You spot the real work in a job ad when the description skips the fluff and names the actual deliverables. Bond University has posted an Executive Officer Governance role that does exactly that.

The position sits in the Chancellery and reports straight to the Company Secretary and General Counsel. You will coordinate reports, draft correspondence for the Office, maintain Council and Committee membership records, prepare and distribute agenda papers, take minutes, chase action items, run special projects that require data gathering and analysis, and keep an eye on the Office budget.

Bond is Australia’s first private not-for-profit university, located in Robina on the Gold Coast. The Council acts as the Board of Directors of Bond University Limited. Ten councillors, most non-executive, oversee strategy, risk, compliance and long-term sustainability. This role keeps those meetings running smoothly and the records accurate.

Applications close at 11:59 pm on Thursday 20 August 2026. The salary starts at $99,108.89 per annum plus 12 percent superannuation. It is a full-time continuing appointment.

The person they want has tertiary qualifications in a relevant field and at least five years of related experience. You need political acumen, tact when handling sensitive matters, strong writing and editing skills, and the ability to juggle competing deadlines without drama. Advanced Microsoft Office skills and solid numeracy count. Experience in a tertiary setting, familiarity with legal documents and corporate governance, or knowledge of systems such as StudentOne and FinanceOne will help you stand out.

University governance in Australia sits under real scrutiny right now. Parliamentary inquiries and ministerial statements have highlighted the need for tighter oversight, clearer accountability and better risk management across the sector. Roles like this one sit at the centre of those expectations. If you have supported boards or senior executives before, the timing works in your favour.

Bond offers the usual university perks plus a few extras: free staff car parking, a 36.75-hour week, flexible work options, up to 18 or 26 weeks parental leave depending on eligibility, salary packaging, study assistance for staff and dependents, onsite medical and counselling services, and an onsite sports centre with gym, classes and pool.

Most university job ads bury the day-to-day work under layers of generic statements. This one lists concrete tasks. That saves candidates time and raises the quality of applications that actually land on the desk.

Here is how to move fast and give yourself the best chance:

• Download the Position Description and Selection Criteria from the Bond site and read every line.
• Map your experience directly against each selection criterion in a cover letter. Use the exact language where it fits naturally.
• Update your resume to show measurable outcomes from previous governance or executive support work, not just duties.
• Prepare examples of handling confidential material, managing competing deadlines, and working with senior stakeholders.
• Submit through the online portal with both documents attached before the deadline.

Current Bond staff apply through People Connect. Everyone else creates an account on the careers site. Reasonable adjustments are available if you need them during the process.

Pre-employment checks include reference checks, working rights verification, a certified copy of your highest qualification, and a Gender-Based Violence Declaration under the new National Higher Education Code.

If you have sat on the hiring side of similar roles, you know the strongest applicants are the ones who show they understand the pressure points of council work: accurate minutes that actually drive action, discretion with sensitive papers, and the ability to keep multiple senior calendars aligned without constant chasing. This ad rewards exactly those skills.