About Us

The Dry July Foundation is an Australian registered charity that runs the annual Dry July campaign, dedicated to improving the comfort, care and wellbeing of people affected by cancer by funding practical, tangible support services for patients, families and carers across the country.

The flagship Dry July event is a nationwide fundraising challenge that encourages participants to go alcohol-free for the month of July while raising donations from their networks, with funds directed to cancer support organisations and projects such as specialist nurses, transport to treatment, accommodation and wellness programs; since launching in 2008, the campaign has engaged hundreds of thousands of participants and raised over $100 million to support more than 80 cancer organisations and 1,200 projects across Australia.

The Opportunity

We are seeking a Chairperson to lead our Board through a period of change and increasing ambition. This is a voluntary role for a leader who can bring clarity, momentum, and credibility; someone who can help us develop our foundation and scale our impact.

This is not a purely governance-led Chair role. We are looking for someone who can actively help drive the organisation forward and elevate our profile.

Key Responsibilities

As Chairperson, you will:

• Lead the Board with clarity, focus, and strong facilitation
• Guide the organisation through a period of strategic growth and evolution
• Partner and mentor the CEO/executive to support performance and direction
• Foster a high-functioning, engaged, and accountable Board culture
• Act as an ambassador for the organisation, building credibility and visibility
• Open doors to new partnerships, supporters, and funding opportunities
• Help shape and communicate a compelling vision for the future

Who We’re Looking For

You are someone who:

• Has proven leadership experience (board, executive, or founder level)
• Brings energy and a bias toward action and is comfortable leading through change
• Has strong networks and the ability to open doors to new opportunities
• Is a confident communicator with natural presence and credibility
• Is motivated by purpose and community impact, not remuneration
• Can balance strategic oversight with a willingness to actively contribute

Experience in the cancer sector is not required, but empathy, curiosity, and commitment to the mission are essential.

Commitment

• Chairing (typically monthly) board meetings, plus additional sessions as required
• Regular engagement with the CEO and key stakeholders
• Representation at selected events, partner meetings, and strategic discussions

Why Join Us

This is a rare opportunity to help shape a charity at a pivotal moment. Your leadership will directly influence how we scale, who we reach, and the depth of support we can provide to people navigating their cancer journeys.

If you’re ready to use your experience, network, and voice to create meaningful impact, we’d love to hear from you.