• Organisation: Invasive Species Council
• Location: Flexible (Quarterly online meetings + 1 annual face-to-face full day strategy meeting in Melbourne/Sydney)
• Sector: Conservation, Environment and Biosecurity
• Time commitment: Quarterly meetings, AGM, plus committee/sub-group work as required. (Travel and accommodation expenses covered).

The opportunity

Invasive species are an environmental mega-threat and the number one driver of native animal extinctions in Australia. The Invasive Species Council (ISC) is Australia’s only national environmental advocacy charity focused solely on invasive species.

Our aim is to catalyse the shifts in government, communities and culture to improve invasive species action to save wildlife, stop extinctions, protect forests and rivers. We are dynamic, bold and persistent advocates for nature, committed to science and collaborative with First Australians.

This is a pivotal time to join us. Following a period of significant growth in funding, profile and impact, the ISC Board is seeking two experienced directors to help guide our next chapter, participate in overseeing our strategic plan, and bring governance and professional rigour to the leadership of our organisation as we work on amplifying our environmental impact.

We are specifically seeking candidates who bring deep expertise in at least one of the following areas:

• Ecological and biosecurity systems: Research, policy, or practical management.
• Financial management and accountancy: To support robust oversight of our growing, donor-funded budget. (CPA or CA highly regarded)

Please note: This is an unpaid position - Board member participation is voluntary and no remuneration is available.

Key responsibilities

As a member of the ISC Board, you will share governance and fiduciary responsibilities with fellow directors to ensure the organisation remains sustainable, compliant, and impactful.

1. Strategic Oversight: Develop, review, and monitor strategic and annual plans, contributing to the continuous improvement in governance and advancement of the mission.
2. Governance and Risk: Support and oversee the CEO, ensure robust risk management, appropriate policies and safeguard the organisation's reputation.
3. Financial and Legal Compliance: Ensure financial records are audited, funding requirements are met, and the organisation complies with all relevant legislation and standards and the organisation’s constitution.
4. Culture and Leadership: Act in the best interests of ISC, demonstrating exemplary values, honesty, and constructive collaboration.

What we are looking for

Beyond the specific technical skills mentioned above, our ideal candidates will possess some or all of these:

• A genuine passion for protecting the Australian environment and mitigating biosecurity threats
• An understanding of the not-for-profit/charity sector and of environmental or political advocacy
• Strong communication skills - specifically the ability to listen, question, and challenge constructively
• Useful professional networks (funders, experts, or partner organisations) that can be leveraged to support ISC’s growth
• The capacity to actively contribute to board meetings and relevant sub-committees and work collaboratively

The ISC values diversity. We strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and people of all backgrounds, identities, and experiences.

About the organisation

Formed in 2002, ISC is a high-impact, non-government, donor-funded organisation. We advocate for stronger laws and policies to protect the Australian environment from invasive plants, animals, and pathogens. The ISC is managed day-to-day by the CEO, the leadership team and a predominantly remote team working across Australia.

To learn more about our trajectory, please review our latest Annual Report and Strategic Plan.

Director role and commitments

As a member of the ISC Board it is expected that you:

• act honestly and in good faith and be a role model for the organisation
• ensure the organisation carries out activities in accordance with its intended purpose
• act in the best interests of the organisation
• where internal disagreement or conflict arises seek to work for effective solutions
• exercise powers for their proper use
• respect privacy and confidentiality of information obtained in the course of your work
• disclose any potential conflicts of interest as they arise and remove yourself when necessary

Next Steps

Click "Apply Now" to express your interest.

Applications close 11.59pm on the closing date.