Introduction
The Australian Refugee Association Inc. (ARA) is a community-based organisation providing settlement, migration, and other forms of assistance to refugees, migrants and other people of concern.
As a member of our team, you will be supporting new arrivals in South Australia to achieve their social, economic, cultural and community participation goals. You will be making a difference in the lives of individuals and families as they re-establish themselves in a new home.
Description
As the Executive Assistant you will provide high level administrative support to the Board and senior managers of the Australian Refugee Association. This position requires exceptional organisational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to handle a wide range of administrative and executive support-related tasks.
Responsibilities include:
Administrative Support: Providing administrative support to the Board and senior managers, including managing calendars, scheduling appointments, making travel and catering arrangements, and handling correspondence as requested.
Meeting and Event Coordination: Coordinating and scheduling meetings and organisational events, preparing meeting agendas, catering as required, taking minutes, and ensuring follow-up on action items.
Communication Management: Managing communication on behalf of the CEO, responding to inquiries, and drafting correspondence as requested.
Document Preparation: Assisting with the preparation of reports, presentations, and other documents.
Record Management: Organizing and maintaining files, records, and registers in an efficient and accessible manner.
Project Support: Assisting with special projects or initiatives in support of the management team.
The EA will possess strong communication skills, proficiency in office software tools, discretion in handling sensitive information, and the ability to multi-task effectively. The EA will be proactive, anticipating the needs of the Board and senior managers, resourceful and capable of working independently and as part of a collaborative team.
Qualifications and Experience
Qualifications:
A qualification in Business Administration, Governance, Communications, or related field is desirable.
Required skills
* Strong written communication skills, including minute‑taking and preparation of professional documents.
* Excellent organisational skills and the ability to prioritise multiple competing deadlines.
* High level of professionalism, confidentiality, and discretion in handling sensitive information.
* Strong stakeholder engagement skills and ability to build productive working relationships.
* Proficiency with Microsoft 365 tools (Outlook, Teams, SharePoint, Word, Excel).
Required experiences
* Demonstrated experience providing high‑level executive support, including diary, meeting, and communication management.
* Experience supporting Board or governance processes (desirable).
* Demonstrated initiative, attention to detail, and commitment to continuous improvement.
* Experience working in a multicultural or diverse environment is preferred.
* Experience as a staff contact person for complaints and grievances would be an advantage.
Why work for ARA?
ARA's employees love the sense of belonging from being part of a welcoming and caring team with a strong sense of purpose. ARA doesn't just list its values on posters but lives by them: We Care; We Are Courageous; and We Are Community.
We have a highly diverse workforce of over 90 people, working from modern facilities in the northern suburbs of Adelaide across three sites in Salisbury, and outreach services in the south, west and east of Adelaide. The diversity of the team covers many cultures, ethnicities, religions, and languages to create a truly multicultural workplace with most staff bringing lived experience of being a refugee or recently arrived migrant. We celebrate our diversity because it lies at the heart of our mission: building inclusive, welcoming communities where people from all backgrounds especially refugees and migrants can thrive.
In addition to industry standard salaries ARA offers employees generous salary packaging opportunities as a not-for-profit PBI (salary sacrifice), flexible working arrangements, support with ongoing personal and professional development, and cultural leave in support of religious and cultural observances.
This position is being offered as a part-time position (0.6 FTE, 3 days per week, Tue/Wed/Thu), SCHADS Level 4.1, based at ARA's Salisbury Parabanks head office.
How To Apply
We highly recommend downloading a copy of the full Position Description from ARA's career portal on our website:
Applications can be submitted by clicking on the "Apply" button below. Please provide a cover letter addressing the position description, along with your resume.
All applications will be treated in strictest confidence. Please email should you have any enquiries.
ARA is committed to equal employment opportunity. Individuals from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds and communities are strongly encouraged to apply.