Andrew Leigh

My terrific chief of staff (aka office manager) Louise Crossman has just been offered a job as women's adviser to Julie Collins, Minister for Community Services, Indigenous Employment and Economic Development, and Status of Women. Louise has run my office wonderfully well over recent years, and many in the Canberra community will have had the opportunity to get to know her at community forums and other events.

I'm very sorry to see her moving on, but am also pleased that in past years, I've seen staff happily move into jobs with Ministers Combet, Garrett and Collins. No job is forever, and having the chance to work with a team bright and energetic people is one of the things I really enjoy about this job. Over the coming years, Louise is certain to make her mark on Australian politics.

Accordingly, I'm now looking for a new Louise. You can think of the job as a hybrid of 'chief of staff' (managing people) and office manager (managing paperwork). Successful applicant will need to be politically attuned, good at teamwork, and enjoy community development. Sense of humour a plus.

The official job ad is below.

OFFICE MANAGER

Applications are invited for the above position based in Canberra.

The duties of the positions include: managing a team of five full-time and part-time staff (plus volunteers), community engagement, liaising with government departments, preparing and coordinating correspondence, organising events and meetings.

Applicants should possess the following skills and experience:

• Experience in managing a medium-sized team in a high-pressure environment


• Passionate about community engagement


• Hard working and enthusiastic about addressing local issues


• Excellent oral and written communication skills


• Understanding of local media

Extensive understanding of government and parliamentary processes

A commencing salary between $67 956 and $76 548 will be paid, plus allowances up to $25 060, depending on skills and experience.

A probationary period of 3 months will apply.

Applications attaching a CV plus at least two referees should be forwarded to [email protected]

Applications close on 21 November 2012. For further information please contact Louise Crossman, acting office manager, on 02 6247 4396.