Westgate Community Initiatives Group Ltd (WCIG) is an established, not for profit organisation that is committed to creating practical responses to unemployment and disadvantage across Melbourne and Geelong. Our mission is to empower people to achieve a meaningful role in society. We all work towards the same, purpose-led goal of improving lives through dignity and choice. WCIG is a respected and successful provider of a broad range of State and Commonwealth government programs and also operates two social enterprises to create accessible employment and social inclusion for people with a disability, in the areas of retail and commercial cleaning.

The Role

WCIG is currently experiencing an exciting phase of positive change and growth and as a result we are looking to maintain and further enhance the mix of skills and diversity within the Board. As a Board Director, you will be responsible for the leadership of WCIG and establishing the organisation’s strategic direction and desired outcomes. You will assist in ensuring legal obligations are met and monitoring organisation performance. The Board is also responsible for short- and long-term operational planning, as well as reviewing the annual budget and providing financial oversight. These positions are a rare opportunity for you to make a valuable difference in the management and operation of WCIG.

About You

• Strong business acumen, with the ability to think strategically and provide leadership
• Corporate governance in a similar industry, such as employment, training and/or disability sector is highly desirable
• Strong financial and accounting literacy
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to work collaboratively with other board members, CEO and senior management
• Ability to identify risks and implement strategies to minimise/mitigate risks
• Understand a director’s legal duties and responsibilities, including overseeing compliance with legislation

Board members are expected to prepare for and participate in board meetings at Footscray outside of business hours every two months for approximately two hours each time. Some meetings may be conducted via video-link. An additional hour and a half every two months approximately is required for sub-committee preparation and participation, induction, industry orientation and networking, and occasional participation at the organisation’s activities and events.

Please note that this is an honorary role with a term of two years and requires the individual to become a member of WCIG and fulfil relevant Australian Charities and Not-For-profit Commission (ACNC) and Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC).

Shortlisting may commence prior to the closing date for applications, so interested applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. WCIG reserves the right to reduce the application period or remove this listing early, should suitable applicants be found.

If you have any questions or wish to discuss your application, please contact Michael Noonan –- Chair of the WCIG Board on [email protected] using the subject line: Board Member / Non-Executive Director enquiry via EthicalJobs, or Tristan Ellery – Group Manager, Corporate & Culture on 03 9689 3437.

WCIG does not accept unsolicited applications or phone calls from recruitment agencies.

WCIG is committed to the principles of Equal Employment Opportunity and supports the creation of working conditions to ensure that all employees and Board members have an equal chance to seek and obtain employment, promotion and training. WCIG encourages applications from Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islanders and/or those with a disability. Only Australian citizens, permanent residents or people who have the right to work in Australia may apply.

Our organisation is committed to child safety. We have zero tolerance of child abuse. Our robust human resources, recruitment and vetting practices are strictly adhered to during the application and interviewing process. Applicants should be aware that we carry out working with children, police records and reference checks (as we see fit) to ensure that we are recruiting the appropriately qualified and experienced people.

A position description is attached.