Company Secretary

Company Secretary
Bathurst, NSW (Hybrid arrangements considered)
Catholic Diocese of Bathurst

The Catholic Diocese of Bathurst is seeking an experienced governance and legal professional to serve as Company Secretary, a rare and influential leadership role at the heart of the Diocese’s civil and canonical governance.

This is a unique opportunity to work directly with the Diocesan Leaders and Boards, ensuring the Diocese and its key ministries operate with the highest standards of integrity, compliance and mission alignment.

About the Diocese
The Catholic Diocese of Bathurst was established in 1865, and covers an area of 103,680 sq km, serving 17 parishes and 33 Catholic primary and secondary schools. Through Centacare the Diocese also provides social services across the region.

Bishop Michael McKenna was ordained and installed as the Eighth Bishop of Bathurst on 26th June 2009, and leads the Diocese according to his motto, Legato Con Amore (Bound with love).

Our Vision:
To joyfully live Christ’s Mission, assisting each other to be Missionary Disciples in our communities.

About the Role
Reporting to the Diocesan Financial Administrator and the Boards of Catholic Education Diocese of Bathurst Ltd and Centacare Central West and Orana Ltd, this role provides executive leadership across corporate governance, civil law and canon law.

You will act as the principal legal and governance adviser to the Bishop and Boards, ensuring statutory compliance, constitutional integrity and alignment with both civil and ecclesial obligations.

This is a strategic, hands-on role suited to a senior legal professional who is confident operating at Board level and navigating the intersection of Church hierarchy and contemporary corporate governance.

A copy of the Position Description can be found here

Key Responsibilities

Corporate Governance

• Act as Company Secretary for Catholic Education Diocese of Bathurst Ltd and Centacare Central West and Orana Ltd
• Manage Board and Committee cycles including agendas, papers, minutes and action tracking
• Ensure timely ACNC and ASIC filings with zero compliance breaches
• Support induction and ongoing development of Directors and Finance Council members

Legal & Regulatory Oversight

• Provide expert advice on obligations under the Corporations Act 2001, ACNC Act 2012, and relevant sector legislation
• Manage the intersection of Civil Law and Canon Law
• Advise on regulatory frameworks affecting education, aged care and charitable entities

Strategic Advisory

• Provide high-level governance and risk advice to the Bishop and Boards
• Ensure policies and decisions align with mission, risk frameworks and statutory requirements
• Deliver frank, fearless and well-considered counsel on governance matters

About You
You are a senior governance professional with strong legal expertise and a deep appreciation of the Church’s mission.

Essential

• Tertiary qualifications in Civil Law
• 7–10 years’ experience in a senior governance or legal role
• Strong working knowledge of the Corporations Act 2001 and ACNC Act 2012
• Exceptional discretion, judgement and written communication skills
• Ability to operate confidently with senior stakeholders and Board Directors

Highly Regarded

• Qualifications in Canon Law (JCL preferred) or willingness to undertake study
• Experience within Catholic, not-for-profit or highly regulated environments
• Understanding of the Code of Canon Law and relevant sector legislation

Why Join Us?

• Work directly with the Boards and other Diocesan senior leaders
• Influence governance across education and social services ministries
• Contribute to a values-driven organisation with deep community impact
• Shape governance excellence within a mission-led Church environment

How to Apply
Applications including a cover letter addressing your suitability and a current CV should be submitted via the online application portal:

Confidential enquiries may be directed to Diocesan Financial Administrator Patrick Cooper on (02) 6334 6402

If you are an experienced governance professional seeking purpose, influence and the opportunity to serve the Church through excellence in governance, we welcome your application.

Applicants must be submitted by 11:55pm on 27 March 2026.

CDOB is committed to instilling Safe Child standards in all our schools and CDOB with an understanding that keeping children safe is the responsibility of everyone within our school community.

A valid Employee Working with Children Check is required for this position.

Child Protection legislation requires preferred applicants to be subject to employment screening.

Catholic Education Diocese of Bathurst is an equal opportunity employer.