Executive Assistant To CEO

The Opportunity – Fixed Term Parental Leave Cover

Netball Australia is seeking a highly capable and proactive Executive Assistant for a 12-month fixed-term contract to provide parental leave cover. This is not a traditional diary and inbox management role. While CEO support remains a core component of the position, the successful candidate will play a significant role in strategic planning, organisational projects, executive operations and major event coordination with Netball Australia as the Host Nation for the upcoming Netball World Cup Sydney 2027, which will be hosted in Sydney, Australia, from 25 August to 5 September 2027.

Working closely with the CEO and partnering with the Executive Leadership Team and Board Executive Support Manager, this role requires an individual who can operate confidently in a fast-paced and high-profile environment, balancing executive support responsibilities with strategic coordination and stakeholder engagement.

The position will have a particular focus on supporting preparations associated with Australia’s role as host nation for the 2027 Netball World Cup, including project planning, VIP stakeholder engagement, and cross-functional coordination across the organisation to ensure strategic priorities are effectively planned, coordinated, and delivered.

Key Responsibilities

CEO Support

As Executive Assistant to the CEO, you will provide high-level executive support, manage key business priorities, coordinate leadership meetings and stakeholder engagement, prepare executive communications and reports, and work closely with senior leaders to drive organisational effectiveness and strategic outcomes.

Executive Operations & Governance Coordination

Coordinate executive, governance and stakeholder forums, ensuring effective communication, reporting and follow-up of actions. Partner with the Board Executive Support Manager to align Board priorities and Executive Leadership Team outcomes, support executive reporting and strategic planning, and help drive strong governance, accountability and organisational performance.

Strategic Project Coordination

Support the delivery of strategic projects and organisational initiatives through effective planning, coordination and stakeholder engagement. Monitor progress, manage competing priorities, and work collaboratively across teams to achieve key business outcomes.

Netball World Cup Planning Support

Play a key role in supporting Australia’s hosting of the 2027 Netball World Cup, coordinating executive-level projects, stakeholder engagement and cross-functional initiatives. Work across the organisation to drive collaboration, track priorities and support successful event delivery.

Stakeholder, VIP & Executive Engagement Coordination

Build and manage relationships with key stakeholders across sport, government, commercial partners and the broader netball community. Support the CEO and Executive Leadership Team to deliver high-profile engagements, events and forums that strengthen partnerships and advance organisational priorities.

Office Management (on site)

Support the effective day-to-day operation of Head Office, ensuring a professional, safe and well-functioning workplace. Partner with the CEO and People & Capability team to coordinate office services, facilities, events and operational support across the organisation.

About You

You are a highly organised, commercially minded, and strategic professional who thrives in complex environments and enjoys being at the centre of organisational planning and delivery. You operate with integrity, discretion, and strict confidentiality, and are confident engaging with senior leaders and stakeholders while driving outcomes across multiple priorities.

You Will Bring:

• Demonstrated experience in an Executive Assistant, Executive Officer or Executive Operations role.
• A strategic mindset with the ability to anticipate needs, solve problems and drive outcomes.
• The ability to operate with a high degree of autonomy, proactively identifying opportunities to improve Executive Office effectiveness and organisational outcomes.
• Experience supporting senior executives in a complex stakeholder environment.
• Proven experience coordinating projects, strategic initiatives and cross-functional workstreams.
• Experience in event management, major events, conferences or VIP stakeholder engagement programs.
• Exceptional stakeholder management and relationship-building skills.
• Outstanding organisational, planning and prioritisation capabilities.
• Strong written communication skills, including the preparation of reports, presentations and executive briefings.
• High levels of discretion, professionalism and sound judgement.
• Advanced Microsoft 365 skills.

Desirable Experience

• Experience within sport, major events, government or member-based organisations.
• Experience working with senior executives, boards or governance frameworks.
• Project management experience or qualifications.

Travel Requirements

This role will require domestic travel as part of project and event delivery requirements.

In particular, the successful candidate must be available to travel to Sydney during August and September 2027 to support Netball World Cup planning, event operations and VIP stakeholder coordination.

This position offers a unique opportunity for an experienced Executive Assistant to contribute directly to organisational strategy, major event planning, stakeholder engagement, and executive leadership effectiveness during a pivotal period for Australian netball, including Australia’s preparations to host the Netball World Cup Sydney 2027.