The Human Rights Law Centre (HRLC) uses strategic legal action, policy solutions and advocacy to support people and communities to promote and protect human rights to build a fairer, more compassionate Australia.

The Human Rights Law Centre is a community legal centre and registered non-profit charitable organization. Following an organisational review, the (HRLC) is seeking a dynamic and experienced Chief of Operations to join its leadership team in this key senior management role. This is an exciting opportunity to drive operational excellence, strengthen internal systems, and support the organisation’s mission to advance human rights and social justice.

About the Role

Reporting directly to the CEO, the Chief of Operations will play a pivotal role in enhancing HRLC’s operational capacity, enabling the CEO to focus more on external advocacy, growth and stakeholder engagement. The role will oversee key functions, including People & Culture, Finance, Operational Support, and Data & Impact, ensuring that policies, procedures, and systems are robust, efficient, and aligned with HRLC’s strategic goals. The COO will play a key role working closely with the CEO to negotiate a new Enterprise Agreement for the organisation.

The successful candidate will lead efforts to foster a positive workplace culture that is sensitive to the unique values and mission of HRLC. They will also drive initiatives to improve organisational performance, legal compliance and ensure that HRLC’s impact is effectively measured.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and strengthen HRLC’s policies, procedures, and internal systems to support operational excellence.
• Manage the outsourced accounting and IT provider relationships, ensuring clear communication, robust internal controls, and data governance to maintain the integrity and accuracy of financial reporting while safeguarding sensitive financial data.
• Lead and develop the HRLC’s human resource function including all stages of the employee lifecycle, development and maintenance of policies and procedures, industrial relations issues and effective workforce planning, including leadership of the Enterprise Agreement and future negotiations.
• Provide operational support across the organisation to ensure smooth day-to-day functioning.
• Develop and implement frameworks for measuring and reporting on HRLC’s impact.
• Collaborate closely with the CEO and leadership team to drive strategic initiatives and organisational growth.
• Act as a trusted advisor in creating a workplace culture that reflects HRLC’s commitment to human rights, diversity and anti-racism. and social justice.
• Serve as Company Secretary, working closely with the CEO and Board of Directors to support good governance practices.

About You

We are looking for a highly skilled leader with:

• Proven experience in operations management or a similar leadership role within the not-for-profit or social justice sectors. Strong expertise in people management, organisational systems, and process improvement.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills with the ability to build trust and foster collaboration across diverse teams.
• Sensitivity to working within a values-driven organisation committed to advancing human rights and a demonstrated commitment to the promotion and protection of human rights and social justice.
• A strategic mindset with the ability to translate vision into action while maintaining attention to detail.
• Expertise in Human Resources alongside strong skills in a broad range of corporate functions. Demonstrated evidence of a key involvement in successful EBA negotiations.

Why Join Us?

At HRLC, you’ll have the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to advancing human rights while shaping the operational backbone of a passionate and impactful organisation. This role offers significant autonomy, a collaborative work environment, and the chance to make a real difference in creating a fairer world.

How to Apply

For further information or a confidential discussion please call Michael Holdway, Searchlight Group on (03) 9600 1137 or 0400 006 513. Before applying, download the Candidate Information pack from www.searchlightgroup.com.au/careers.

Join us at HRLC as we work together to create a fairer future for all!