• Join us as we expand and strengthen our governance structure
• Help us shape strategies for positive, effective social change
• Board members may be based anywhere in Australia

About Lirata

Lirata Ltd (www.lirata.com) is a small, independent not-for-profit organisation based in Naarm (Melbourne), Australia. Our purpose is to advance social justice by strengthening the enablers and reducing the barriers to positive social change.

We operate as a social enterprise, delivering our work through consultancy, capacity building and systems advocacy. We specialise in the health, community services, education and development sectors. We work with all tiers of government, service providers, peak bodies, advocacy organisations, socially engaged businesses and many others to assist them to:

• Become more effective in achieving their goals.
• Achieve greater sustainability.
• Adopt more ethical and empowering approaches.

Each year we work on 20+ projects across Australia. We assist our partner organisations with planning, review, evaluation and development. We also create new approaches, tools and frameworks for social justice work.

Board development

Lirata’s consulting practice was established in 2010, and in its early days operated under several different legal structures. In 2016, the current structure (Lirata Ltd) was established as a not-for-profit Company Limited by Guarantee. Lirata currently has three Board members, all of whom were founding Directors of the new company.

Lirata is in the process of transitioning to an expanded and more robust Board structure. This will bring new skills and perspectives to the Board, strengthen our strategy as the organisations grows, and assist with a clearer separation between governance and operations.

We are currently seeking two new Board members who will join us as we develop future governance arrangements and organisational strategy.

Board member role

Board members (Directors) collectively oversee the operation of Lirata Ltd, ensuring the provision of effective, high quality and innovative work for social justice. The Board is focused on strategy and impact rather than operational decision-making. Board members assist Lirata to shape effective action to address socio-economic inequities and to improve health, wellbeing and social inclusion.

Board members have a range of legal and governance responsibilities, including overseeing development of the strategic plan, approving the annual budget, monitoring Lirata’s performance, overseeing the work of the CEO, representing Lirata externally, and contributing to Board decision-making and development. Please refer to the Position Description for a more detailed description of Board duties and responsibilities.

Currently the Board meets six times per year, for 2 to 3 hours per meeting. Some Board activity also occurs electronically between meetings.

About you

You have a long-standing personal commitment to social justice, and strong knowledge of strategies through which social justice may be advanced. Ideally you have lived experience of structural inequity, and thinking to share with us about the systemic changes needed to create a more just and sustainable world.

You have a strong collaborative approach and are able to work positively and effectively with others to deal with challenging issues. You have a commitment to sound governance. You are also an innovative thinker who is able to balance vision with realism. You realise that deep-rooted social problems aren’t solved overnight. You are committed to working in systematic and thoughtful ways that build capacity for the long term.

You will contribute skills and experience in one or more of these areas: management and/or governance of social purpose organisations; Board development and review; financial management; fundraising and marketing; social enterprise; consultancy; advocacy and policy development for social change. You will also have connections with people in strategic positions within sectors relevant to Lirata’s work.

Please note:

• We are an equal opportunity employer. We recruit for diversity, as well as skills and organisational fit.
• Lirata is a LGBTIQA+ inclusive and supportive organisation.
• We value cultural diversity and welcome people from all backgrounds.
• People from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander backgrounds are encouraged to apply for this role.