Connellan Airways Trust (CAT) is a philanthropic trust dedicated exclusively to remote and very remote Australia, granting roughly $400,000 a year to individuals and organisations, with a strong focus on education and health outcomes.

CAT's vision is a thriving Outback Australia, and its purpose is to fund the people and ideas of the Outback. The Trust's role spans four functions to fund, to connect, to empower, and to learn and share underpinned by values of community, support, collaboration, innovation and adaptability.

CAT's 2026–2028 strategy is built around five priorities:

• Access and Opportunity: Funding education, health and training so remote Australians can learn, work and thrive where they live
• Local Leadership and Capability: Building the confidence, skills and networks of Outback people to lead change in their own communities
• Innovation and Problem Solving: Backing creative, practical and scalable solutions developed in and for the Outback
• Connection and Understanding: Sharing the stories and achievements of remote Australia to build national visibility and appreciation
• Trust and Legacy: Sustaining CAT's integrity, independence and capability as a trusted, long-term funder for the Outback

As CAT enters the next phase of its 2026–2028 strategy to build a thriving Outback Australia, an opportunity now exists for up to two new Directors to join the Board.

Description:

Directors are collectively responsible for CAT's strategic direction, financial sustainability and governance, including approval of CAT's budget, grant-making policy and annual grant rounds.

The Board provides strategic oversight and assesses grant rounds and significant grant decisions, while day-to-day delivery sits with CAT's Executive Officer. We are seeking candidates with sound governance judgement and a genuine connection to the people and places CAT funds.

Skills and Experience:

Applicants with a strong connection to remote Australia and an understanding of sectors including education, health, and philanthropy/grantmaking will be considered favourably.

Essential skills and experience:

• Demonstrated understanding of the contemporary Australian philanthropic landscape
• A genuine connection to remote and very remote Australia
• Background or strong working knowledge of the education or health sectors
• A Diploma in Governance from the AICD or ICDA

Desirable experience:

• Prior Board or Trustee experience, ideally in a charitable context
• Financial, legal or risk management expertise
• Networks across the philanthropic, education or health sectors

Remuneration:

This is an honorary, unpaid position. Reasonable travel expenses are covered, including for the Board's one in-person meeting each year (three of the four annual Board meetings are held online).

To request further information, please contact Declan Kelly at [email protected] using the subject line: Board Directors x2 - Alice Springs enquiry via EthicalJobs.

How to Apply

Please click "Apply now" and upload your resume and a cover letter outlining your experience against the criteria above. 

Connellan Airways Trust is committed to diversity and inclusion. We encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, culturally diverse communities, and people with disabilities.