The Australian Marine Conservation Society (AMCS) has been the voice for and defender of Australia’s oceans and marine life for almost 60 years. With more than 300,000 supporters around the country, we are one of Australia’s most influential environmental charities. As a proudly independent conservation organisation, AMCS achieves change by building and mobilising widespread support from the community for solutions to the big problems facing Australia’s oceans.

ABOUT THE ROLE

AMCS is seeking an inspiring President for our National Management Committee (the Board). Our President must be passionate about marine conservation and ready to play a critical role in the fight to protect our oceans.

Overview

AMCS is undergoing an exciting period of unprecedented growth and remarkable impact. However, our oceans and marine life are under threat like never before. As President, you will help to lead our dynamic organisation and guide our highly committed Board at this critical juncture in the future of our oceans.

As President you will work closely and collaboratively with the Board and CEO, as well as engaging with key decision-makers, community, business and First Nations partners and stakeholders in Australia, to support the organisation achieve our vision of thriving oceans for a healthy planet.

You will be a principled person who can be an exemplar of our culture and values. You will have experience in or understanding of the not-for-profit environment. You will have strong governance experience, preferably chairing boards and a strong understanding of board responsibilities. You will have the demonstrated ability to provide strategic oversight to help the organisation achieve its goals.

You must be comfortable publicly representing the organisation when required, including in the media. You will preferably have an active knowledge of the Australian political or marine stakeholder environment, ideally with the credibility to support AMCS advocacy in this area. Your passion for fundraising will be evident through either existing networks or experiences gained with similar organisations.

Purpose of the Position

The AMCS Constitution provides for the election of a National Management Committee, our ‘Board’, overseen by an elected National President.

The President leads the AMCS Board, providing vision and inspiration to the organisation and, when necessary, a strong and credible public voice on behalf of the organisation.

Responsibilities

• Leading the Board.
• Ensuring the organisation has a clear vision, mission and strategic plan.
• Ensuring the Board, as well as the organisation generally, operates with the highest standards of governance, ethics and transparency.
• Ensuring the sound financial management of the organisation.
• Overseeing and supporting the AMCS CEO, their employment, development and annual performance reviews.
• As necessary, supporting the strategic initiatives of the organisation, including conservation, communications, marketing and fundraising programs as appropriate.
• Representing AMCS as a spokesperson and advocate as appropriate.
• As necessary, working effectively with key government, business, science, community and First Nations partners and stakeholders to support the organisation’s mission.
  

Time Commitment

The role will require a commitment of between ten to twenty hours per month as a result of

• Preparation for, and active participation in Board meetings (held online, usually bi-monthly), occasional out-of-session meetings and the Annual General Meeting (AGM).
• Participation in the annual in-person AMCS National Meeting of all staff and Board.
• Meetings and correspondence with the CEO and senior staff on current matters, as required.
• New Board member recruitment and orientation.
• Annual performance review of the CEO.
• Attendance at special events such as occasional fundraisers, high-profile meetings and staff/Board events.
• Relevant professional development.

Essential Requirements

We are seeking someone who has:

• At least three years of previous Board experience, preferably in the Not-For-Profit sector.
• Demonstrated experience in governance and strategic oversight, preferably at the chair or senior manager/executive level.
• The passion, personality, networks and ability to champion AMCS with decision-makers, stakeholders, donors and funding bodies in the public space.
• Commitment to upholding AMCS’ values.
• Demonstrated passion for and interest in protecting our oceans and marine life.

Other Requirements

The successful candidate will also need to meet the following requirements (further details will be provided during the selection process):

• Successful police check.
• Compliance with ACNC requirements as a responsible person - information available here.
• Member of the Australian Marine Conservation Society.
• Any offer of a position is subject to endorsement by the members at an AGM or Special General Meeting.
  

APPLY NOW!

If you are an experienced board member and are passionate about marine conservation, we encourage you to apply. Please click Apply Now and follow the instructions. Applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.

Please see attached for a full position description and further details on the role. For more information on our work and our people please visit our website.

For all enquiries about this position please contact AMCS Acting President Brian Donaldson via email at [email protected] using the subject line: President (Voluntary) - Flexible Location enquiry via EthicalJobs. Contact the organisation on 07 3846 6777.

AMCS is a strictly non-partisan and an equal opportunities employer. We strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with a disability, LGBTIQ+ people, and people from culturally and linguistically diverse communities.

A position description is attached.