Governance, Risk and Compliance Manager (.8 FTE)

The Australian Veterinary Association (AVA) is the peak professional body representing veterinarians and veterinary students across Australia. For more than 100 years, we have been the trusted voice of the profession, advancing animal health and welfare, scientific progress, and the interests of veterinary professionals nationwide.

We are seeking a Governance, Risk and Compliance Manager to lead and continuously improve AVA's governance, risk and compliance frameworks. Working closely with the Head of Corporate Services and the Executive Leadership Team, you will play a pivotal role in ensuring AVA meets its legal, regulatory and governance obligations while fostering a culture of accountability, transparency and continuous improvement.

This is a flexible national role offered on a 0.8 FTE basis, providing an excellent opportunity for a highly organised and collaborative professional seeking work-life balance while contributing strategically across AVA.

Our national office is located in St Leonards, Sydney and we operate a hybrid working model, where employees work from the office on Mondays and Tuesdays.

Key responsibilities

As the custodian of governance, risk and compliance frameworks, you will:

• Maintain and enhance AVA governance frameworks, registers and supporting documentation.

• Coordinate governance activities including Board and Committee governance processes, annual work plans and governance reporting.

• Manage the enterprise risk management framework and organisational risk register.

• Facilitate quarterly risk reviews and prepare risk reports for senior leadership and the Board.

• Maintain compliance registers, monitor legislative obligations and oversee policy management processes.

• Coordinate insurance renewals and liaise with external governance and insurance providers.

• Deliver governance, risk and compliance training, support and guidance across AVA.

• Drive continuous improvement initiatives that strengthen AVA governance and risk management practices.

To be successful in this role you will bring:

Essential

• Demonstrated experience in governance, risk management, compliance or a related discipline.

• Strong understanding of contemporary governance and enterprise risk management principles.

• Experience maintaining governance, policy, compliance and risk management frameworks.

• Exceptional written communication skills with the ability to prepare reports for senior stakeholders and Boards.

• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.

• Excellent stakeholder engagement skills and the ability to influence and collaborate across all levels of an organisation.

• High attention to detail, sound judgement and a proactive, solutions-focused approach.

Desirable

• Tertiary qualifications in governance, business, law, risk management or a related field.

• Experience working within the not-for-profit, membership or professional association sector.

• Experience supporting Boards and Board Committees.

• Familiarity with contemporary governance frameworks and best-practice risk management approaches.

• Make a genuine impact on the future of the veterinary profession

• Flexible hybrid working conditions

• Collaborative, supportive and values-driven team 

Visit our website www.ava.com.au for more information on The Australian Veterinary Association.

This is an opportunity to play a key role in strengthening governance, risk and compliance capability across our purpose-driven organisation. You'll work with senior leaders and the Board, contribute to strategic decision-making, and help shape organisational excellence in a flexible and supportive environment.

Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your suitability for the role. Applications will be assessed on a rolling basis throughout the advertising period. The closing date for applications is 25 August 2026, and all applications received by this date will be considered.

Only applicants selected for interview will be contacted. No agencies please.