Executive Assistant

Description:

Why work with us:

The Office for Early Childhood Development was created to champion change and to help build a system that gives all South Australian children a flying start to life.

Guided by the recommendations of the Royal Commission into Early Childhood Education and Care, the Office for Early Childhood Development is the steward of the early childhood development system in South Australia.

The Office is tasked with a significant responsibility: bringing together a holistic, connected system for early childhood development across South Australia, with the goal of reducing the rate of children entering school developmental vulnerable. Critical to this is the roll-out of universal 3-year-old preschool from 2026, giving every child access to 2 years of teacher-led, play-based early learning before school.

About this role:

We are looking for an Executive Assistant to support the Chief Executive, including but not limited to managing their diary, meetings and travel arrangements, while maintaining effective administrative processes. As a trusted member of the Office of the Chief Executive, you will work closely with senior leaders to ensure the smooth and timely flow of information, support high-level decision-making, and deliver essential administrative and financial services.

Working within a small team, you will contribute to the delivery of high-quality service and standards. The position requires the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment, while handling sensitive and confidential information with discretion.

In this role, you will:

• provide comprehensive and confidential executive support, including diary management, travel arrangements and meeting coordination.

• manage communication and liaise with senior personnel and stakeholders to ensure the Chief Executive is fully briefed and prepared.

• handle financial and administrative functions, including verifying monthly expenditure and HR reports.

• take initiative on projects and continuous improvement efforts to support the efficiency of the Office of the Chief Executive.

• prioritise tasks and manage shifting deadlines in a high-pressure environment.

• assist in maintaining record-keeping practices in line with legislative requirements.

About you:

You will bring a strong background in executive support, demonstrated ability to perform well within a fast-paced executive team, and a proactive approach to managing workloads and priorities. Specifically, we are seeking someone who:

• has experience in delivering high-level executive support, including managing complex diaries and communications.
• exercises discretion, integrity, and judgment in handling sensitive information.
• is able to work autonomously, manage competing demands, and meet deadlines while proposing solutions to challenges as they arise.
• demonstrates strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build productive relationships across diverse teams and with external stakeholders.
• has a keen eye for detail and finely honed organisational skills, ensuring the smooth operation of the office and compliance with regulations.

Role benefits:

• Flexible working arrangements.
• Opportunity to work with passionate, driven colleagues who are making a difference in early childhood education across South Australia.
• Exposure to high-level strategic decision-making and the opportunity to contribute to change.
• Professional development opportunities to enhance your career in public administration.

Special Conditions:

• You may be asked to work out of hours or travel within or outside South Australia.
• A current Working with Children Check and Responding to Risks of Harm, Abuse, and Neglect – Education and Care training are required.
• Must be an Australian resident or hold a current work permit.

Join us in shaping the future of early childhood education in South Australia. Apply now to be part of a dynamic team making a lasting impact on the lives of young children.

Application Instructions and Information:

Applications should be made through the IWorkForSA website.

Applicants must submit a CV, Pre-employment Declaration, and a cover letter outlining their suitability against the key selection criteria in the attached Position Description.

Additional Note:

This is a full-time 2-year long term contract role (1.0 FTE) with potential to be made ongoing.

Remuneration:

ASO5 $85, 790 - $95, 413 (1.0 FTE) per annum plus superannuation.

Enquiries:

Enquiries can be directed to oecd.pandc@sa.gov.au

Special Conditions:

The successful applicant is required to gain a Department for Human Services (DHS) working with children check (WWCC) prior to being employed which is required to be renewed every 5 years before expiry. The incumbent will be required to undertake RRHAN –EC (Responding to Risks of Harm, Abuse and Neglect - Education Care) Facilitator Lead (Masterclass) extended course or the online (Fundamentals) course which will be required to be updated every 3 years.

For all other Special Conditions , please refer to the attached Position Description.

Flexibility Statement
The South Australian public sector promotes diversity and flexible ways of working including part-time. Applicants are encouraged to discuss the flexible working arrangements for this role.