• Opportunity to steward Victoria’s premier social service advocacy organisation
• Highly regarded peak body with impactful policy influence and projects
• Exciting strategic phase following recent recruitment of new CEO 
• Join an accomplished board of directors who share a passion for the community sector and transformational social change

About VCOSS 

The Victorian Council of Social Service (VCOSS) is the peak body for the state’s social and community sector, and the State’s premier social policy body.  

We work towards a Victoria free from poverty and disadvantage, where all people and communities are supported to thrive. We champion wellbeing and inclusive growth. 

We achieve our goals through policy development, public and private advocacy, supporting and increasing the capabilities of the state’s social service bodies, forging strong coalitions for change, and communicating the true causes and effects of disadvantage.

VCOSS’s strength comes from its members and the people they serve. Our members include frontline service groups, peak bodies, advocacy organisations and individuals passionate about a fair, sustainable and inclusive Victoria.

We listen to members and amplify their experiences and insights. We respect the unique perspectives of people who experience poverty or inequality, and seek to strengthen and elevate their voices.

Find out more about VCOSS at vcoss.org.au/about/.

VCOSS is seeking expressions of interest to join the VCOSS Board

The VCOSS Board is comprised of three directors elected by the organisation’s members, and up to six directors appointed by the Board based on desired skills, diversity and experience. 

There are two current vacancies for Board-appointed directors. Directors are appointed to the Board for a 3-year term. The positions are voluntary (however reimbursements are available for reasonable expenses).

The Board meets every two months (and otherwise as required). Board meetings are usually held in-person in the Melbourne CBD during business hours, although video conference options are available for most meetings. In addition to full Board meetings, Board members are expected to contribute to at least one Committee (currently Finance, Audit & Risk; Nominations). All up it is expected that VCOSS Board members will contribute approximately 1 day per month to their role.

The role of the Board is to govern VCOSS in a way that enables the organisation to pursue its purposes successfully, ensuring good corporate governance, determining and approving VCOSS’s strategy, overseeing compliance and risk management, and providing guidance and oversight to the Chief Executive Officer. As a member-based charitable organisation, the Board’s role is also to ensure VCOSS remains accountable to, and connected with, its members and other stakeholders.

The VCOSS Board is embarking on an exciting new strategic phase, following the appointment of a new CEO in late 2023. The Board also has plans to conduct an external evaluation in 2024 to ensure that it continues to meet high governance standards and invests in continuous governance improvement and impact.

VCOSS is a company limited by guarantee and a charity registered with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC).  

Who we are interested in hearing from 

We are particularly interested in receiving expressions of interest from applicants with expertise in the following areas: 

• Government relations 
• Business development and fundraising 
• Lived/living experience of barriers to social or economic inclusion 
• Legal and/or governance

We strongly encourage people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds andAboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people to express interest in a VCOSS Boardposition. 

We welcome expressions of interest from all backgrounds, ages, and identities, including young people and people with disabilities. We are happy to adjust our recruitment process to support accessibility needs. Previous board experience is not essential (however a commitment to undertaking governance training and/or other professional development would be expected for directors with no prior governance experience).

How to apply 

Please click 'Apply Now' to submit your application.

For further information please email us at [email protected] using the subject line: VCOSS Board Directors (Voluntary) enquiry via EthicalJobs, or call Bianca Davey on 03 9235 1000.