Operations Manager

Operations Manager
Brisbane School of Theology

Brisbane School of Theology is seeking an Operations Manager (5 days/week) to contribute to an organisational culture that serves our mission of providing excellent education and support to students, for the purpose of forming Christian leaders.

1. About the College

BST is a Christ-centred, interdenominational Bible college, accredited by the Australian University of Theology, and committed to equipping Christians for a lifetime of service. For over 80 years, we’ve been forming Christian leaders for maturity, ministry, and mission.

2. Purpose of the Role

The Operations Manager is a key leadership role within BST, responsible for the operational and financial efficiency of the college. This position oversees the office’s staff and administration and is responsible for the day-to-day running of the college, working closely with the Principal and Deputy Principal. In cooperation with the Principal, the Operations Manager also has responsibility over finance (budgeting and reporting) and strategic growth. This position ensures the college operates sustainably, maintaining high standards of quality in line with its mission.

3. Key Accountabilities 

• Operation & Finance: Direct the non-academic functions of the college to ensure high-quality service delivery. Provide expert oversight of the college’s financial position through accurate reporting and strategic resource allocation.
• Leadership: Provide humble and servant-hearted leadership to administrative and support staff, fostering a collaborative, compliant, and safe working environment reflective of BST’s mission.
• Strategic Development: Drive strategic growth in student enrolment and deepen engagement with supporting churches and donor networks to ensure long-term viability.
• Compliance & Governance: In cooperation with the Board’s Governance Committee and the Principal, ensure compliance with financial regulatory standards, higher education benchmarks, and Work Health and Safety (WHS) legislation.

4. Key Responsibilities

4.1 Operations & Financial Management

• Financial Reporting & Budgeting: In close cooperation with the Principal, lead the development of the annual college budget. Prepare and present financial reports to the Board, ensuring transparency and fiscal responsibility.
• Oversight & Governance: Ensure the smooth running of core support functions including IT infrastructure and facilities management. Establish service KPIs for quality and efficiency across departments.
• Team Leadership & Development: Directly manage administrative, finance, and support staff. Foster a culture of continuous improvement, skill development, and accountability.
• Strategic Planning: In cooperation with the Principal and the Board, develop and implement medium- to long-term operational plans (e.g., IT roadmap, facilities lifecycle) that align with the college’s strategic plan and financial capacity.
• Regulatory Compliance: Maintain robust financial and operational policies (in cooperation with the Board’s Governance Committee). Manage institutional risk related to the college’s non-academic functions.

4.2 Business Development

• Growth Strategy: In consultation with faculty and staff, develop and execute student recruitment and marketing strategies to meet enrolment targets.
• Partnerships & Engagement: Identify and maintain strategic partnerships with churches, denominational bodies, and mission organisations to create pathways for student recruitment.
• Development: Work closely with the Principal and Board to support fundraising and donor relations efforts, managing relationship pipelines with key benefactors.

5. Selection Criteria

Qualifications and Experience

• Tertiary qualification in Business Administration, Accounting, or a related field.
• Professional accounting experience is essential, with a proven ability to manage complex budgets and produce Board-level financial reports.
• At least five years of experience in a leadership role, preferably within a church, non-profit, or higher education context.
• Demonstrated success in driving organisational growth.
• Firm commitment to the college’s mission, vision, and values.

Skills and Competencies

• Financial Literacy: Advanced skills in financial management software and Excel; ability to translate complex financial data into actionable strategic insights.
• Business & Mission Acumen: Ability to balance financial sustainability and efficiency with the core mission and values of the college.
• Leadership and Influence: Highly skilled in motivating diverse teams, managing change, and fostering a positive workplace culture.
• Communication: Exceptional ability to communicate the college's vision to external stakeholders and present clearly to Governance Boards.

6. Organisational Values

The successful candidate will demonstrate a firm commitment to the college’s Christian values, including the Statement of Faith and Code of Conduct.

Reports to: Principal (CEO)
Direct Reports: Facilities, Finance, IT, Marketing, Development
Full-time: 5 days/week
Remuneration: Level 9 of Higher Education Industry (General Staff) Award, with loading for experience

Please send your resume to info@bst.qld.edu.au no later than COB Friday 17^th April.