Governance Administrator

Department/team: Governance, Fellowship and Compliance

Reports to: Head of Governance, Fellowship and Compliance

Role status: Full-time, ongoing

Location: Canberra

Role classification: $87,408 including up to 17% superannuation

About the Academy

The Australian Academy of Science is a national learned academy of distinguished Australian scientists. For more than 70 years the Academy has championed science for the benefit of all.

We are a non-government, not-for-profit organisation convening the country’s leading experts from broad scientific fields to provide independent evidence-based advice and advocacy that informs government policy, aids decision-making across industry, guides public debate, supports STEM education outcomes, and contributes to global science.

The Academy’s offices are located in Canberra in the ACT, operating out of two iconic heritage listed buildings, the Shine Dome and Ian Potter House in the centre of the city.

We acknowledge and pay respect to the Traditional Owners of the lands on which the Academy Fellows and employees live and work, and to their elders, past and present.

Our culture

The Academy reflects organisational values that earn and sustain trust. The Academy is independent, non-partisan and ethical; acts with integrity, honesty, and transparency; supports diversity and inclusion; and is respectful of sources of knowledge, such as those of First Nations people.

We offer a safe, flexible and inclusive work environment and strive to create an environment that connects, respects and values staff. We promote a culture that supports collaboration, initiative and ingenuity, investing in staff to nurture and develop them as professionals.

Employee benefits

The Academy strives to provide its staff with exceptional benefits and support. Staff benefits available to staff at the Academy include:

• free parking in the city
• up to 17% superannuation
• salary packaging options
• flexible working hours
• paid Christmas closedown
• employee assistance program
• professional development support.

About the position

This position is part of a secretariat, accountable to the Academy Council, that works as a team to deliver the priorities and commitments set out in the Academy’s strategic plan.

The Governance Administrator supports the governance and administrative functions of the Academy’s 19 discipline-based National Committees for Science, who provide advice to the Academy’s Council on discipline-specific matters relating to emerging scientific developments, and capability needs relevant to Australia and the region.

Working closely with the science advisers in the Science Networks and Advice team, the Governance Administrator provides high-quality end-to-end secretarial services for the National Committees.

This involves scheduling meetings, assisting in the preparation and distribution of meeting papers, occasional minute-taking and managing the Committees’ membership. 

This role has a strong focus on stakeholder liaison, managing the wide range of external National Committee Chairs, members and other stakeholders. 

For full details on the role, please refer to the position description.

Selection criteria

• Relevant qualification in business administration, governance, or a related field (e.g. Certificate IV in Business Administration or equivalent experience). Further qualifications in governance, compliance, or project management will be highly regarded.
• Demonstrated experience providing secretariat and administrative support to boards, committees, senior leadership and other stakeholders.
• Proficiency with databases, Adobe PDF and Microsoft Office products. Experience with board management software would be an advantage.
• Well-developed oral and written communication skills and the ability to engage confidently and professionally with internal and external stakeholders, including scientists and committees.
• Strong initiative and self-motivation, with demonstrated high-level organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks and competing deadlines in a complex environment.
• A commitment to workplace diversity, participation, work health and safety, and equity principles is essential. 

How to apply

If this role sounds like a great fit for you, please apply including:

• your résumé
• a cover letter (max. two pages) explaining why this role is for you and how you’ll contribute to our team. Please refer to the selection criteria.

Please apply via Seek or apply directly to hr@science.org.au

Applications close 5.00 pm AEDT Wednesday 28 January 2026, however we will be processing applications as they arrive.

To be eligible to apply for this role you must be legally permitted to work in Australia. The Australian Academy of Science values social and cultural diversity. We encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people; people with culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds; people who identify as LGBTIQ+; and people with disability. The Academy is committed to the principles of equal employment opportunity and the provision of a safe and healthy work environment. The Academy supports and promotes flexible work practices.