Colac Otway Shire

Senior Governance Advisor

Up to $160,000k TRP

Utilise your experience to imbed and cultivate a strong governance culture

Contribute to the strategic direction of a progressive local government organisation

We are seeking an exceptional individual to join our Governance team as Senior Governance Advisor.

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 to the Manager Governance, Customer and Communications, 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 Senior Governance Advisor, you will cultivate a strong governance culture while enhancing processes and systems to ensure excellence in governance practices.

Key responsibilities include:

• Lead the development and execution of the Community Vision and Council Plan project.
• Ensure strategic documents meet legislative requirements in collaboration with the Governance Officer.
• Provide strategic business planning advice to align with Council priorities.
• Oversee the Annual Report to ensure statutory compliance.
• Advise executive members and act as liaison with the legal service provider.
• Collaborate with executives to plan the Council business program, considering strategic priorities and community engagement.
• Support Councillors by providing timely governance advice throughout the Council business cycle.
• 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 key governance legislation decisions, including FOI and Public Interest Disclosures.
• Coordinate and administer Council's election processes.
• Manage the administrative functions of the Audit & Risk Committee, including agenda preparation.
• Collaborate on planning and implementing the internal audit program.

About You:
To support your success in this role you will have:

• Demonstrated experience and capability to interpret and apply legislation, 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.

Colac Otway Shire Council offers a fantastic career and lifestyle opportunity.

For a candidate pack or to apply, visit McArthur here.

For a confidential conversation, please contact Danielle Jupp referencing job number J6380 on (03) 9828 6565 or 0403 398 242.

Applications close: Monday 13th January 2025.

Please do not use the below application form to submit your application. 

All applications must be submitted to McArthur directly.