Migrant Justice Institute is a small national research, policy and advocacy organisation dedicated to stopping exploitation of migrant workers and holding business to account for modern slavery. We use legal analysis and research to develop innovative reforms that are grounded in migrants’ experiences - and we fight for their implementation.

Our research has become the reference point on migrant worker exploitation in Australia. We closely collaborate with migrant communities, civil society organisations and trade unions to amplify migrants’ voices and mobilise for change. Led by law professors at UTS and UNSW, we have an office in the UNSW Faculty of Law and Justice in Sydney and our Board is chaired by David Gonski AC.

OPERATIONS MANAGER

The Operations Manager oversees MJI’s governance, finance, HR, and operational functions to enable the organisation to deliver its mission with maximum impact. This role provides flexibility and is ideal for an experienced professional seeking a part-time commitment of around 8 hrs/week worked flexibly during business hours. The role can mostly be worked remotely with occasional time with the team at our UNSW office.

Key responsibilities include oversight of finances and budget, engagement with staff and providers, internal risk management, grant management, regulatory compliance, and supporting the organisation’s governance functions, including preparing Board papers. For candidates interested in expanding their role, there is potential for additional hours to incorporate activities such as development and fundraising, grant-writing, and project impact evaluation.

Given our lean structure, tasks are sporadic and typically arise at intervals, ensuring that the workload is manageable within the allocated hours. You will be supported by an operations assistant, external bookkeepers who manage payroll, bookkeeping, and some HR functions, as well as a robust external IT support provider. We also have an efficient CRM system, well-established organisational policies and procedures, and a clear strategic direction for our work and impact in the coming years. The Operations Manager will play a key role in ensuring these systems continue to operate effectively while also identifying and implementing potential improvements.

Our organisation operates efficiently with minimal daily operational demands. We manage 2 to 3 long-term grants at any given time, with the majority of our budget allocated to salaries and long-term contractors. While we collaborate with various allies and government and business stakeholders, we do not have direct clients or provide fee-for-service work. Our Board is small and efficient, with strong processes in place for budget management, financial reporting, annual audits, and compliance.

Selection criteria

• 5+ years experience in operations management including demonstrated effective oversight of systems and processes to enable a small organisation to thrive;

• Highly competent all-rounder with impeccable attention to detail who can be consistently relied on to get things done well;

• Capacity to oversee governance, compliance and reporting responsibilities of a small charitable organisation with DGR-1 status;

• Demonstrated capacity to effectively update and manage organisation-level budgets, financial reporting, management and payment of suppliers, and support an external auditor;

• Demonstrated capacity to effectively manage junior staff and external providers;

• Strong digital skills (capacity to manage a CRM system (Hubspot) desirable but not essential);

• Creative and resourceful, capable of identifying cost-effective solutions to achieve objectives;

• Flexible, enjoys juggling diverse responsibilities, and not afraid to muck in or change plans as needed;

• Passion for making a difference to ensure everyone is treated fairly and with dignity, and the ability to work effectively with a diverse range of people.

The Migrant Justice Institute is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive workforce and particularly encourage candidates from migrant backgrounds to apply for this role.

A position description is attached.