The People

The People Behind Penington Institute

Learn more about the people who help Penington Institute stimulate a rethink of how communities tackle unsafe drug use.

Emeritus Professor Sir Gustav Nossal AC CBE

Professor The Hon Dame Marie Bashir AD CVO

Professor Suzanne Cory AC

Emeritus Professor David de Kretser AC

Professor Peter Doherty AC FAA FRS

Professor Margaret Hamilton AO

Professor The Hon Barry Jones AC

The Hon Michael Kirby AC CMG

Emeritus Professor David Penington AC

Professor Fiona Stanley AC FAA FASSA

Kathryn Greiner AO (Chair)

Carmel Arthur OAM

Professor Nicholas Lintzeris MBBS, FAChAM, PhD

Scott Wilson

Vern White

Dr Bulent Hass Dellal AO

David Stewart

Carmel Arthur (Chair)

Shobhana Chetty BSc, M.Acct

Joe Flinn BAcc, CA

Bruce Lanyon B Bus, MBA, FCA, SF Fin

John Ryan
Chief Executive Officer

Brian Scammell
Manager, Corporate Services

Dr Karen Gelb
Manager, Research and Policy

Anna Northey
Director of Strategic Communications

Corporate Services Manager

Job description

  • Make a positive and tangible contribution to the community
  • Lead Finance and Corporate Services functions
  • Part Time 1 day per week
  • $120 – $130k pro rata plus superannuation and NFP Salary Packaging Benefits


Penington Institute is a non-government, not-for-profit organisation connecting lived experience and research to improve community safety in relation to drugs including pharmaceuticals and alcohol.

Our vision is that communities are safe, healthy and empowered to manage substance use.

We focus on promoting effective strategies, frontline workforce education and public awareness activities, making individuals and families safer and healthier.

About the role:

The Corporate Services Manager plays a broad and critical role in the successful operation of Penington Institute. While the primary focus is on financial management, risk management and compliance, the incumbent is also responsible for the effective and efficient operation of several other functional areas including payroll, HR, and IT.

As a small organisation, a hands-on approach and a willingness to chip in and get things done are essential requirements.

The Opportunity:

Reporting directly to the CEO, and a key member of the internal Leadership Team, the Corporate Services Manager plays a critical role in assisting the Penington Institute achieve its strategic objectives.

You will have responsibility for all Corporate Service functions (finance, compliance, risk management, HR, IT and office administration) and be part of a positive, energetic and dedicated team who are passionate about Penington’s mission to actively support the adoption of approaches to substance use which promote safety and human dignity.

Be part of a positive, energetic and dedicated team (11 staff in total) who are passionate about Penington Institute’s mission to actively support the adoption of approaches to substance use that promote safety and human dignity.

Location is flexible however it is expected that some time will be spent in Penington’s office.


The Person:

You are likely to be an experienced finance, legal or risk / compliance professional who has had experience managing corporate services functions such as accounting, payroll, HR, risk and compliance, and IT.

You are at a stage in your career where you are looking for a 1 day per week part time position that will keep you professionally active. You have a desire to give back to society by undertaking impactful, cause based work. You enjoy being hands-on across the breadth of corporate services but also like to contribute in other areas of an organisation where you can add value.

You understand and are committed to the values of, and benefits delivered by, the not-for-profit sector.

You are always open to new ideas and ways to empower people with knowledge.

You have a desire to give back to society by undertaking impactful, cause-based work.

To be successful in this role you will possess:

  • A track record of providing strategic and operational leadership for finance and corporate services functions in the NFP sector
  • Ability to effectively manage external service contractors including accounting, payroll, HR , Investment Advisors and IT.
  • Demonstrated experience managing risk and compliance programs
  • Company secretariat knowledge and experience
  • Ability to oversee the efficient and effective operation of all financial management functions including monthend reporting, budgeting and end of year audit.
  • An understanding of HR and modern award compliance obligations
  • Post-graduate tertiary qualification in commerce, law or other relevant disciplines
  • Well-developed computing skills, including word processing (e.g. Microsoft Office)
  • Excellent organisational and interpersonal skills
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Demonstrated ability to liaise, influence and negotiate with external contractors and other stakeholders

What we offer:

  • Salary of $120k – $130k pro rata plus superannuation
  • Full Not for Profit salary packaging
  • Friendly & supportive team
  • Flexible working hours including a Hybrid work model.

Next steps:

Download a copy of the position description here.
If you believe you have the ability to fill this position, please submit your application to Anna Rolle a.rolle@penington.org.au

Please ensure your application includes a cover letter that addresses the key selection criteria as well as a current CV.

Applications Close: There is no deadline – please apply as soon as possible.

**Please note applications will be screened upon receipt and advertising will close upon the appointment of the successful applicant.**

Emeritus Professor Sir Gustav Nossal AC CBE

Professor The Hon Dame Marie Bashir AD CVO

Professor Suzanne Cory AC

Emeritus Professor David de Kretser AC

Professor Peter Doherty AC FAA FRS

Professor Margaret Hamilton AO

Professor The Hon Barry Jones AC

The Hon Michael Kirby AC CMG

Emeritus Professor David Penington AC

Professor Fiona Stanley AC FAA FASSA

Kathryn Greiner AO (Chair)

Carmel Arthur OAM

Professor Nicholas Lintzeris MBBS, FAChAM, PhD

Scott Wilson

Vern White

Dr Bulent Hass Dellal AO

David Stewart

Carmel Arthur (Chair)

Shobhana Chetty BSc, M.Acct

Joe Flinn BAcc, CA

Bruce Lanyon B Bus, MBA, FCA, SF Fin

John Ryan
Chief Executive Officer

Dr Karen Gelb
Manager, Research and Workforce Development

Brian Scammell
Manager, Corporate Services

Corporate Services Manager

Job description

  • Make a positive and tangible contribution to the community
  • Lead Finance and Corporate Services functions
  • Part Time 1 day per week
  • $120 – $130k pro rata plus superannuation and NFP Salary Packaging Benefits


Penington Institute is a non-government, not-for-profit organisation connecting lived experience and research to improve community safety in relation to drugs including pharmaceuticals and alcohol.

Our vision is that communities are safe, healthy and empowered to manage substance use.

We focus on promoting effective strategies, frontline workforce education and public awareness activities, making individuals and families safer and healthier.

About the role:

The Corporate Services Manager plays a broad and critical role in the successful operation of Penington Institute. While the primary focus is on financial management, risk management and compliance, the incumbent is also responsible for the effective and efficient operation of several other functional areas including payroll, HR, and IT.

As a small organisation, a hands-on approach and a willingness to chip in and get things done are essential requirements.

The Opportunity:

Reporting directly to the CEO, and a key member of the internal Leadership Team, the Corporate Services Manager plays a critical role in assisting the Penington Institute achieve its strategic objectives.

You will have responsibility for all Corporate Service functions (finance, compliance, risk management, HR, IT and office administration) and be part of a positive, energetic and dedicated team who are passionate about Penington’s mission to actively support the adoption of approaches to substance use which promote safety and human dignity.

Be part of a positive, energetic and dedicated team (11 staff in total) who are passionate about Penington Institute’s mission to actively support the adoption of approaches to substance use that promote safety and human dignity.

Location is flexible however it is expected that some time will be spent in Penington’s office.


The Person:

You are likely to be an experienced finance, legal or risk / compliance professional who has had experience managing corporate services functions such as accounting, payroll, HR, risk and compliance, and IT.

You are at a stage in your career where you are looking for a 1 day per week part time position that will keep you professionally active. You have a desire to give back to society by undertaking impactful, cause based work. You enjoy being hands-on across the breadth of corporate services but also like to contribute in other areas of an organisation where you can add value.

You understand and are committed to the values of, and benefits delivered by, the not-for-profit sector.

You are always open to new ideas and ways to empower people with knowledge.

You have a desire to give back to society by undertaking impactful, cause-based work.

To be successful in this role you will possess:

  • A track record of providing strategic and operational leadership for finance and corporate services functions in the NFP sector
  • Ability to effectively manage external service contractors including accounting, payroll, HR , Investment Advisors and IT.
  • Demonstrated experience managing risk and compliance programs
  • Company secretariat knowledge and experience
  • Ability to oversee the efficient and effective operation of all financial management functions including monthend reporting, budgeting and end of year audit.
  • An understanding of HR and modern award compliance obligations
  • Post-graduate tertiary qualification in commerce, law or other relevant disciplines
  • Well-developed computing skills, including word processing (e.g. Microsoft Office)
  • Excellent organisational and interpersonal skills
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Demonstrated ability to liaise, influence and negotiate with external contractors and other stakeholders

What we offer:

  • Salary of $120k – $130k pro rata plus superannuation
  • Full Not for Profit salary packaging
  • Friendly & supportive team
  • Flexible working hours including a Hybrid work model.

Next steps:

Download a copy of the position description here.
If you believe you have the ability to fill this position, please submit your application to Anna Rolle a.rolle@penington.org.au

Please ensure your application includes a cover letter that addresses the key selection criteria as well as a current CV.

Applications Close: There is no deadline – please apply as soon as possible.

**Please note applications will be screened upon receipt and advertising will close upon the appointment of the successful applicant.**