

• Lead or participate in a range of AIJA information distribution activities, including:
  • managing content on the AIJA website;
  • overseeing the AIJA publication process;
  • producing a range of organisational communications, including:
    • electronic newsletters and other membership communications;
    • promotion and dissemination of AIJA resources to external stakeholders; and
    • social media content.
• Capacity building, networking and partnerships, including:
  • providing secretariat support for AIJA Committee, Board and Council meetings; and
  • liaising with judicial members, academic, government and other professional stakeholders.
• Work collaboratively with other AIJA team members.
• Provide assistance to the Executive Director as required.

Selection criteria

Essential

• An undergraduate qualification in a relevant discipline, such as law, legal studies, project management and/or communications; or demonstrable relevant/equivalent experience.
• Well-developed project management, organisational and administrative skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Office programs.
• The ability to effectively determine priorities and achieve defined outcomes within strict deadlines.
• Excellent interpersonal and teamwork skills, including the capacity to adapt easily between working autonomously, collaboratively with team members, and at the direction of the Executive Director.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills including the ability to communicate appropriately in a range of forums with diverse stakeholders, including judiciary, legal professionals, and academic, government and non-government stakeholders.

Desirable

• Understanding of the legal and judicial professions and/or court administration in Australia.
• Specific knowledge or experience relevant to the AIJA’s research areas of interest.
• Experience managing complex grants and academic research projects.
• Proficiency in website and communications software such as MailChimp and WordPress.

A position description is attached.