Volunteer Chief of Staff
Volunteer Chief of Staff
Rethink Australia Foundation Ltd is a youth-led environmental organisation empowering students and schools to drive sustainability through education, technology and community action.
As Rethink Australia grows, we are seeking an exceptional Volunteer Chief of Staff to support organisational strategy, leadership coordination and high-priority initiatives.
This is a cross-functional role for someone who enjoys strategic thinking, bringing structure to complex ideas and converting long-term priorities into practical action. The Chief of Staff will work closely with Rethink Australia’s leadership and collaborate with volunteers, advisors and functional teams.
Key responsibilities
• Support the development and implementation of organisational priorities
• Convert strategic ideas into structured plans, actions and decision points
• Prepare briefing notes, research summaries and recommendations
• Coordinate selected high-priority and cross-functional initiatives
• Track important decisions, commitments, dependencies and follow-up actions
• Help prepare for board, advisory, partnership, planning and internal meetings
• Prepare agendas, briefing materials, action summaries and supporting documents
• Improve information flow between leadership, advisors and operational teams
• Conduct research relating to strategy, partnerships, programs and growth opportunities
• Identify strategic gaps, risks and matters requiring decisions
• Support annual, quarterly and project-level planning
• Coordinate with the Operations Manager and other team members on organisational delivery
• Assist with special projects requiring discretion, judgement and cross-functional coordination
About you
We welcome applications from experienced professionals and highly capable emerging leaders with experience or demonstrated capability in:
• Corporate or organisational strategy
• Management consulting or professional services
• Operations and project coordination
• Public policy or government
• Program management
• Research and analysis
• Organisational development
• Executive or leadership support
• Social impact or not-for-profit organisations
The successful applicant will demonstrate exceptional reliability, structured thinking, intellectual curiosity, discretion and written communication.
Applicants should be comfortable working with ambiguity, asking thoughtful questions, respectfully challenging assumptions and translating broad ideas into clear recommendations and practical next steps.
This role requires someone willing to contribute to execution as well as strategy. The successful applicant will be able to work independently, maintain confidentiality, follow through on commitments and communicate clearly.
Why volunteer with Rethink Australia?
This is an opportunity to contribute across the strategic and operational development of an ambitious environmental organisation at an important stage of its growth.
The Chief of Staff will gain broad exposure to organisational strategy, governance, partnerships, communications, programs, operations and stakeholder engagement.
The role is based in Sydney and is online or remote friendly. Most work can be completed remotely, with occasional in-person strategy and planning sessions where mutually convenient.
Approximately six to ten hours per month is anticipated. Scheduling will remain flexible around professional or study commitments.
Confidentiality and access
The Chief of Staff may work with sensitive organisational information. The successful applicant will be expected to maintain strict confidentiality and follow organisational access and approval processes.
Access to documents, systems and information will be provided progressively according to the needs of the role.
How to apply
Please apply through SEEK Volunteer and include a current CV or LinkedIn profile.
Applicants should also include a brief statement addressing:
• Why Rethink Australia’s mission and future direction interest you
• The strategic, operational or organisational experience you would bring
• An example of a complex project, priority or problem you have helped structure or coordinate
• Your availability for approximately six to ten hours per month
Shortlisted applicants will be invited to an introductory online conversation with representatives from Rethink Australia.