The Operations & Communications Manager is a pivotal all-rounder role at the heart of RDAIS. You will keep the organisation running smoothly, overseeing day-to-day operations, finance administration, governance and executive support to the CEO & Board, and providing coordination across strategic projects and partnerships while also supporting the organisation's communications presence across digital, stakeholder and media channels. Working collaboratively in a small team with the ability to contribute to impactful, region-shaping projects, this position would fit a self-starter who has exceptional attention to detail. The successful candidate can manage competing priorities and welcomes tackling projects, programs and deliverables that align with our business plan, strategic direction and regional insights. No two days are the same and we're looking for an enthusiastic individual who is passionate about making a difference.
Key Responsibilities
Operational and Executive Support
Oversee the daily operations of the RDAIS office, ensuring office systems, technology, supplies, records and resources are maintained efficiently.
Provide high-level executive support to the CEO and Board Chair, including diary management, meeting coordination, travel arrangements and correspondence.
Maintain and update office systems including registers, subscriptions, IT platforms and asset inventories.
Coordinate internal task and project tracking using Microsoft365 and Monday.com, ensuring all deadlines are documented, monitored and met.
Support the CEO in the development and implementation of WHS policies and health and safety procedures.
Contribute to a collaborative, inclusive and high-performing workplace culture.
Finance and Administration
Manage financial administration including invoice processing, accounts payable/receivable, and accurate recordkeeping in Xero.
Support audit processes and ensure compliance with all relevant legislative and funding obligations.
Assist in the preparation and acquittal of budgets related to projects, programs and operational activities.
Governance and Board Support
Provide high-quality secretariat support for the RDAIS Board and associated governance groups, including agenda development, meeting coordination, preparation of papers, minute‐taking, action tracking and maintenance of governance records.
Coordinate the effective operation of RDAIS strategic taskforces and regional peak bodies, including stakeholder engagement, meeting coordination,



strategic documentation, communications, action tracking and support for agreed work programmes.
Communications
Manage and maintain RDAIS's digital presence, including the website, social media channels (LinkedIn, Facebook) and email newsletters.
Develop and publish engaging content that reflects the organisation's voice, priorities and impact.
Develop and maintain a forward communications calendar aligned to organisational priorities, campaigns, events and announcements.
Ensure brand consistency and quality across all digital and print communications.
Draft and distribute media releases, statements and reactive media responses in collaboration with the CEO.
Monitor media coverage relevant to RDAIS and the Illawarra Shoalhaven region, providing regular summaries to the CEO and Board.
Support the development of advocacy materials, submissions and other public-facing documents.
Program and project support
Provide project coordination support across a range of strategic initiatives and externally funded projects, including logistics, scheduling, stakeholder engagement and reporting.
Coordinate the delivery of public-facing RDAIS including workshops, forums and roundtables.
Review and edit reports, presentations and templates to ensure high-quality outputs.
Key outcomes
The RDAIS office operates efficiently, with systems, records and resources well‐maintained and a team-oriented, high‐performing team culture supported.
Financial records are accurately maintained in Xero, with invoices, receipts and project expenses processed in a timely manner.
All tasks and organisational deadlines are managed through Monday.com & Microsoft Planner, with clear timelines, assigned responsibilities and proactive follow‐up.
Professional and timely secretariat support is provided for Board and task‐force meetings, including preparation of agendas, minutes and action tracking.
WHS and operational procedures are documented, reviewed and updated in partnership with the CEO.
RDAIS's digital presence — website, social media and newsletters — is active,



consistent and reflective of the organisation's work and priorities.
Media releases, stakeholder communications and government correspondence are well‐drafted, timely and professionally managed.
Media coverage is monitored and reported, and inbound media enquiries are handled promptly and confidently.
Public‐facing events are coordinated effectively, with all logistics, supplier liaison and a participl? communications managed professionally.
Skills and experience essential
Demonstrated experience in an operations, communications or executive support role, ideally within a small to medium organisation or not-for-profit environment.
Robust written communications skills with the ability to produce high‐quality content across a range of formats, from social media posts to media releases and board papers.
Proficiency in financial administration, including experience with Xero or a similar accounting platform.
Highly organised with robust attention to detail and the ability to manage competing priorities.
Experience preparing professional reports, board papers, briefing materials and meeting documentation.
Confident relationship manager with strong interpersonal skills and a collaborative approach.
Demonstrated ability to coordinate multiple concurrent projects and deliver high-quality outcomes within competing timeframes.
Proficiency in Microsoft 365, Monday.com, Xero, Canva and other contemporary digital platforms as needed.
Important Information
Employment Type: Full-TimeCentral location, office is located at the Innovation Campus, North Wollongong with dedicated parking spot
About RDA ILLAWARRA SHOALHAVEN
Regional Development Australia Illawarra Shoalhaven (RDAIS) is a federally funded advocacy body, working collaboratively with the region and local stakeholders for economic growth and investment in the Illawarra and Shoalhaven region. Responsible for championing the region's strengths across four local government areas (Wollongong, Shellharbour, Kiama and Shoalhaven) as well as the Jervis Bay Territory, RDAIS's priorities are guided by the Australian Government's Regional Investment Framework. We are governed by a Board of diverse and experienced local community leaders and see ourselves as cheerleaders for the region whose vision is to create an economically and culturally vibrant region which supports the current and future aspirations of its community. For more information, please visit:
#J-*****-Ljbffr

📌 Operations & Communications Manager (Wollongong)
🏢 Illawarra
📍 Wollongong