Switchboard Victoria is based on the lands of the Yaluk-ut Weelam clan of the Boon Wurrung peoples.  

We acknowledge that our work takes place on lands that are under colonial occupation and that sovereignty has never been ceded.

We hope to pay our deepest respects to Boon Wurrung elders, past and present, and wish to extend this respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People across this Country we know as Australia.

About Switchboard (Victoria) Inc. 

Switchboard Victoria is a community-based, not for profit organisation that provides peer-based, volunteer driven support services for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, and gender diverse, Intersex, Queer, Asexual and more (LGBTIQA+) people and their friends, families and allies. 

Our current activities include: 

• Phone and web counselling and referral – Switchboard is the Victorian partner in the national QLife service. QLife provides anonymous and free LGBTIQA+ peer support and referral for people in Australia wanting to talk about sexuality, identity, gender, bodies, feelings, or relationships. 
• Community connections for older LGBTI+ people – Switchboard’s Pride in Ageing program works to tackle ageism and strengthen social inclusion and community connection for older LGBTI+* Victorians. The Out and About peer visiting program builds friendship and connection between LGBTI+ seniors living anywhere in Victoria through regular volunteer visits.  
• Rainbow Door - is a free specialist LGBTIQA+ helpline providing information, support, and referral to all LGBTIQA+ Victorians, their friends and family. Rainbow Door supports people of all ages and identities with issues that may include suicidal thoughts, family, and intimate partner violence (including elder abuse), alcohol and other drugs, relationship issues, sexual assault, social isolation, mental health and wellbeing. 
• Suicide prevention - research and development of suicide prevention resources and programs for LGBTIQA+ communities. 
• QTIBPoC Programs - The QTIBPoC program aims to build connection and greater equity for Queer, Trans, Intersex and Bla(c)k, Indigenous and/or People of Colour and People of Faith. The program runs free events and workshops throughout the year led by and for QTIBPoC communities.
• Training Program – Switchboard delivers a range of training to the community and service sector organisations. Trainings offerings include LGBTIQA+ Inclusive Practice, How to Recognise and Respond to F/IPV, How to Talk About Suicide Safely, Everyday Racism in the Workplace and Peer Support Training. Staff are accredited to deliver LivingWorks programs ASIST and safeTALK.
• Rainbow Families - Connecting and supporting LGBTIQA+ parents, carers, and their families. Supporting services to develop and deliver rainbow family-inclusive better practice across Victoria.

Position Summary

The Secretary is responsible for ensuring that Switchboard Victoria fulfils its responsibilities as an Incorporated Association, as required of the Secretary in the Rules of Incorporation and under relevant legislation. The Secretary also works in partnership with the executive members of the Board to ensure it operates effectively within legal requirements and according to sound governance practices, fulfils its role in setting the organisation's strategic direction and representing Switchboard to stakeholders and the community. The roles and responsibilities listed below are in addition to those in the Board Members Position Statement.

This is a volunteer role - No remuneration is paid.

Time commitment: Between 1 and 4 hours per week, which can be undertaken during and outside of business hours. Additional hours will be required prior to the Annual General Meeting.

Accountability and reporting: The Secretary is accountable to the Board and through it to the members of Switchboard Victoria. The Secretary reports to the Board via a written report at Board meetings. The Secretary also reports to the Board in their capacity as Chair of the Governance Committee.

Period of Tenure: A two-year term with general Board duties and specific statutory responsibilities under the Associations Incorporation Reform Act 2012 and under the Rules of the Association.

Roles and Responsibilities

• The Secretary has a number of legal obligations under the Rules of Association and under the Associations Incorporation Reform Act 2012, including:
• Maintaining a register of members
• Giving notice of the AGM
• Keeping important records relating to the Board (such as minutes of board meetings).
• The Secretary is also responsible for other administrative tasks, like ensuring our registration is up-to-date with the Australian Charities and Not-for-Profits Commission and Consumer Affairs Victoria.
• In Board meetings, the Secretary takes the minutes for the meetings and ensures actions are noted.
• The Secretary is also the chair of the Governance Committee, which oversees risk, organisational governance, legal compliance, and typically other processes such as CEO performance review.
• The Secretary supports the CEO, Chair and other Board members in ensuring good functioning of the Board.

Key Selection Criteria

• A high level of organisation, professionalism and ethical conduct.
• Strong knowledge and understanding of applying principles of good governance.
• Excellent communication skills.
• By law the Secretary must be over 18 years, a resident of Australia, a member of the Association and consenting to election.
• Strong understanding and demonstrated capacity to support Switchboard’s commitment to anti-racism, including:
• Commitment and capacity to support organisational development to increase organisational anti-racism capability
• Demonstrated capacity to receive and give critical feedback in relation to race and racism
• Demonstrated capacity to lead, support & facilitate others to build capacity to put anti-racism into practice.
• Strong understanding and demonstrated capability to promote cultural safety of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
• The Secretary is not required to have legal qualifications, but an ability to understand legal and reporting requirements is required.

To find out more and apply

To apply, please upload your resume listing all relevant employment and volunteer experience and qualifications, and a cover letter.

Contact: For more information please contact Morgan Podesta, Board Chair.

Email: [email protected] using the subject line: Board Secretary (Voluntary) enquiry via EthicalJobs.

Switchboard Victoria is committed to supporting diversity and inclusion in our workforce and will consider all qualified applicants, regardless of sex, gender, gender identity or expression, age, disability or national origin.  Switchboard especially welcomes and encourages applications from people who are Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander; trans, gender diverse or intersex; disabled; carers; live with HIV, are culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD), People of Colour and/or People of Faith; identify with having lived experiences of suicide and mental ill-health.