Associations Forum Pty Ltd is Australia’s leading network of and advisors to associations, societies, institutes, and other not-for-profit membership organisations. We were established in 2004, employ 15 staff (approximately 10 FTE) and operate across Australia from our base on Sydney’s north shore with senior representatives in Melbourne and Brisbane.

Associations Forum has 600 member associations to whom we provide general association advice plus information, training, and recognition to assist associations to better achieve their mission. Our annual conference attracts many hundreds of attendees in a non-pandemic year; our flagship magazine ASSOCIATIONS is highly respected and our annual Association Awards are sought-after and prestigious. Our membership offerings are stated in our 21 Benefits of Membership as described on the website.

As well as our popular membership offerings, Associations Forum conducts in-depth consulting assignments on a fee-for-service basis. Typical topics for consulting assignments are governance training, constitution revisions, strategic planning, external reviews, and organisation re-structures.

Associations Forum is not a law firm and does not offer legal advice.

Association Lawyer Role

We have a vacancy in Victoria with the move towards retirement of our highly respected Melbourne-based representative, Denys Correll.

Activities of the Association Lawyer may include:

• Leading or assisting with in-depth consulting assignments
• Facilitating association strategic planning days
• Presenting training on governance and other association management matters
• Speaking at association sector events and conferences
• Attending meetings with CEOs and Boards of Directors
• Reviewing constitutions, structure, and governance documents
• Analysing operational capacity and personnel of associations
• Scheduled six-monthly in-person, phone, or online discussions with 150 assigned member associations
• Initiating and developing new business opportunities

A law degree, experience as a practising lawyer, and unrestricted practising certificate would be advantageous in this governance advisory role

Technical competencies

The successful candidate may have:

• Law degree, experience as a practising lawyer, and unrestricted practising certificate
• Experience working at a senior level within a professional, industry or special cause member-based association, and preferably in different associations
• Corporations Law and corporate governance expertise
• Knowledge of Associations Incorporations Acts in various jurisdictions
• Governance Institute or AICD courses qualifications

Personal competencies

The successful candidate will have:

• Passion about working with the associations sector
• Ability to present confidently to audiences at conferences and to run training workshops
• Persuasion ability on recommending potential changes to client associations
• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills
• Excellent attention to detail
• Self-motivation and be solution-focused
• Ability to establish priorities, manage time, and work without supervision
• Skills to work both independently and in a collaborative team
• Ability to work easily with typical office computer applications

Further Details

This position is likely 0.6 FTE or 0.8 FTE and would be based at the candidate’s home office in Melbourne. Full training will be provided. Occasional interstate travel will be required post-pandemic and a drivers’ licence is required.

To apply for this role, send your resume and cover letter through Indeed indicating interest in and suitability for the role.

The successful candidate may be able to start soon to commence transition or mid-2021. Only short-listed applicants will be contacted for an interview.

Due to the limited ability of associations to pay corporate-level rates for advisory services, a modest initial salary will be offered for this interesting, varied, and fulfilling role.