Join the e61 Institute as our next Operations Director

Are you a strategic thinker who thrives on turning big ideas into sustainable, day-to-day operations? Do you enjoy creating the structures that help high-performing teams do their best work? The e61 Institute is seeking an exceptional Operations Director to take our established operations to the next level through system innovation, process improvement, and ensuring our research team has everything they need to deliver high-impact research that informs policy.

As a critical part of the executive leadership team at one of Australia's best economic policy think tanks, this role is perfectly suited for someone who has a passion for public value, economic research, and social impact and proven experience in executive-level operations.

If you ….

have a track record of converting organisational strategy into operational excellence and measurable outcomes

can take initiative and work autonomously just as well as they can collaborate

value and prioritise team cohesion and alignment around common ambitions

sets high standards for yourself and your work

can demonstrate sound judgment and high emotional intelligence in managing yourself and others

lead your teams by doing

….then we are looking for you!

Why Join e61?

e61 is an independent economic research institute committed to producing high-impact research that shapes the national conversation.

We offer:

A mission-driven environment – Contribute to work that improves Australia’s economic decision-making

Real operational responsibility – Lead the full operations function, enabling research and engagement teams to thrive

Supportive, collaborative culture – Join a team that values transparency, mutual respect, and continuous improvement

Work-life balance – Flexible work arrangements and a strong focus on wellbeing

About the role

As Operations Director, you will be responsible for overseeing and improving all core internal functions — from finance and HR to legal, systems, compliance, and IT. Working closely with the CEO, you will ensure the Institute’s operational environment is robust, scalable, and aligned with our purpose.

You’ll take a hands-on approach to ensure that the systems, tools, and processes across the organisation are enabling the research and engagement arms of the Institute to succeed.

This role is ideal for someone with strong operational and people leadership experience who enjoys building and improving systems that enable mission delivery.

What you’ll be doing

Lead day-to-day internal operations across finance, HR, legal, IT, and compliance

Drive continuous improvement of systems and processes to support a growing organisation

Oversee budgeting, financial reporting, audit readiness, and funder compliance

Coordinate operational support for research, events, and communications activities

Ensure governance and legal obligations are met on time and to a high standard

Champion a values-driven, inclusive culture and support staff wellbeing

Manage internal delivery of organisational goals, work plans, and KPIs

Act as a key support to the CEO, freeing up their capacity for external partnerships and strategic priorities

What we’re looking for

6+ years’ leadership experience across operations, ideally in research, policy, or mission-driven organisations

Expertise across finance, HR, legal, compliance, and organisational systems

A track record of delivering operational improvements

Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills

A hands-on, team-oriented approach and a strong alignment with our mission and values

What success looks like

Internal operations run smoothly and support the research and engagement teams

Systems and processes are efficient, scalable, and continuously improving

Financial reporting and compliance obligations are met on time

The Operations Director is a trusted, effective internal leader and partner to the CEO

Staff feel supported, engaged, and set up to succeed

Location: Sydney (hybrid working arrangements available)

Eligibility: You must have the right to work in Australia

How to apply

Please submit the following:

A short Cover Letter (1–2 pages) explaining why you're interested and how your experience fits

Your Resume (max 2 pages)

Confirmation of your right to work in Australia

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. For a confidential conversation about the role, please reach out to [email protected].