As one of Australia’s leading community foundations, Greater Melbourne Foundation* is entering a new phase of strategic growth and impact through Strategy 2030, with a renewed focus on social justice, equity and systems change across Greater Melbourne.

We bring people, ideas and resources together to break down the barriers that hold people back and help build a fairer, more inclusive and resilient Greater Melbourne.

We are also evolving our approach to philanthropy; testing new funding models, deepening community-led practice, and exploring how capital can be deployed more creatively to achieve long-term social impact.

As part of planned Board renewal and succession, we are seeking up to four new voluntary Board Directors to join the Board during a period of organisational transformation and increasing public profile.

This is an exciting time to join the Foundation.

To download a copy of Strategy 2030, please click here.

(*Greater Melbourne Foundation was previously known as Lord Mayor’s Charitable Foundation)

Who we are seeking

We are seeking values-based and strategically minded leaders who can contribute to governance that is impact-focused, community-connected, collaborative, adaptive and forward-looking, and aligned with the aspirations of Strategy 2030.

We are particularly seeking directors who bring depth in one or more of the following three areas:

Progressive Philanthropy & Impact Practice

• Deep understanding of contemporary philanthropic practice
• Experience with innovative funding approaches leveraging and moving from traditional grant making
• Engagement with social impact measurement and learning
• Understanding of community-led, place-based and systems-change approaches to philanthropy

Systems Thinking & Social Impact

• Strong grounding in systems thinking and intersectional approaches to social change
• Experience working across complex, multi-sector or place-based challenges
• Understanding of community-led, long-term and collaborative practice

Finance, Capital Stewardship & Impact Investment

• Experience in non-profit or philanthropic finance or impact-oriented capital stewardship
• Familiarity with progressive financial practices, including mission-aligned investment, reserves strategy and evolving distribution obligations
• Understanding of the financial governance of a foundation operating across grant making, impact investment and community benefit
• Note: This role is not audit-focused.

We note that not every director needs to hold all specialist expertise. Greater Melbourne Foundation draws on independent committee members, advisory groups and specialist expertise connected to committees and strategic initiatives. We are seeking a complementary mix across the Board as a whole.

Broader Skills, Experience & Networks

Beyond the three focus areas above, we also welcome candidates who bring expertise and/or strong networks in one or more of the following areas:

• Contemporary philanthropy and social impact
• Community-led, place-based and systems-change approaches
• Non-profit finance, accounting, investment or impact investing
• Governance, strategy and organisational leadership
• Partnerships, stakeholder engagement and public affairs
• Social enterprise and cross-sector collaboration
• Impact measurement, learning and evaluation
• Lived experience and community leadership
• First Nations perspectives and engagement.

Personal Attributes

We are particularly interested in people who demonstrate:

• Commitment to social justice, equity and community outcomes
• Integrity, accountability and sound ethical judgement
• Humility and curiosity, with openness to diverse perspectives

• Collaborative and respectful leadership
• Ability to engage thoughtfully with complexity and ambiguity
• Willingness to contribute to constructive, informed dialogue and challenge
• Systems thinking and adaptability in the face of long-term change.

To download a copy of the Board Skills, Capabilities and Attributes document, please click here.

Selection Criteria

Directors will ideally bring:

• Strategic thinking and sound governance judgement
• Understanding of organisational sustainability and risk
• Ability to contribute constructively to Board and committee discussions
• Willingness to contribute time, expertise and networks
• Commitment to the mission, values and long-term impact of Greater Melbourne Foundation.

Prior Board experience is welcomed and, we also encourage interest from candidates who bring contemporary leadership, community knowledge and aligned expertise. Directors are expected to comply with conflict of interest and confidentiality obligations.

Our approach to inclusive and informed decision-making

Greater Melbourne Foundation is committed to ensuring that its decisions are informed by:

• First Nations perspectives
• Community voice and lived experience
• Relevant subject matter expertise

These considerations are embedded across our Board, committee and advisory structures, reflecting our belief that effective governance is strengthened by diverse perspectives, lived experience and deep contextual insight.

Time Commitment

• Approximately six Board meetings per year (3-4 hours each)
• Participation in at least one quarterly Board committee, and governance support (approximately 3 hours per quarter plus preparation)
• Attendance at key events, stakeholder engagements and occasional special meetings
• Participation in Director induction and orientation (3-4 hours)

Remuneration

This is an honorary, unpaid role.

For a confidential discussion, please contact Joy Humphreys. E: [email protected] using the subject line: Board Director enquiry via EthicalJobs.

M: 0412 128 565

A position description is attached.