Governance & Risk Manager

Shape the governance foundations of a nationally significant First Nations initiative

• Build and embed governance systems from day one
• Competitive salary of $160K – $180K + Super & Salary Packaging benefits
• National role | Work from anywhere in Australia
• Deliver governance that supports clear and confident decision-making

Where Your Work Creates Real Impact

Kimberley Aboriginal Medical Services Ltd (KAMS) is a leading Aboriginal Community Controlled organisation representing eight independent Aboriginal health services across the Kimberley region. Since 1986, KAMS has played a critical role in strengthening Aboriginal-led systems, delivering impactful programs, and advocating for better outcomes for communities.

This opportunity sits within ICOVE (Indigenous Centre of Vocational Excellence) — a nationally significant initiative reshaping Australia’s skills system through Indigenous leadership, policy reform, and system-wide change.

ICOVE is being built from the ground up, bringing together government, community, and partners to create a system designed for long-term impact.

At its core is strong, disciplined governance, ensuring the organisation operates with integrity, accountability, and standards that are above reproach.

For more information, please visit:

• ICOVE 
• Kimberley Aboriginal Medical Services (KAMS)

Why This Role Stands Apart

This is a rare opportunity to establish governance foundations while actively running them.

You’ll work closely with senior leadership and the Governing Council to ensure governance is embedded in how ICOVE operates — not just designed, but consistently applied and well-executed.

Your work will support trusted decision-making and help maintain the organisation’s credibility across a complex national environment.

This is a role where structure, attention to detail and consistency are essential, and where your expertise will be relied upon from day one.

The Opportunity to Make Your Mark

This is a national role, offering the flexibility to be based anywhere in Australia, with occasional travel required to support governance forums and organisational requirements.

KAMS is seeking a full-time Governance & Risk Manager (internally titled Chief Governance Officer) to join ICOVE and play a central role in delivering its governance, risk and compliance functions.

Reporting to the COO, you will translate governance frameworks into practical, day-to-day systems that support leadership and ensure accountability.

This is a hands-on role, combining the establishment of governance systems with ensuring they operate effectively in daily practice.

You will be working across multiple priorities in a fast-moving environment, where organisation and follow-through are key.

What Your Work Will Look Like

Your work will sit at the centre of how ICOVE functions — ensuring governance structures are effective, information flows are clear, and processes are applied consistently.

You will operate across a structured governance environment, working with leadership teams, governance forums and stakeholders to ensure governance practices are upheld.

More specifically, your responsibilities will include:

• Supporting governance forums, including the ICOVE Governing Council and ELT
• Preparing high-quality agendas, board papers and minutes to the required standards
• Maintaining governance frameworks, including delegations, authorisations and terms of reference
• Managing risk and compliance registers, including risk and conflict of interest registers
• Developing and embedding a practical risk management framework
• Coordinating governance reporting and supporting board and subcommittee processes
• Providing clear, practical governance, risk and compliance advice to leadership
• Building trusted relationships and influencing outcomes through credibility and clarity
• Supporting internal audit and assurance processes
• Establishing governance systems and improving processes as ICOVE grows
• Ensuring alignment with legislative and regulatory requirements

To read the full position description, please click here

You’ll Thrive in This Role If You…

• Enjoy bringing structure, rigour and clarity to complex environments
• Take pride in producing accurate, well-documented work
• Are highly organised and able to manage multiple priorities
• Build trust through reliability and sound judgement
• Work confidently across governance, risk and compliance in a practical way
• Value accountability, consistency and strong ways of working

Your Experience and Expertise

To qualify, you will bring demonstrated experience in governance, risk and compliance, along with experience supporting boards, councils, committees or executive leadership teams in complex or regulated environments.

Experience working within government, not-for-profit, Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs), or similarly regulated sectors will be highly regarded.

You will also bring strong working knowledge of governance frameworks, relevant legislation, governance documentation and compliance processes, along with the ability to translate these into practical, day-to-day operations.

Additionally, the following will be highly valued:

• Experience establishing or improving governance frameworks, processes or registers
• Experience supporting governance forums through secretariat functions
• Exposure to ACCOs or understanding of their operating and stakeholder context
• Experience working across government and multi-stakeholder environments
• Experience in regulatory, compliance or assurance-focused roles
• Understanding of risk reporting, internal audit and continuous improvement approaches

Please Note: Successful candidates must complete a National Police Clearance (or be willing to obtain one) before commencing. 

What You’ll Gain From This Opportunity

In recognition of the impact, scope, and significance of this role, you will receive a competitive salary of $160,000 – $180,000 PLUS Super, along with:

• Salary Packaging to maximise your take-home pay
• Remote, national role with flexibility on location across Australia
• The opportunity to contribute to a nationally significant First Nations initiative
• A collaborative environment where your expertise is valued and trusted

Sounds Like You? Let’s Chat

If you are a governance professional who values structure, precision and meaningful impact, this is your opportunity to help build something from the ground up.

Join a team shaping a nationally significant initiative and play a key role in ensuring it operates with clarity, accountability and trust - APPLY NOW!