Are you passionate about making a meaningful difference and driving strategic impact?

Volunteering Australia is seeking an experienced and dedicated Board Member to join our organisation.

This is an exciting opportunity to provide governance and strategic leadership to the national peak body for volunteering as we shape policy, champion advocacy, and advance our mission across a wide range of initiatives.

• Participate either in person or remotely, providing flexibility to suit your needs.
• Contribute to shaping the future of volunteering in Australia and drive strategic initiatives that benefit communities nationwide.
• Leverage your substantial experience to further enhance your skills in governance, financial oversight, and strategic planning.
• Work alongside a dedicated and diverse group of professionals committed to advancing the goals of a national volunteering peak body.

Join us in guiding the vision to make volunteering the heart of Australian communities.

Overview of Organisation

Volunteering Australia is the national peak body for volunteering. Our mission is to support a thriving volunteering ecosystem in Australia by promoting and advocating for volunteering and providing leadership at a national level.

About The Role

The Board of Directors will oversee and represent the interests of Volunteering Australia stakeholders, ensuring prudent financial management and adherence to ethical standards.

We’re seeking a committed and strategic Board Member to help lead our organisation, drive performance, and ensure we meet our legal and governance obligations. This position is ideal for those with a solid grasp of governance, a passion for growing and strengthening volunteering, and an understanding of the unique landscape of profit-for-purpose organisations.

As a Board Member, you’ll collaborate with a diverse, skilled, and purpose-driven Board, contributing your expertise in a supportive team environment. You’ll actively engage in Board, general, and committee meetings, bringing insight into the challenges and opportunities facing Australia’s peak bodies. Join us in making a lasting impact on communities nationwide.

What You Will Bring

As a Board Member, you will bring a wealth of expertise and commitment to our organisation, including:

• Fulfilling a 3-year tenure, attending quarterly Board meetings, held during the day via Microsoft Teams.
• A time commitment of 4 to 12 hours per month, including Board, general, and Subcommittee meetings, including preparation time reviewing briefing papers.
• Commitment to serving on at least one Board Subcommittee.
• Solid experience and knowledge in governance, including legal, ethical, fiduciary, and financial responsibilities.
• Ability to understand and interpret financial statements and internal controls.
• High integrity and ethical standards, with a demonstrated ability to act independently and impartially.
• Effective relationship-building skills with internal teams and external partners.
• Strong analytical, conceptual, and critical thinking abilities.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Collaborative approach, working effectively within diverse teams.

Benefits

While this is a voluntary, non-paid position, we offer a range of benefits to enhance your experience and professional growth. Travel and out-of-pocket expenses will be reimbursed.

• Develop key competencies in effective communication, decision-making, and conflict resolution.
• Gain valuable experience in financial management, risk management, strategic planning, and legal compliance.
• Gain insights into the unique challenges and opportunities within the profit-for-purpose sector.
• Benefit from the guidance and support of experienced board members.
• Connect with professionals in the field and broaden your professional connections.

Selection Criteria

To ensure a well-rounded and effective Board, this position requires specific core capabilities and competencies, aimed at bringing a diverse mix of skills and expertise to our Board leadership team.

Essential – Core Capabilities:

• Governance knowledge and experience working on a Board or Committee as a non-executive.
• Ability to understand and interpret financial statements.
• Understanding of internal controls and compliance.
• Demonstrated ability to act independently and impartially, with a high level of integrity and ethical standards.
• Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with external partners.
• Strong analytical, conceptual and critical thinking skills.
• Effective interpersonal and communication skills.
• Collaborative, working within a team environment, and across diverse teams.

Desirable:

• Governance qualification such as Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD) or Governance Institute of Australia (GIA).
• Knowledge of or experience in the volunteering or profit-for-purpose sector.

Position Description

Download the Board Member (General) Position Description for more information.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Statement

At Volunteering Australia, we passionately champion diverse experiences, voices, and perspectives, fostering a workplace where diversity, equity, and inclusion thrive. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals of all backgrounds, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and people of different races, cultures, gender identities, abilities, ages, religions, sexual orientations, and family and caring responsibilities. Join us in building an inclusive community through the transformative power of volunteering.