"Executive Officer"

Job Description:

• Join a dynamic team that works across Western Australia’s five universities to establish Perth as a global research, creative and innovative hub.
• Engage with some of the world’s leading early career researchers and public intellectuals.
• Full-time (1.0 FTE) appointment on an ongoing basis.
• Base salary range: $104,243 – $115,661 p.a. plus 17% superannuation.

About the area

The Forrest Research Foundation was established in 2014 following one of the largest ever philanthropic donations in Australian history, of $65 million by Andrew and Nicola Forrest through the Minderoo Foundation. The donation is used to drive research and innovation capacity in Western Australia by awarding Forrest Scholarships to outstanding young intellects from around the world to conduct research at one of Western Australia’s five universities: The University of Western Australia, Murdoch University, Curtin University, Edith Cowan University and University of Notre Dame.

The mission of the Forrest Research Foundation is to create a world-leading collaborative centre of research and scholarship in Western Australia with the vision of making our state a globally recognised research and knowledge hub. The Foundation supports over 60 PhD scholars and postdoctoral fellows who bring their talents and creativity from around the world to Western Australia to conduct ground-breaking research.

About the opportunity

• You will plan and manage activities and projects (including events), working closely with the Director, the Forrest Research Foundation team, the Foundation’s researchers, and stakeholders to deliver strategic priorities and objectives.
• Be responsible for providing advice on a range of complex issues and diverse enquiries using expertise and judgement to independently analyse and solve problems.
• Oversee the operations of Forrest Hall 1 and 2, and the Foundation’s office, liaising with UWA stakeholders to ensure the efficient management of the Foundation’s operations.

About you

• Relevant tertiary qualification or demonstrated equivalent competency.
• Extensive senior administrative experience at an appropriate level.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, with the demonstrated ability to interact with stakeholders at all levels.
• Excellent organisational skills with the demonstrated ability to set priorities and meet deadlines.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain strict confidentiality and discretion.

Special Requirements

• Employment checks will include information on gender-based violence, sexual harassment, and related misconduct to meet legal obligations.
• Occasional weekend work.
• Some after-hours work may be required.

Position description: Position Description Executive Officer (522417).docx

To learn more about this opportunity, please contact James Arvanitakis at james.arvanitakis@uwa.edu.au

How to apply

Please apply online via the Apply Now button. The content of your Resume and Cover Letter should demonstrate how you meet the selection criteria.

Closing date: 11:55 PM AWST on Thursday, 5 February 2026

This position is only open to applicants with relevant rights to work in Australia.

Please note: Unsolicited applications from recruitment agencies will not be accepted outside of formal channels.