THE HEART RESEARCH INSTITUTE (HRI) is an internationally recognised medical research institute that performs cutting-edge cardiovascular research from our state-of-the-art facilities in Newtown, Sydney and the Charles Perkins Centre (CPC) at The University of Sydney.

For over 30 years, HRI has been one of Australia's leading research organisations working to detect, prevent and treat heart disease. Through our research, HRI has made significant findings that have changed the way we live with and treat cardiovascular disease. Our vital work is mainly funded by tens of thousands of loyal individual donors, research grants and corporate support.

The Role:

Reporting to the Director of Human Resources and Operations and the Chair of the Board the Corporate Governance Officer and Company Secretary oversees contract management for the institute and provides secretariat support to the Board and several Committees. You will take responsibility for ensuring compliance with all statutory and regulatory obligations while supporting the governance framework of the Board and Committees. You will also be responsible for managing processes to monitor and report on the implementation of Board and Committee decisions.

The role may be performed casually 3 days per week or on a contracting basis via an ABN. You will be required to be on site at our Newtown office at least two days per week, with additional hours as required and by agreement.

HRI fundraises internationally and the role covers all entities within the HRI Group including those based in New Zealand and the United Kingdom.

Specific Responsibilities include:

- Managing and negotiating a range of research and commercial agreements, including research contracts, Contract Research Agreements, Material Transfer Agreements, and Confidentiality Agreements.




- Ensuring the organisation’s rights, obligations, and intellectual property interests are protected while maintaining compliance with contractual terms and conditions.
- Arranging all Board and Committee meetings, including AGMs and extraordinary general meetings, preparation of agendas, delivery of succinct and accurate meeting minutes and monitoring and tracking completion of required actions
- Completion and lodgment of all statutory forms, returns and reporting under the Corporations Act, including annual accounts, annual returns, annual reports and changes in Directors’ information to ensure that HRI complies with all its statutory obligations under any relevant laws and regulations
- Providing guidance to the Directors and Management team on various governance matters
- Planning and preparation of the yearly Board and Committee meeting schedule, this includes liaising with the Scientific Director and CEO, Director of Human Resources and Operations, Director of Finance and Chair of the Board

To be successful in this role you will have:

- Demonstrated experience negotiating, drafting, reviewing, and managing research and commercial agreements
- Previous experience in a Company Secretary role in a similar sized organisation
- A law degree
- Experience in the Not for profit (NFP) sector is highly desirable
- A background in medical research,



health or medicine will be highly regarded
- High-level organisational skills, including the ability to prioritise tasks in order to meet strict deadlines
- A high standard of attention to detail
- Strong verbal and written communication skills
- Experience with Convene Board management software is highly desirable
- Excellent interpersonal skills and confidence in working with people at all levels
- The ability to work flexibly, including evenings/after hours, to attend board and committee meetings

How to Apply:Please submit your application online and include the following documentation in your application: · A cover letter addressed to Professor Andrew Coats AO

· A detailed resume

Eligibility:To apply for this position you must have an appropriate Australian work rights.

Join The Heart Research Institute during a time of growth and innovation, supporting heart research in Australia. For further information on this position, please contact the HR team at [email protected]

Please apply as soon as possible, as this advertisement will close once we have received a sufficient response of relevant applications. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

The Heart Research Institute supports Equal Employment Chance.

We value diversity and encourage applications from women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, people with disability, LGBTQI individuals and applicants of diverse cultures and ages.

We are committed to the safety and wellbeing of our employees and affiliates, and our community. Whoever you are, you are welcome at HRI. We are recognised as a carer-inclusive workplace by Carers Australia.

If you have a disability and need support to submit your application, please [email protected]

📌 Corporate Governance Officer and Company Secretary (Newtown)
🏢 The Heart Research Institute
📍 Newtown