Seeking expressions of interest from prospective professionals interested in joining the SMG Board that will complement the balance of skills and experience of existing Directors.

This vacancy requires a professional with finance experience, and a regional or rural background with the ability to demonstrate strong connections with regional/rural communities.

Reports to: Board Chair

Location: Online and/or in Person

Schools Ministry Group (SMG) is seeking expressions of interest from prospective professionals interested in joining the SMG Board that will complement the balance of skills and experience of existing Directors. This vacancy requires a professional with finance experience, and a regional or rural background with the ability to demonstrate strong connections with regional/rural communities.

You will offer, on a voluntary basis, a variety of leadership skills, experience and personal/cultural characteristics that will support SMG to continue to best serve this important organisation and outcomes for young people.

Who are we?

Supporting School Communities across South Australia.

SMG offers ongoing pastoral and practical support through chaplaincy, Christian education, and wellbeing services to school communities in partnership with the combined Christian community and other organisations.

SMG is the employer of Pastoral Care Workers in more than 270 SA government schools and is an approved Chaplaincy Service provider of the South Australian Department for Education (DfE) through the National Student Wellbeing Program (NSWP).

SMG Vision

Young people and school communities across South Australia discovering Purpose, Value and Hope.

The duties associated with this position include the following:

1. Participate in Meetings

• Attending the scheduled meetings of the board and committees on which you serve

• Coming prepared to discuss the business of scheduled meetings, having read the agenda and all background material

• Working with and respecting the opinions of peers who serve the SMG board, and to leave personal prejudices out of all board discussions

• Observe due protocols and procedures, and display courteous conduct in all board and committee meetings

• Approve both the policies and budgets of SMG and ensure appropriate financial and other controls are in place to protect the assets of SMG

• Ensure compliance and accountability to the membership and stakeholders, and participate in the ongoing evaluation of the SMG board and its committees

2. Contribute to Strategic Planning

• Contribute to the development, ratification and progressive review of the mission, vision and core values of SMG

• Progressively monitor the implementation of the strategic plan

• Ensure that SMG has adequate resources to carry out the strategic plan

• Participate in the regular strategic planning and board self-evaluation processes

• Participate in regular reviews of your contribution to the functioning of the board

• Attend board development seminars, workshops and educational activities that enhance your skills as a Director of the SMG board

3. Oversee the Mission of SMG

• Seek God’s leading and move in the power of the spirit

• Praying regularly for the officers and deeds of SMG

• Always act in the best interests of SMG

• Always represent SMG in a positive and supportive manner

• Positively support all actions of the SMG board even when in a minority position in respect to agreed outcomes/actions

• Enhance the public profile and reputation of SMG

• Ensure that the activities of SMG are consistent with the constitutional objects, and appropriate processes are in place to monitor their effectiveness

4. Support Senior Management

• Determine the role and authorities of the CEO, establish a selection process and monitor the performance of the appointed CEO

• Develop, in association with management, the strategic plan of SMG

Qualifications / Experience

• Strong financial acumen

• Previous board exposure

• Rural or regional background, with ability to demonstrate strong connections with regional/rural communities.

Commitment

• Board meeting attendance, 6x p.a. (Feb/Apr/May/July/Oct/Dec), Meetings generally held on Tuesday 4.30pm - 7.30pm

• Audit & Risk Committee meeting attendance, 4x p.a. (quarterly). Meetings generally held on Tuesday 4pm - 5.30pm

• Attendance (in person where possible) at Board Professional Development Day (February), SMG Annual Conference (May), Board Strategy Day (September), and Board Dinner (December).

Applicants will be able to demonstrate the ability to contribute to sound governance expertise and have a desire and commitment to improving outcomes and strategic business practices for SMG and its vision to help young people discover purpose, value and hope. The Board is seeking applications from prospective applicants with skills in Finance.