Work at australian progress
Australian Progress is Australia’s leading organisation building the capacity and voice of civil society.
Work within a impactful, talented and fun team of world class capacity builders, organisers, project managers and trainers.
We are currently recruiting for a Chief Operating Officer. See below for more information. Applications close 5:00PM AEST on 20 July 2026
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER
About the role
As Chief Operating Officer, you are Australian Progress' senior steward of operations, finance, governance and risk. You make sure the organisation runs well, meets its obligations, and has the information and systems it needs to make sound, timely decisions.
You will own organisational budgeting and reporting, lead finance policy and process, and bring rigour to governance and risk. You will oversee our technology, data and internal systems, and improve them over time. You will manage the Operations Manager, hold the relationship with our external accountant, and manage impact measurement and reporting alongside the Partnerships Manager.
The point of the role is to make Australian Progress' mission achievable. Sound finances, clear systems and good governance are what let a lean team reach more advocates and take on bigger work.
Key details
Fixed term, 24 months
0.8-1.0 FTE
$145,000 to $160,000 plus 12% superannuation (Australian Progress Enterprise Agreement Level 8, Executive)
Australia-wide remote, or Level 4/454 Queen St, Melbourne VIC 3000, with working from home
We may review applications as they arrive, so we encourage you to apply early.
Skills and experience
Essential
Senior experience leading the full financial cycle, including budgeting, forecasting, cashflow, management and Board reporting, audit and compliance.
Strong governance, risk and compliance knowledge, with a track record of preparing clear financial advice and Board papers.
The ability to turn complex financial information into clear options for senior leaders and Boards.
Experience improving finance and operations systems, processes and reporting.
An experienced people manager who develops staff and supports other managers.
Sound judgement, with the ability to set direction and make decisions at an organisation-wide level.
Desirable
Experience as a senior finance or operations leader in a non-profit organisation.
Experience with DGR compliance and grant acquittal reporting.
Experience acting as, or supporting, a Company Secretary.
Lived expertise and relationships in the movements we work with, including First Nations justice, racial justice, disability justice, economic fairness, climate and LGBTQI+ rights.
Relevant qualifications, for example CPA, CA, MBA or AICD. The Enterprise Agreement recognises postgraduate qualifications or equivalent experience at this level, so formal qualifications are welcome but not required.
What we offer
We back our team with strong pay and conditions, set in our Enterprise Agreement and shaped by our values.
Work from anywhere in Australia, with genuine flexibility over your hours and where you work, including the ability to work from home.
16 weeks paid parental leave, equal for primary and secondary carers and for parents of any gender.
A three-week paid shutdown over summer, accrued days off through the year, and the option to buy up to four extra weeks of annual leave.
Leave that reflects what we stand for: 20 days gender affirmation leave, 20 days family and domestic violence leave, 10 days cultural leave for First Nations staff, paid leave to volunteer on campaigns and attend rallies, the choice to attend First Nations-led events on Invasion Day during work hours, and paid leave during natural disasters and climate impacts.
Personal leave you can use for your mental health, for menstruation or menopause, for medical appointments, or for pet bereavement.
A yearly professional development budget and dedicated time, plus a place in one of our own trainings each year.
Wellbeing support through an Employee Assistance Program, or reimbursement to see your own practitioner.
How to apply
To submit your application, click here.
Questions?
For further information, or a confidential conversation about the role, contact the Deputy CEO, Adam Knobel, at adam@australianprogress.org.au.