The Position
This position is responsible for overseeing the day to day operations of the Finance, Human Resources and Information Technology teams and the provision of support services to other operational areas of the Wilderness Society Inc (TWS Inc), including administration, strategic planning, risk management, infrastructure management, governance and compliance. The position works closely with three other managers to form the management team of TWS Inc reporting to the Committee of Management.
Positions reporting to the Business Operations Manager are:
- Finance Manager
- Human Resources Manager
- Information & Technology Manager
- Executive Assistant / Office Administrator
The position demands high-level management, leadership & communication skills and involves working with key internal stakeholders within TWS Inc as well as state campaign centres.
The role requires strong interpersonal skills together with substantial experience in managing revenue and business management functions with a customer service focus, the ability to identify issues and proactively develop solutions, and the capacity to be highly organised and manage multiple projects.
Key Functions
1. Enhance and oversee the financial management functions of TWS Inc.
2. Ensure that TWS Inc operates within all statutory and regulatory compliance guidelines.
3. Ensure the effective day to day running of the administration and operation services.
4. Oversee the development and implementation of effective performance management systems, processes and policies that support staff and management and maximise the effectiveness and well-being of all TWS Inc personnel.
5. Oversee the development and implementation of information technology systems & infrastructure that service the operational and strategic needs of TWS Inc departments and entities, maximises integration and improves organisational effectiveness and efficiency.
6. Oversee the development of all strategic and operational plans for TWS Inc.
7. Facilitate all necessary activities to ensure effective organisation and administrative operations between TWS Inc, TWS Australia and its member organisations.
8. Develop self managing teams covering the areas of finance, information technology and human resources.
Key Responsibilities
Oversee the Finance Department to ensure:
- All financial accounting and management functions including financial systems, reporting and analysis are delivered effectively and efficiently.
- TWS Inc investments are strategically managed to maximize return.
- All financial management policies and practices are in line with regulatory and legal requirements and adhere to audit specifications.
- The budget development process is conducted to deliver on agreed financial parameters and outcomes, is prepared within agreed timeframes and is consultative, robust and well documented.
- Oversight of the audit process to ensure TWS Inc finance accounts are well prepared, well documented and readily available for this process.
- The budgetary and monthly reporting requirements are timely and accurate.
- Expenditure is monitored and in line with delegations.
Administration and Legal Compliance:
- Oversee development and implementation of policies and procedures to ensure that TWS Inc complies with all legislation and regulation with respect to finance, fundraising, Industrial Relations and OH&S.
- Oversee the delivery of Enterprise Risk Management strategies for TWS Inc.
- Work with the TWS Inc governance officer to ensure TWS Inc operates in accordance with legal and constitutional requirements.
- Work closely with the lead managers for Fundraising and Communications to develop long term plans for TWS Inc that identify and address revenue risk, program reliance and new business opportunities.
- Drive the governance review for TWS Inc and implementation of any subsequent recommendations.
- Provide high level support to the TWS Inc Committee of Management to ensure their effective coordination and operation.
Oversee the Human Resources Department to ensure:
- The development and implementation of adequate employment policies & practices that are in line with Fair Work Australia guidelines and all legal requirements.
- The development and implementation of an appropriate induction and performance management system for TWS Inc.
- The establishment and regular review of an enterprise agreement with employees.
Oversee Operations and Infrastructure:
- Ensure TWS Inc assets and resources are maintained appropriately and develop leases, contracts and agreements as required.
- Ensure the development and delivery of business administration and information technology systems & infrastructure that services the strategic and day to day operational needs of TWS Inc departments and entities, maximises integration and improves organisational effectiveness and efficiency.
Other Management and Governance Responsibilities:
- Attend Committee of Management meetings (and participate in Finance Sub-Committee meetings) and provide financial and operational reports as required.
- Management of relevant budgets within services/operational areas.
- Work closely with other members of the TWS Inc management team to develop strategic plans and oversee the management of TWS Inc.
- Participate in National Business Operations Committee meetings and other TWS Australia forums as required.
- Ensure TWS Inc complies with all TWS Australia policies and procedures.
- Drive the development of effective contractual arrangements among TWSA member bodies and the maintenance and review of contracts.
- Oversee the management of the TWS Inc Wilderness Fund and provide management support for the Forever Wild Trust and the Friends of Wilderness.
Oversee Strategic and Operational Planning
- Oversee the planning and implementation process for the development of a whole of organisation strategic plan – including the integration of planning for campaigns, communications, fundraising, IT, HR, Finance and Administration in consultation with relevant TWS Australia committees.
- Support the development of a TWS Australia Campaign Plan through the provision of planning resources to the National Campaign Committee and national campaign team.
- Provide the capacity building within TWS to support and enable effective planning by all functions across TWS Australia and all programs of TWS Inc.
Selection Criteria
- Demonstrated passion and commitment to protecting wilderness
- A strong commitment to TWS purpose and values
- Tertiary qualifications in business management, financial management or equivalent field
- At least 5 years senior or executive management experience including in finance, HR and IT operations
- Outstanding financial, analytical and risk management skills, including budget preparation and reporting
- Demonstrated leadership skills and experience
- Highly developed communication and interpersonal skills
- Strategic and operational planning, project management & problem solving
- Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines and work well under pressure
- Experience working for an environmental NGO
Applications
A letter of application including a resume and responses to the selection criteria should be sent to hr@wilderness.org.au (attention: Doug Strohfeld, HR Manager). Please contact Cath Hoban, Acting Chief Operations Officer if you require any further information on 03 9838 2101 or cath.hoban@wilderness.org.au
