Executive Officer Governance

Job Description

Colac Otway Shire Council are looking for an outstanding governance leader to join their team in the newly created role of Executive Officer Governance . This is your opportunity to drive best-practice governance, provide expert strategic advice, and make a real impact in a dynamic local government environment. Located within two hours south-west of Melbourne, Colac Otway is renowned for its magnificent southern coastline, the Otway rainforests and the northern lakes and offers an attractive lifestyle with diverse employment opportunities. Backed by a thriving economy in primary industries, tourism, commercial and community services this is an exceptional career opportunity. A highly influential role and reporting directly to the CEO, this is an exciting opportunity to work closely with the Executive Leadership Team, and with the Council and organisation to enhance good governance and integrity practices. As the Executive Officer Governance, you will cultivate a strong governance culture while enhancing processes and systems to ensure excellence in governance practices. Key responsibilities include: Provide high level strategic business planning advice to align with Council priorities. Advise executive members and the CEO, and act as liaison with the legal service provider. Support Councillors by providing timely governance advice throughout the Council business cycle. Oversee key governance legislation decisions, including FOI and Public Interest Disclosures. Support development and implementation of the Community Vision and Council Plan to ensure compliance with legislation. Contribute to the Annual Report to ensure statutory compliance. Collaborate with executives to plan the Council business program, considering strategic priorities and community engagement. Develop and implement policies to educate on governance legislation and standards. Maintain up-to-date governance policies and guidance materials. Lead education campaigns on Public Interest Disclosure, Privacy, and FOI procedures. Oversee the Audit & Risk Committee's administration, including agenda planning and liaison with independent members and the Chair. Collaborate on planning and implementing the internal audit program. Manage the administrative functions of the Audit & Risk Committee, including agenda preparation. Coordinate and administer Council's election processes. Ensure strategic documents meet legislative requirements in collaboration with the Governance team. About You: To support your success in this role you will have: An extensive understanding and knowledge of the decision-making process in local government, with an ability to communicate this in plain language and engaging terms to a diverse staff group, Councillors and the community. A highly developed knowledge and understanding of governance, risk management, corporate planning and reporting. Proven experience in local government, or a similar large, complex organisation with the desire to develop a strong knowledge of the requirements of the Local Government Act. A strong capacity for strategic thinking, influencing and highly developed analytical skills. Strong relationship management expertise and experience in a political environment. Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills (both written and verbal). To be successful in this role you will have a relevant tertiary qualification and an established career in Corporate Governance, or degree qualification in business administration, management, legal or a related discipline. You will be politically astute, responsive and innovative with the capacity to drive governance best practice, corporate strategy, organisational improvement and transparency. Candidates with the energy and passion to deliver quality outcomes for our community will be rewarded with this sought-after role. Applications close: Sunday 2nd March 2025. #J-18808-Ljbffr