About Us

The Water Well Projectis a not-for-profit health promotion organisation based in Melbourne. Our mission is to improve the health and wellbeing of migrants, refugees and asylum seekers by improving health literacy. Our vision is that all individuals from refugee and asylum seeker backgrounds achieve equitable access to healthcare to enable them to live full lives and contribute to the wider community.

The Executive Officer (EO) is the key management leader of The Water Well Project. The EO is responsible for ensuring the company’s effective and efficient operations, overseeing its administration, programs and strategic plan. Other key duties include oversight of the volunteer management committee, fundraising, marketing, recruitment and community outreach.

The position reports directly to the Board of Directors and will coordinate a small team of staff members as well as a range of volunteer committee members. The successful candidate will demonstrate high level skills in the areas of operations, team management, finances and fundraising, recruitment and communications and marketing.

Key Responsibilities

Operations

• Responsible for leading The Water Well Project in a manner that supports and guides its mission, as defined by the Board of Directors.
• Responsible for communicating effectively with the Board and providing, in a timely and accurate manner, all information necessary for the Board to function proactively and to make informed decisions.
• Oversee coordination/ planning of session vacancies, a month in advance.
• Support the strategic development of the company.
• Manage the preparation of the annual report and the annual business plan.
• Responsible for signing all notes, agreements and other instruments made and entered into and on behalf of the company.
• Creation of and updating relevant policies, procedures and guidelines
• Implement and update digital platforms/software as required. This may involve the implementation of a new Customer Relationship Software.
• Coordinate evaluation/feedback of sessions

Team management

• Recruit, lead, support and work closely with a small team of staff members
• Recruit, lead, support and liaise with the volunteer management team including (but not limited to) the following portfolios: Volunteer Engagement, Fundraising, Marketing/Communications, Human Resources, Evaluations, Digital and State liaison teams
• Ensure ongoing recruitment and active engagement of volunteer healthcare professionals, which may include coordination of social/induction events.
• Manage associated human resources issues including the health, safety and wellbeing of staff and volunteers; as well as recruitment of and team-building
• Organise Management and Board meetings (in consultation with Company Secretary for Board meetings).

Financial management

• Responsible for fundraising and developing other revenue streams to support the company’s operations. This may involve grant applications and acquittal, fundraising campaigns, liaison with external patrons and organisations and other mechanisms as required.
• Ensure regular financial reports are provided to the Treasurer and to the Board through oversight of budgets, bookkeeping and accounts management in accordance with ACNC, ASIC, ATO and other requirements.
• Oversee implementation of the preparation of the annual financial report and annual audit as required.
• Ensure that insurance cover is adequate and current for organisation.
• Arrange for the accurate renumeration of all employees through organisation of timesheets and liaison with the Treasurer.

External liaison

• Maintain a positive image of The Water Well Project at all times.
• Develop and enhance partnerships across the range of stakeholders and sectors and at council, state and national level, as appropriate.
• Complete scoping of areas and organisations in need and liaise with new and existing partner organisations (in conjunction with the Project Administrator)
• Work with Communications/Marketing team to provide oversight of the website, social media accounts and other promotional materials
• Represent The Water Well Project at relevant external events.
• Coordination of a quarterly stakeholder newsletter

Key Selection Criteria

• Five or more years’ experience in management, preferably of community organisations.
• Proven ability to effectively manage an organisation within a challenging environment.
• Extensive experience in strategic planning, business management, budget preparation and in corporate reporting requirements (governance, risks and OHS management, etc).
• Strong work ethic with a high degree of energy.
• Excellent negotiation and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently, managing heavy workloads, multiple demands and tight timelines.
• Proven ability to secure new revenue streams and improve financial results.
• Active fundraising experience. Excellent donor relations skills and understanding of the funding community.
• Highly developed skills in people management, development and team building including volunteers.
• Previous success in establishing relationships with individuals and organisations of influence including funders, community organisation and volunteers.
• Strong written and oral communication skills and public speaking ability. Ability to effectively communicate the organisation’s mission to donors, volunteers and the overall community.
• Knowledge about health/healthcare literacy and/or understanding of the refugee sector is advantageous.

Remuneration and conditions

The position is initially for 9 months subject to a 3-month probationary review. Remuneration is $40 - $45 per hour, plus superannuation and salary packaging benefits. (Equivalent to approximately $90k - $100k package including super).

The EO will work remotely (no work equipment will be provided by the company) and be able to attend Board or other meetings in Melbourne/online as required.

The EO is also expected to represent the company externally, to attend and present at various events which occasionally may be outside normal working hours.

Our values

• Collaboration
• Compassion
• Respectfulness of diversity
• Integrity
• Accountability