Executive Assistant to CEO

Company Description

Fairness feels good

Make a real impact at AFCA. Where fairness drives every decision. Help us deliver world-class, independent complaints resolution for Australians. As a not-for-profit and progressive financial ombudsman, we’re championing positive change. Achieving our purpose takes progressive thinking, accountability and resilience. At AFCA, our inclusive leadership values every voice. We offer our people flexible work options, thoughtful benefits and opportunities to deepen expertise. Flourish in a diverse, caring culture. Feel the difference of belonging to an organisation intentionally designed to put people first.

Job Description

Be at the heart of AFCA’s leadership, helping turn priorities into action and supporting work that makes a difference for Australians.

We’re looking for an exceptional Senior Executive Assistant to work in close partnership with our CEO and Chief Ombudsman, David Locke, and play a pivotal role in the effective operation of the Office of the CEO.

This is not a traditional Executive Assistant position. It is a highly trusted and influential role requiring exceptional judgement, strong commercial awareness and the confidence to represent the CEO with senior stakeholders across government, regulation, industry and the community.

As the face of the Office of the CEO, you will help manage complex priorities, stay ahead of key commitments and engage effectively with AFCA’s Board, Executive Leadership Team, regulators, ministers’ offices, financial firms, consumer representatives and community organisations. 

The opportunity

Reporting directly to CEO and Chief Ombudsman David Locke, you will be a trusted partner, sounding board and coordination point across a broad and complex portfolio.

You will combine outstanding executive support with strategic coordination, advice and forward planning. You will anticipate what is needed, navigate competing priorities and ensure the CEO is well prepared for important meetings, decisions, appearances and commitments.

You will also build trusted relationships with the Board Chair and Directors, coordinate the operating rhythm of the Executive Leadership Team and manage sensitive matters directed to the Office of the CEO with professionalism, discretion and care. 

What you’ll be doing

• Managing the CEO’s diary, time and forward plan across Board cycles, government and regulator engagements, industry events and organisational priorities
• Preparing high-quality briefing packs, background notes, talking points, speeches and correspondence
• Supporting all Board meetings, including scheduling, logistics and travel, while building strong relationships with the Chair, Directors and Board Secretariat
• Coordinating Executive Leadership Team agendas, pre-reads, action registers and follow-up
• Tracking the CEO’s priorities and commitments through to completion across the organisation
• Partnering with Government Relations to coordinate engagement with ministers’ offices, regulators and government
• Coordinating opportunities for the CEO to connect with AFCA’s people through town halls, site visits, recognition activities and organisational events
• Supporting oversight of the CEO cost centre and budget in partnership with Finance.

Qualifications

What you’ll bring

You are an accomplished senior Executive Assistant who has supported a CEO or equivalent executive in a complex, high-profile environment.

You bring exceptional professionalism, sound judgement and the confidence to engage with Board Directors, senior executives, regulators and government stakeholders. You understand how to work with an active and engaged leader, adapting your approach while confidently providing advice, raising issues and keeping priorities moving.

You will also bring:

• Extensive experience supporting at CEO or equivalent executive level
• Experience working directly with a Board and Chair, including governance cycles, Board papers and committee processes
• Strong stakeholder management skills and a track record of building trusted relationships
• Experience handling sensitive, confidential and highly complex matters with discretion
• The ability to coordinate escalations or complaints across multiple business areas through to resolution
• Financial literacy across budgets, cost centres, purchase orders and expense reconciliation
• Confidence using AI and advanced Microsoft 365 tools
• The resilience, adaptability and composure to thrive in a fast-paced, high-volume environment

Additional Information

• Gold AWEI Accreditation 2025 – Recognised for LGBTQ+ workplace inclusion.
• Accredited Family Friendly Workplace – Supporting work-life balance and inclusivity.
• Hybrid working – Flexible arrangements with two days a week in our modern offices designed for collaboration and wellbeing.
• Additional and inclusive leave options – Flexible public holidays, gender affirmation leave, women’s health leave, and bonus paid time off over the end of year holiday period.

To apply

If you’re passionate about fairness and believe your skills align with this role, we encourage you to apply even if you don’t meet every single criterion.

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, cultures, abilities, sexual orientations, and gender identities. If you require any accessibility support during the recruitment process, please reach out to our team at [email protected].

We believe fairness starts with people. That’s why we don’t use AI or automated tools to screen candidates. As a result, our processes may take a little longer, and we thank you for your patience.

About AFCA

The Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) was established in 2018 as a private not-for-profit ombudsman service providing free, fair and independent help with financial disputes. The original team has grown to over 1600 dedicated professionals. Since 2018, AFCA has received more than 634,000 complaints, helping to secure $2.1 billion in compensation for consumers. 

AFCA is a 2026 Circle Back Initiative Employer - we are committed to responding to every applicant.