Eating Disorders Families Australia (EDFA) is a national not-for-profit organisation dedicated to supporting families and carers of individuals with eating disorders. Our mission is to provide education, resources, and a supportive community to empower families in navigating their loved one's recovery journey. 

Working closely with the Board Chair and the Executive Director, the Company Secretary will play a vital role in ensuring EDFA complies with its legal, regulatory, and governance obligations. As the key governance professional for the Board, the Company Secretary will support the effective functioning of the Board, maintain compliance with statutory requirements, and ensure best practices in governance are upheld.

This is a volunteer role suitable for a professional with governance, legal, or administrative experience who is passionate about supporting families affected by eating disorders. As a lived experience organisation, experience as a carer of someone with an eating disorders is preferred, but not essential.

EDFA is a charity registered with the Australian Charities and Not-For-Profits Commission (ACNC) and is incorporated as a company limited by guarantee. EDFA holds DGR status.

As a national organisation, EDFA programs are delivered remotely. As such, the responsibilities of this position can be carried out from any location in Australia.

Duties include:

Governance and Compliance

• Ensure EDFA complies with all statutory and regulatory obligations, including those under the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) and the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC).
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of legislative and governance requirements relevant to EDFA.

Board Support

• Prepare and distribute agendas, minutes, and other documents for Board and committee meetings.
• Attend Board meetings and ensure accurate record-keeping of minutes and resolutions.
• Advise the Board on governance matters and assist with Board inductions.

Statutory Filings and Registers

• Maintain the organisation's statutory registers (e.g. directors, conflicts of interest).
• Lodge required documentation with regulators, such as the ACNC and ASIC, within required timeframes.

Policy and Procedure Management

• Oversee the maintenance and periodic review of governance policies and procedures.
• Support the Board in developing and updating policies, as required.

General Administration

• Manage correspondence with regulatory bodies and other stakeholders on governance matters.
• Act as a point of contact for governance-related queries.

The ideal candidate will possess the following:

Essential:

• Strong understanding of corporate governance principles and relevant legislative requirements.
• Demonstrated experience in a similar role (Company Secretary, Governance Officer, or equivalent).
• Exceptional organisational and administrative skills, with the ability to manage deadlines.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency with digital tools, including Microsoft Office and online meeting platforms (e.g., Teams).

Desirable:

• Familiarity with the not-for-profit or charity sector in Australia.
• Membership with the Governance Institute of Australia (or willingness to obtain).

Personal attributes:

• Alignment with EDFA’s mission and values.
• A high degree of discretion and confidentiality.
• Commitment to ensure all services and interactions adhere to best practice guidelines, professional standards, and EDFA’s commitment to providing safe, high-quality support to families
• A proactive and collaborative approach to working with the Board and other stakeholders.

For further information about this position, please email Executive Director Jane Rowan on [email protected] using the subject line: Company Secretary enquiry via EthicalJobs.