Ready to help build an economy that puts people and planet first?

TalentWeb is proud to be partnering with Social Enterprise Australia to support an inclusive and equitable recruitment process for the appointment of two bold, values-led leaders to join Social Enterprise Australia's Board and help grow the impact of social enterprise in Australia. All enquiries and expressions of interest are being coordinated through TalentWeb to ensure a consistent and transparent process.

As the national peak body for social enterprise, Social Enterprise Australia advocates for and connects the sector, and coordinates its national strategy, for an economy that puts people and planet first. Its purpose is to foster a vibrant and connected social enterprise sector that provides environmental care, people-centred services, access to decent work and community-led innovation. The national peak is seeking two Board Directors to help drive this purpose forward.

About the position

This is a rare opportunity to help grow and strengthen social enterprise in Australia. As a Board Director of Social Enterprise Australia, you’ll play a critical role in guiding national strategy, strengthening sector positioning, and uplifting community-led impact at scale.

Social Enterprise Australia’s governance approach is grounded in long-term stewardship, systems thinking, and relational intelligence. This is a key leadership position at a pivotal moment of growth for the social enterprise sector.

You’ll work alongside a purpose-driven Board and CEO to shape strategic direction, provide effective oversight, and contribute to the systemic change needed for a more inclusive and sustainable economy.

Logistics and commitment

• Approximately one to two days per month (including preparation).
• Six Board meetings per year, predominantly online.
• One in-person strategy session annually.

Remuneration

Directors may elect to serve on a voluntary basis or to receive reasonable director remuneration, as determined by the Board each year in accordance with Social Enterprise Australia’s Constitution and Director Nomination and Remuneration Policy. Reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred in the performance of Directors’ duties may also be reimbursed.

Key responsibilities of a Social Enterprise Australia Board Director:

• Uphold strong governance, oversee financial sustainability, risk management and compliance, and uphold Social Enterprise Australia’s legal, fiduciary and ethical obligations.
• Shape strategy, help steer national direction and ensure decisions serve the long-term interests of the sector.
• Champion the sector’s purpose and values, act as an advocate for transparency and accountability in all Board activities.
• Engage with the sector, represent Social Enterprise Australia at key events, build relationships with stakeholders, and bring insights back to inform Board decisions.
• Collaborate and innovate, actively participate in Board meetings and collective decision-making, and foster an inclusive and forward-thinking Board culture.

About you

We are seeking visionary leaders with a strong commitment to social and environmental impact. You may bring governance, grassroots, community or enterprise experience, but most importantly a values-driven mindset and readiness to contribute at a strategic level.

We are particularly interested in candidates who bring one or more of the following:

• Public Fund Committee Capability (ideally meeting the ATO definition of a ‘Responsible Person’ for DGR purposes; legal or accounting background highly regarded)
• First Nations perspective (Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander leaders bringing their own perspective and understanding of self-determination principles)
• Membership governance experience (leadership in co-operatives, mutuals, democratic member organisations)
• Fresh perspectives from adjacent sectors (experience outside traditional social enterprise circles, networks in movements such as impact investing, B Corps, climate action, community development, digital innovation).

We welcome EOIs from both experienced and first-time Board Directors committed to growth and learning. At least one of the incoming appointments must meet the ATO’s definition of a ‘Responsible Person'. If this applies to you, please indicate in your application.

Personal attributes

Commitment to social and environmental justice, alignment with the sector’s values of authenticity, creativity, justice, collaboration, and diversity, ability to act with integrity and make ethical decisions, respect for diverse perspectives and ways of knowing, resilience in complex, evolving environments, humility, self-awareness and curiosity.

Diverse lived experience and expertise

Social Enterprise Australia recognises its role to play in shifting systems of power towards just, equitable and regenerative futures for people and the planet. Social Enterprise Australia values diverse lived experience, expertise and perspectives. We encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people from culturally and racially marginalised backgrounds, people with disability, LGBTQIA+ people, emerging leaders, and people with lived experience of systemic discrimination or exclusion.

Please note that applicants must be currently based in Australia and hold full Australian working rights.