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Board Vacancy

Despite advances in what we know about the causes and prevention of family violence, the incidence of reported family violence is on the increase. Family violence prevention and response is a complex and evolving space, but one thing remains unchanged: people escaping family violence need refuge and support. That’s where Refuge Victoria comes in, and now you can play a pivotal role in its future direction.

The Opportunity

Our current Board Treasurer’s term concludes in late 2024 so we are seeking a new Treasurer and Chair of the Finance, Risk & Audit Committee. This is a unique volunteer opportunity to join our Board to help shape the future direction of Refuge Victoria to ensure its agility and sustainability. The role carries the expectations of a NFP Board Director in providing strategic direction, oversight, and working with the CEO to implement our strategic objectives.

The Board is keen to hear from people who can bring depth of experience in the following areas:

  • Business / strategic planning (essential)
  • Accounting experience and qualifications – CPA or CA (essential)
  • Board governance or Board committees (preferred)
  • Stakeholder management and engagement – human services sector-specific (highly regarded)
  • Risk and compliance – human services sector-specific (highly regarded)
  • Legal / regulatory – human services sector-specific (highly regarded).

Ideal candidates will have the following skills and qualities: 

  • Excellent communication, interpersonal and advocacy skills.
  • A commitment to and understanding of Refuge Victoria’s beneficiaries. 
  • Personal qualities of integrity, credibility, and a passion for improving the lives of Refuge Victoria’s beneficiaries.

Tenure & Time Commitment

  • Board: a three-year initial term with an option to extend for a further three years.
  • Treasurer: a one-year executive term with an option to re-nominate for up to two further terms.
  • Total monthly time commitment: approximately six hours.
  • Availability to attend at least six in-person Board meetings per year, held on the fourth Monday of every second month in eastern Melbourne.
  • Capacity to chair the Finance, Risk & Audit Sub Committee, which meets virtually on alternate months or as required, and take part in ad hoc working groups from time to time.
  • Strategy and planning day – one day a year, or as required.
  • Representation of Refuge Victoria’s Board at events and key stakeholder meetings from time to time.

How to Apply

To express your interest, please submit your CV to Bridget Thakrar, Board Chair governance@refugevictoria.org.au by 30 August 2024.

We welcome applications from people with sound judgement and integrity who share our vision for people escaping family violence to live safe and free. We welcome women with lived experience of family violence and/or refuge. We value diversity of thought and experience and believe that our inclusive and collaborative culture contributes to our success. We welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds who are committed to supporting, encouraging and ensuring our people and service users are safe and celebrated. We recognise intersectionality and celebrate the diverse identities.