Context

COTA (Council on the Ageing) Tasmania Inc. is a not-for-profit organisation, operating as a peak body, providing systemic advocacy for a wide range of organisations and individuals who are committed to encouraging our community to think positively about ageing. This involves promoting and encouraging social inclusion and championing the rights and interests of Tasmanians as they age. We have been the voice of older Tasmanians for 60 years.

Our Vision: Ageing in Tasmania is a time of possibility, opportunity, and influence.

Our Mission: We advance the rights, interests, and futures of Tasmanians as we age.

Primary Purpose

The primary purpose of the COTA Tasmania Board is to be responsible for governance and policy formulation, and to oversee the management of the affairs of COTA Tasmania.

The Board is responsible for ensuring that the organisation fulfils its purpose and objectives and, in doing so, meets all the legal and moral responsibilities and requirements consistent with ‘best practice’ corporate governance.

This responsibility is one of stewardship on behalf of COTA Tasmania’s members, stakeholders and broader community, ensuring that the organisation not only remains viable, but has a secure long-term future.

A position on the Board of Directors requires a commitment to COTA Tasmania’s values and a willingness to uphold the highest standards of governance.

Primary Duties

Governance and Leadership

• Actively participate in the development and implementation of strategic plans and policies.
• Provide guidance and oversight to the COTA Tasmania’s Chief Executive and leadership team, ensuring alignment with the mission and values.
• Serve as role models for ethical conduct, integrity, and transparency in all organisational matters.

Legal and Regulatory Compliance

• Be familiar with relevant legislation, regulations, and standards that govern and guide not-for-profit organisations.
• Exercise fiduciary responsibility by acting in the best interests of COTA Tasmania.
• Ensure COTA Tasmania’s activities and operations adhere to all relevant laws and regulations.

Financial Stewardship

• Review and approve COTA Tasmania’s annual budget, financial statements, and audits.
• Monitor financial performance and resource allocation.
• Support fundraising initiatives and ensure the organisation's financial sustainability.

Strategic Planning and Evaluation

• Collaborate to develop, review, and refine the COTA Tasmania Strategic Plan.
• Assess the impact and effectiveness of programs, services, and initiatives in achieving the organisation's mission.
• Monitor progress towards strategic goals and adjust strategies as needed.

Advocacy and Networking

• Represent COTA Tasmania at relevant events, meetings and within the broader community.
• Advocate for COTA Tasmania’s mission and goals, fostering partnerships and collaborations to further its impact.
• Leverage personal and professional networks to benefit the organisation, where ethical and appropriate.

Board Governance

• Actively participate in Board meetings and committees, providing input and expertise.
• Engage in succession planning and the recruitment of new Directors with diverse skills and backgrounds.
• Promote a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion within the Board and the organisation.

Meeting Frequency

The Board will meet once every two months, or as directed by the President.

Board meetings may be either in-person, online or a combination of both. This is determined and communicated by the President.

Committee meetings may take place in between Board meetings. Committee meeting frequency is to be determined by the committee chair.

The organisation holds an Annual General Meeting (AGM), normally in October or November.

Requirements

Board appointments are dependent on the provision of a National Police Check, and Working with Vulnerable People card checks, free of concerns relevant to the duties of a non-executive Director of COTA Tasmania and confirmation by the organisations appointed Public Officer (currently, the CEO).

Board Directors must hold a passion for upholding the rights of older Tasmanians, social justice and inclusion principles.

Desirable

• Knowledge of not-for-profit governance principles, legal obligations, and best practices.
• Previous experience serving on a not-for-profit Board or in a leadership role.
• Financial literacy and a good understanding of financial management and reporting.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills.

• Previous experience and understanding of organisational risk management.
• Lived experience relevant to COTA Tasmania’s advocacy or project areas.

Values, behaviours, and diversity

We are a values-based organisation. Our aim is to attract and retain people, both employees and volunteers who uphold our values and are committed to building a strong values-based culture. Our values and behaviours reflect what we consider to be important.

Work Health and Safety (WHS)

In accordance with the Work Health and Safety Act 2012, all volunteers are expected to take reasonable care for their own health and safety, ensuring their actions do not adversely affect the health and safety of others.

All Directors are expected to comply with any reasonable instruction given by the organisation to ensure compliance with the Act and collaborate with organisational work health and safety policies, procedures and guidelines.

Location

Applications are welcome from candidates who are based in any Tasmanian city or regional location.

Next steps

Candidates with the relevant skills, interest and availability to join our Board are encouraged to apply.

Click Apply Now and follow the prompts to submit your application. 

For any inquiries, please contact Ingrid Harrison, Board Chair [email protected] using the subject line: Non-executive Director (Voluntary) - Launceston / Hobart enquiry via EthicalJobs or 0418 342 450.

Thank you for your interest in joining the Board of COTA Tasmania. We look forward to reviewing your application.

A position description and application form are attached.