Chief Operating Officer

Lead transformational change and drive operational excellence to have a meaningful impact on people with asthma. Asthma Australia is seeking an accomplished professional to partner with the CEO, support the Board and lead key operational and strategic initiatives. This unique opportunity combines leadership, innovation and stewarding continuous improvement across a range of operating disciplines and business services which are key to enabling the successful implementation of the Asthma Australia 2024- 2027 Strategic Plan.

About Asthma Australia

Asthma is a respiratory condition that affects nearly 2.8 million people in Australia, with children being the most impacted. Asthma is responsible for at least one Australian death every day, making it a serious health concern. Despite the prevalence of asthma, it is often misunderstood, causing fear and anxiety for those living with the condition.   

Asthma Australia has been the leading charity for people with asthma and their communities for over 60 years. 

The challenges of climate change, unhealthy air, and health inequity make it more important than ever for people with asthma to have a voice. We search for new and progressive approaches to challenge the status quo. Our work is grounded in evidence and centred on the experiences of people affected by asthma. We believe by listening to those living with asthma, designing solutions with them, and influencing change, people with asthma can live freely, unrestricted by their asthma.

Priorities for the First 12 Months in this Role:

Establish excellent working relationships with the Asthma Australia Board, CEO and Leadership and Business Services Teams to facilitate operational effectiveness and good governance

Continue to embed more effective business planning, measurement and process efficiency across the organisation

Deliver a fit for purpose approach to organisation project management for better governance and effective project delivery

Oversee the delivery of the technology and data strategy to transform our way of operating

Ensure relevant data, metrics and reporting is available to the Leadership Team and Board to monitor the effectiveness of strategy implementation.

Key Responsibilities:

• Partner closely with the CEO and Leadership Team to deliver on Asthma Australia’s strategic vision.
• Support the  Board to fulfill their governance responsibilities effectively.
• Translate strategy into actionable and measurable operational plans, ensuring impact and accountability.
• Lead and develop a high performing team across Business Management, Finance, Compliance, Data, and Technology.
• Oversee governance, risk, compliance, and financial sustainability to ensure long-term success.
• Drive operational efficiency, innovation, and continuous improvement across the organisation.
• Foster a culture of service excellence that delivers meaningful outcomes for people with asthma and our stakeholders.
• Lead organisational transformation initiatives, aligning change with strategic priorities.
• Fulfill the responsibilities of Company Secretary, ensuring compliance with all legal, regulatory, and governance obligations.
• Role model the Asthma Australia core values

About you:

• Proven success in operational excellence and leading and developing a multidisciplinary team.
• Expertise in optimising business processes and implementing impactful operational strategies.
• Experience supporting a Board and acting as a Company Secretary.
• A strong track record of leveraging technology to drive organisational performance.
• Strong leadership presence, with the ability to influence and inspire teams.
• A practical, disciplined, and results-oriented approach.
• Able to work collaboratively and support others to deliver outcomes
• Able to work remotely and independently

Highly desirable:

• Experience with the for-purpose or health sector.
• Demonstrated expertise in stakeholder engagement and building effective partnerships.
• The ability to lead transformational change in a matrix type organisation.
• A degree in Business, Management, or a related field.
• Postgraduate qualifications in governance.

Location:

We prefer the successful candidate to be based in Melbourne. However, for an exceptional candidate, we are open to considering other locations across Australia.

Why join us

• We have a highly engaged team who share a common purpose, values and commitment to making a positive difference to people with asthma
• We have an award-winning workplace culture
• We walk the talk on our strong set of values and are intentional about learning what works, empathising, empowering and being inclusive, collaborative, caring, courageous, passionate and persistent.
• Flexibility is available in all our roles – we work hard to deliver and we put people in the centre of what we do. 
• We are a not for profit organisation so accessing tax effective salary packaging is available as a benefit
• We value wellbeing and we provide the TELUS Health One wellbeing program

How to apply

For a confidential discussion or for more information please Email Doris Whitmore at dwhitmore@asthma.org.au

To express an interest in this opportunity,  please submit your CV and an accompanying covering letter  outlining why you are interested in working with Asthma Australia, and how your values, skills and experience align to this opportunity. 

Asthma Australia values inclusion and the difference that the diversity of people brings to the organisation. Applications from people of culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, those living with disabilities, members of the LGBTIQ+ community and people of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent are encouraged. 

Applications close 6pm AEDT on 10 February 2025.