• Level 8 – $145,281 to $158,684
• Additional 17% employer superannuation
• Rewarding career with a progressive organisation 

Help shape the future of tertiary education and workers’ rights.

The National Tertiary Education Union (NTEU) is seeking an experienced and motivated Executive Manager to join our team in a full-time, ongoing position.  You will be based in the NTEU National Office in Southbank.

This is an opportunity to work within a progressive organisation committed to protecting and advancing the rights of employees across universities and tertiary education institutions.

About the Role

Working directly with, and exercising the delegated authority of the General Secretary, the Executive Manager will be responsible for the staffing, personnel and administrative systems and processes of the National Office with a brief to ensure that these provide timely support for the Union’s key national priorities and projects.  The Executive Manager will lead and manage an eight-person Management and Administration Team comprising a mix of administrative, professional and IT staff. In addition, the Executive Manager will assist with staffing and personnel matters across the union as a whole and will be responsible for oversight of a national payroll system and a collective agreement covering all NTEU staff Australia-wide.

The position will also work closely with the Union’s National President, National Assistant Secretary, senior national staff Directors and State Division Secretaries. 

A successful applicant will need to meet the following essential criteria:

• Management Experience: Demonstrated experience (5–10+ years) in a senior management role is essential, including demonstrated experience in developing and administering complex budgets, managing teams, and working with governance committees.
• Qualifications: A degree or post graduate qualification in Business, Management, Industrial Relations or Law or a related field (e.g. Human Resources) is required.
• High-Level People Management: Proven ability to lead, mentor, and manage a diverse team of 6-10+ specialists to achieve operational goals and objectives. Demonstrated experience in internal and external stakeholder management.
• Human Resources: Experience in overseeing all human resource functions including payroll. Understanding of employment law and regulation, and demonstrable experience in negotiation and dispute-resolution processes.
• Complex Systems Oversight: Extensive experience managing the oversight of the operation of critical technical platforms and large-scale databases, ensuring technical staff (such as analysts) align their work with broader organisational needs.
• Systems & Data Management: Experience with data governance, privacy compliance, and reporting.
• Executive Liaison & Communication: Exceptional interpersonal skills with a track record of providing high-level support to senior elected officers, senior managers or governance committees, including the ability to handle sensitive information with discretion.
• Operational Excellence & Compliance: Demonstrated expertise in managing administrative systems while maintaining strict adherence to regulatory standards.
• Values: Commitment to the values of the trade union movement.

About NTEU

The NTEU represents more than 28,000 members in Australia’s university system and directly employs 115 staff across Australia including around 30 in the National Office.  NTEU is a democratic union and is run on a day-to-day basis by 3 directly elected National Officers and 8 directly elected State/Territory Division Secretaries.  Its principal work is to defend the professional and industrial interests of members, but the Union also has an active interest in public policy advocacy, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander social justice and international higher education. 

What We Offer

• Competitive salary aligned to your skills and experience
• Generous 17% employer superannuation contributions
• A rewarding career with a progressive and values-driven organisation
• Relocation assistance for suitable interstate applicants

How to Apply

Applications should address the selection criteria and include the names and contact details of two referees.

Applications and any enquiries about the position should be sent to Kirsten Dugan at Method Recruitment at kirsten.dugan@methodrecruitment.com.au 

Applications close: COB Monday 1 June 2026 

The NTEU values diversity in the workplace. Therefore applicants will be given priority consideration and preference in selection for this vacancy if they are from an Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander background.

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