Executive Officer - Australian Primary Principals Association

Position Description

The Australian Primary Principals Association (APPA) seeks a highly capable and professional Executive Officer to support the national work of the Association. This part‑time position (0.6 FTE) is based in Canberra, ACT, at the APPA National Office located within the Hedley Beare Centre for Teaching and Learning (HBCTL) in Stirling.

Role Overview

The Executive Officer plays a central role in enabling APPA’s national leadership, governance and operations. Working closely with the President, Deputy President, Board and National Advisory Council (NAC), the EO ensures APPA’s strategic priorities are advanced, its governance obligations are met, and its operations run smoothly and professionally. The role calls for a strong commitment to primary education and an appreciation of the realities of school leadership, ideally supported by direct experience leading in a school setting, enabling authentic engagement with APPA’s national membership.

This role requires strong organisational capability, excellent communication skills, sound judgement, and the ability to represent APPA with credibility and professionalism in a range of national forums.

Key Responsibilities

Executive and Strategic Support

• Provide high‑level executive support to the President, Board and NAC to facilitate the effective conduct of APPA business.
  
• Work closely with the President to maintain and progress the strategic direction of the Association.
  
• Represent APPA as required, ensuring a professional presence in meetings, events and external engagements.
  

Governance and Meetings

• Plan, prepare and report on meetings of the APPA Board, NAC and Annual General Meeting.
  
• Support the President and Deputy President in welcoming and onboarding new Board and NAC members, ensuring clarity around APPA’s operations and governance.
  

Operational Leadership

• Oversee day‑to‑day operations of APPA, working collaboratively with the Executive Assistant.
  

•    Lead the planning, delivery and continuous improvement of APPA’s conferences, regular and special events, projects and national activities, recognising these as core vehicles for APPA’s influence, visibility and impact.

Business, Finance and Compliance

• Oversee business and financial management of the Association.
  
• Fulfil statutory responsibilities as Company Secretary and FRAC Secretary, ensuring compliance with legal and governance requirements.
  
• Manage reporting obligations to the Australian Charities and Not‑For‑Profits Commission (ACNC) and maintain appropriate records with ASIC.
  

Communications and Partnerships

• Assist with APPA’s marketing, communications and public relations activities.
  
• Support stakeholder engagement and partnership development across sectors and jurisdictions.
  

Property and External Representation

• Serve as APPA Property Officer.
  
• Represent APPA as a director on the SchoolAid Board.
  

Travel Requirements

The role requires regular travel to attend Board and NAC meetings, APPA National Conferences, and other association events.

APPA covers all reasonable expenses related to travel, accommodation, registration and meals for approved APPA business.

Salary: Remuneration is aligned with the NSW and ACT Catholic Systemic Schools Principals Multi‑Enterprise Agreement 2020, at the School Principal Level 2.

How to Apply

To be considered for this role, applicants must submit the following to Sally Ruston AM, Deputy President, Chair of APPA FRAC:

1. A one‑page cover letter outlining your interest in the role and your suitability.
   
2. A current CV (maximum four pages).
   
3. A brief written response to the key responsibilities (maximum two pages).
   

Applications close Monday 27 July at 4pm.

Pre-employment requirements

The successful applicant must:

• Hold, or be able to obtain, an ACT Working With Vulnerable People (WWVP) registration.
  
• Hold, or be willing to obtain, a current National Police Check.
  
• Have Australian citizenship or permanent residency.
  
• Hold a valid driver licence and be able to travel interstate regularly.
  
• Provide two professional referees who can comment on leadership capability, professional judgement, communication, and overall suitability for a national‑level role.

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