Chief of Operations bei InsideOut Institute

• Full-time, 12-month, fixed-term opportunity, with potential for extension

• Dynamic opportunity to manage the financial, operational, and people aspects of the InsideOut Institute for Eating Disorders as the Chief of Operations, based at the Charles Perkins Centre

• Offering a competitive remuneration package including 17% superannuation

About InsideOut

InsideOut Institute, a partnership between the University of Sydney and the Sydney Local Health District, is Australia’s national institute for research, clinical excellence, and policy innovation in eating disorders. We’re a boundary-pushing organisation with a bold vision: to transform treatment, drive cutting-edge research, and ultimately find a cure. Backed by a team of leading researchers, clinicians, and policymakers, we are reshaping the national response to eating disorders—and we're looking for passionate individuals to help us take this mission even further.

About the opportunity

The Chief of Operations at the InsideOut Institute manages the financial, operational and people processes of the organisation. As a close partner and support for the Director, the Chief of Operations provides advice and direction, to lead the implementation of strategy, policy, and planning in a high-performing purpose led organisation. As a key member of the Executive Team, the Chief of Operations works across the organisation to oversee finance, manage risk, optimise performance, streamline operations and build the infrastructure needed to scale the organisation’s national impact.

The Chief of Operations is responsible for directing and managing the financial operations of the organisation. They play a pivotal role in driving the organisation’s mission by overseeing all operational functions and ensuring strategic goals are translated into effective, efficient action.

The Chief of Operations directly shapes the work environment and culture, working in partnership with the Stream Managers to build their leadership capabilities, manage people challenges and risk, and develop and support processes for the efficient delivery of all activities of the Institute.

This role leads the implementation of systems and processes that support high-impact research, clinical innovation, and policy work, while ensuring compliance, governance, and financial sustainability.

This role could suit someone who’s led operations in a startup or scale-up, run a team or managed finances in a consultancy or creative firm, worked in health-tech, or built systems inside a fast-growth, purpose-driven organisation. You’ll help shape strategy, build systems, coach leaders, and make sure the organisation runs in a way that feels clear, human, and sustainable. We’re looking for entrepreneurial instincts, strong people judgment, and a love of making things work better - for the humans inside the system and the mission we serve.

Your key responsibilities will be to:

• Lead the development and delivery of InsideOut’s strategic and operational plans, ensuring objectives, outcomes, and resources are aligned with the Institute’s mission and priorities.

• Oversee robust financial, governance, and compliance systems in line with University, SLHD, and legislative requirements, ensuring accountability, sustainability, and risk management.

• Provide operational leadership across the Institute, driving continuous improvement in systems, processes, and resource allocation to enable efficient day-to-day operations.

• Build and lead a high-performing workforce by managing, mentoring, and developing staff, strengthening leadership capabilities of Stream Leads, and embedding effective people management practices.

• Foster collaborative, productive relationships with staff, University and SLHD partners, and a broad network of external stakeholders, representing the Institute at senior levels.

• Ensure a safe, supportive, and compliant work environment by managing workplace health and safety, overseeing risk frameworks, and guiding staff in governance and reporting requirements.

About you

• Academic and Professional qualifications in Management and Finance, with a combination of relevant training and experience.

• Demonstrated experience in operational and financial management, including budget planning, monitoring, and reporting, with the ability to establish and improve administrative procedures to support organisational goals.

• Proven ability to supervise, mentor, and develop staff, including performance management, training, and fostering a positive, high-performing team culture.

• Strong analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills, with the capacity to make sound decisions in complex and dynamic environments.

• Highly developed organisational and time management skills, with the ability to balance competing priorities, manage resources effectively, and deliver results within tight timeframes.

• Excellent interpersonal, negotiation, and communication skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders, build effective relationships, and convey information clearly in both written and verbal forms.

Sponsorship / work rights for Australia

Work Rights: you must have unrestricted work rights in Australia for the duration of this employment to apply. Visa sponsorship is not available for this appointment. 

Pre-employment checks

Your employment is conditional upon the completion of all role required pre-employment or background checks in terms satisfactory to the University. Similarly, your ongoing employment is conditional upon the satisfactory maintenance of all relevant clearances and background check requirements. If you do not meet these conditions, the University may take any necessary step, including the termination of your employment.

This position is designated as involving child-related work. To undertake or remain in this position, you are required to apply for and obtain a Working with Children Check clearance in accordance with the Child Protection (Working with Children) Act 2012.

EEO statement 

At the University of Sydney, our shared values are trust, accountability and excellence and we strive to be a place where everyone can thrive. We are committed to creating a University community that thrives through diversity and reflects the wider community that we serve. We deliver on this through our commitment to diversity and inclusion, evidenced by our people and culture programs, as well as key strategies to increase participation and support the careers of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People, women, people living with a disability, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and those who identify as LGBTIQ+. We welcome applications from candidates from all backgrounds. 

We are proud to be recognised as an Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI) Gold employer. Find out more about our work on diversity and inclusion. 

How to apply

Applications (including a cover letter, CV, and any additional supporting documentation) can be submitted via the Apply button at the top of the page.  

For employees of the University or contingent workers, please login into your Workday account and navigate to the Career icon on your Dashboard. Click on USYD Find Jobs and apply.

For a confidential discussion about the role, or if you require reasonable adjustment or any documents in alternate formats, please contact Roshik Prasad, Recruitment Operations by email to [email protected]

© The University of Sydney

The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment.

Click to view the Position Description for this role.

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