❖ Trusted animal welfare service provider

With origins dating back to 1938, the Animal Aid Trust is based in Coldstream, with additional facilities in Gippsland. It is a 'place of refuge for the lost, unwanted and abandoned animals of the community'.

An ongoing process of Board renewal has created an opportunity for an enthusiastic and suitably qualified person to become a Director of the Trust.

Over and above a deep-seated passion for the welfare of animals, you are an experienced governance professional with the potential to Chair the Board in due course. Sound credentials in fundraising, veterinary care, finance, legal or ICT are called for.

Company overview

Established in 1938, The Victorian Animal Aid Trust (“Animal Aid”) is an Animal Shelter which operates three shelters, in Coldstream, Bairnsdale and Sale. Animal Aid’s primary purpose is to care, reunite and rehome unwanted and neglected animals. Animal Aid’s operations include a shelter, vet clinic, boarding facility, opportunity shops, grooming and training. As Animal Aid receives no government funding the business relies on the generosity of its donors, fundraising efforts, and dedicated volunteers.

In recent years Animal Aid has gone through a program of transformational change, resulting in major operational changes. Animal Aid is currently undertaking a major capital works program redeveloping the facilities associated with the Coldstream shelter.

Animal Aid’s Committee of Management (CoM) is a skills-based board made up of a voluntary independent chair and independent trustees/directors. Due to a recent period of growth the CoM is seeking to grow the number of trustees and increase capability. The trustees provide governance and ensure that Animal Aid remains a viable and effective organisation, securing its long-term future. The CoM’s immediate focus is on capital raising to complete the final stage of the capital works program and to solidify future strategy. It’s a great time to join the CoM if you want your contribution to make a difference.

Animal Aid is seeking trustees that have a strong governance background and bring specialist knowledge in one or more of the following areas:

• Legal
• Veterinary care
• Fundraising
• Governance experience as a Chair

The role

In addition to the key governance responsibilities, and community and member accountability, this voluntary position will provide guidance on the development of the Animal Aid’s organisational purpose, strategic direction and priorities.

Responsibilities also include ensuring effective and accountable performance in relation to operational management as well as financial accountability, legal compliance and industrial relations requirements.

This is a voluntary position, the CoM prides itself on not being remunerated.

Commitment

There are 11 meetings per year, usually held at Animal Aid’s Coldstream shelter, but a mix of virtual meetings can be discussed for the right candidate. May also be some ad hoc meetings as required.

There is an expectation that you will also undertake some fund and awareness raising through your own networks as well as attending fundraising events (where necessary).

Competencies – Role related

• Knowledge of directors’ responsibilities
• Demonstrated strategic skills
• Strong commercial acumen
• Financial literacy – the ability to read and comprehend the company accounts, financial material presented to the board, financial reporting requirements
• Risk management – experience in managing organisational risk
• Industry / professional experience in fundraising, legal, accounting or vet expertise (highly regarded)
• Experience as a professional Director or Chair is highly desirable

Competencies – Personal

• Integrity – fulfilling a director’s duties and responsibilities, acting ethically, with appropriate independence and putting the company’s interests before personal interests
• Collaborative yet curious – a team player but also with curiosity to ask questions and courage to persist in robust discussions with management and fellow board members where necessary
• Emotional intelligence - self-awareness and self-management, with demonstrable empathy evidenced through strong interpersonal skills
• Commercial judgement – able to demonstrate good business instinct and acumen and be able to assimilate and synthesise complex information

Professional qualifications

• Tertiary qualifications
• Formal Governance training will be highly regarded