About the Catholic Development Fund
Catholic Development Fund (CDF) are a values-based financial institution that provides funding and support across its footprint of Catholic organisations, including parishes, primary and secondary schools, healthcare, aged care, and social services providers. Our values-based approach, alongside our expertise, experience and commitment, give Catholic organisations every possible opportunity to put their faith into action. From hospital wings for the sick, to safe havens for the homeless and classrooms for the young, we support our customers to grow their mission and contribute to a fair, cohesive and productive society.
About the Role
The Governance Manager plays a critical role in enabling effective Board and Committee operations by providing high‑quality secretariat and governance support. The role is responsible for the end‑to‑end coordination of Board and Committee meetings, ensuring that governance forums operate efficiently, decisions are accurately documented, and actions are appropriately tracked and
progressed.
Acting as a trusted governance partner to Chairs, Board and Committee members, and senior management, the role ensures that meeting processes, documentation and records meet organisational, regulatory and best‑practice governance requirements. This includes maintaining Board and Committee calendars, preparing and coordinating agendas and papers, taking accurate minutes, and managing action registers to support accountability and timely follow‑up.
The role also has responsibility for maintaining and administering Board and Committee charters and terms of reference, ensuring they remain current, aligned to regulatory expectations, and approved by the relevant governing bodies. Through disciplined governance processes and attention to detail, the Governance Manager supports transparent decision‑making and the effective functioning of Boards and Committees.
Key Accountabilities
Meetings
- Coordinating Board and Committee meeting schedules and annual calendars.
- Preparing and distributing agendas and meeting materials in consultation with management.
- Attending meetings and taking accurate, high‑quality minutes as a formal record of proceedings and decisions.
- Maintaining and monitoring Board and Committee action registers, following up actions and reporting status to relevant stakeholders.
- Management of disclosures of interest for Boards, Committees and management.
Risk, Compliance & Legal
- Supporting administrative processes as they pertain to the risk and compliance team.
- Maintaining all corporate governance disclosures including Identification Statements and regulatory disclosures.
- Management of regulatory registers such as ASIC, ACNC, AFCA and any others deemed relevant and undertaking any relevant submissions.
- Assisting and coordinating with regulators on any matters in partnership with the CRO.
- Supporting the management of the organisational risk profile including governance, licensing and compliance risks.
- Assisting, reviewing and leading legal matters as well as supporting the CRO in maters related to governance and operational legal matters.
- Assisting in the implementation and monitoring of governance policies, ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.
Composition and Administration
- Managing Board and Committee charters and related governance documentation, including reviews and approvals.
- Management of Board and Committee appointments and renewals.
- Ensuring governance records are maintained in accordance with internal policies and regulatory obligations.
Analysis and Communication
- The provision of high-level communications and correspondence, including briefings, reports, submissions and notes to ensure the comprehensiveness, accuracy and timeliness of written information.
- Undertaking analysis, integration and synthesis of information from a range of internal and external sources with timely advice on complex and sensitive matters.
Relationships
- Establish and maintain positive relationships with external stakeholders across the CDF and Arch/diocesan eco-system representing the organisation in a professional manner
- Foster working relationships within CDF and the Arch/diocese that contribute to the creation of a coherent, connected Church community.
Other
- CDF may require you to undertake other duties from time to time relevant to risk and compliance and commensurate with your qualifications, knowledge and experience.
What You Bring
- Bachelor’s degree in Law, Business Administration, Management, or a related field.
- Experience in Corporations Act, ACNC and APRA governance standards.
- Exceptional verbal communications and writing skills.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to think strategically and make sound decisions.
- Experience in preparing briefing papers at a senior level in a professional service environment.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships at all levels of the organisation.
- Exceptional organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
- A sound working knowledge of Microsoft Office suite including SharePoint, Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
- Understanding of corporate governance principles and compliance requirements is not essential but useful.
- High level of professionalism, integrity, and ethical conduct.
- National Police record check and Working with Children Check (essential).
Why work for us?
- Generous salary package – that recognises your skills, experience, and contributions.
- Professional Environment – join a dedicated team of professionals committed to fostering an agile and inspiring work environment.
- Meaningful Work – be part of a values, driven organisation that makes a difference in the community.
- Hybrid Flexibility – we offer a hybrid working model (3 days in the office per week), plus a modern workspace in tranquil East Melbourne.
How to apply
If you’re looking for a role where you can make a real impact, we want to hear from you!
To submit an application, please click apply and provide a copy of your current resume and a cover letter.
Please note: We will be reviewing applications on a rolling basis, if you believe this role might be for you, please apply as soon as possible.
Employment is subject to satisfactory background checks which include a National Police Check, Working with Children Check and Reference Checks. To be successful in this role you must hold valid working rights in Australia.
The Archdiocese is committed to the safety, wellbeing, and dignity of all children and vulnerable adults.
