Express an Interest

Targeting:
Youth/Students, People with Disabilities, Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander, LGBTQI

We are currently seeking a Board Director aged 18 to 25 years old.  

About FYA

The Foundation for Young Australians (FYA) exists to back young people. We provide the training, resources, and connections they need to create lasting change in the face of injustice. As the largest independent nonprofit dedicated to building the capacity, voice, and power of young changemakers, we work nationally with headquarters in Melbourne (Naarm) and teams based around the country.

Our work is guided by values of respect, equity, care, and impact. We are committed to shifting power to young people and building a future led by their vision.

About the role

FYA is governed by an elected Board of Directors who oversee the organisation’s strategic direction and performance. The Board is supported by subcommittees composed of Directors and subject-matter experts. To ensure young people are at the centre of our decision-making, our Constitution requires that the Board includes a number of Directors under the age of 26.

As a Board Director, your responsibilities will include:

• Contributing to strategy-setting, resource allocation, and performance evaluation.
• Overseeing financial performance, investments, and risk compliance.
• Ensuring strong governance and compliance standards.
• Overseeing safeguarding, wellbeing and organisational culture, including FYA’s commitment to becoming an anti-racist organisation.

Why you should join us

You’ll play a vital role in shaping the present - and future - of FYA. Your skills and experience will guide the organisation and ensure we’re doing our best for young people. 

We are proud that our Board includes young people under the age of 26, and is made up of a broad range of people. We strongly encourage applications from First Nations people, Black, Brown and people of colour, people with disability, people from LGBTIQA+ communities, and individuals with diverse lived experiences. You can be based anywhere in Australia, as our meetings are held online.  You can read about our current Board and Committee members at https://www.fya.org.au/our-team/#our-board 

Who we’re looking for

We’re looking for a young person with knowledge, passion or experience in organisations that exist for young people. You don’t need to have experience of being on a Board, as we’ll support you to understand what’s required of you. 

You’ll need to be able to attend six Board meetings per year, plus additional meetings if you join any Committees. When you first join the Board, additional time will be required to learn about FYA, the Board and your role.

Meetings are mostly online. Once or twice a year there will be an in-person meeting for one or  two days. We will pay all your travel expenses and accommodation, and provide an allowance for meals.

The terms of office for Board Directors are two years, with the option to continue for up to three terms. We’re looking for people who can commit for at least two years - and ideally for up to six years.

This is a voluntary role. However we know that the time commitment may be a barrier for some people, so an honorarium payment is available. Please chat to us for more information about this.

Key requirements

• Aged 18 to 25 years
• A commitment to FYA’s vision and values
• Capacity and willingness to contribute to strong governance
• Ability to collaborate effectively with other Board members
• Based anywhere in Australia
• Able to attend meetings during the daytime (Monday to Friday) via Zoom
• Able to commit to the role for at least two years
• Police Check and Working with Children Check (we will help you to obtain these if you’re appointed)
• Director ID (mandatory requirement under the Australian Business Registry Services)
• Able to travel once or twice a year for a one- or two-day, in-person meeting. We will pay all your travel expenses and accommodation, and provide an allowance for meals.

It will be a bonus if you have experience in one or more of the following areas:

• Organisations working with young people
• Not-for-profit organisations
• People and Culture
• Philanthropy / Fundraising
• Government relations
• Impact measurement
• Policy and advocacy
• Legal qualifications
• Finance qualifications (e.g. CPA or CA)
• An understanding of investment 
• Governance and risk management

At this time, we only have vacancies for young people. However if you’re interested in this role and are 26 or older, get in touch with us to hear about future vacancies!

What we will offer you

You’ll be a key part of governing FYA, and through your role you will develop a deep understanding of organisational strategy, change, risk and impact.

Board Directors are provided with onboarding support, learning opportunities, and reimbursement of travel and accommodation costs for in-person meetings. These are volunteer roles. An honorarium is available to remove barriers to participation on the Board.

Apply now 

Please complete the form at https://www.fya.org.au/join-fyas-board-and-committees/and attach your CV if you have one.

Applications will be reviewed and shortlisted candidates will be contacted on a rolling basis. There isn’t a closing date, so if you’re interested please apply!

Any questions?

We’d love to hear from you! Please email company.secretary@fya.org.au and we’ll be able to help.