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Australian Conservation Foundation
Area of Expertise Being Sought:
Accounting / Finance / Investment,
Advocacy / Government Relations,
Fundraising,
Governance,
Impact Evaluation,
Research & Development / Innovation,
Risk Management,
Strategy (Strategic / Succession Planning)
Board Meetings (Mode):
Face-to-face, Online/Dial-in
Targeting:
Females,
People with Disabilities,
Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander,
English as an additional language or dialect,
LGBTQI
Payment:
Reimbursement of expenses
Who is the ACF?
For over 60 years, the Australian Conservation Foundation has been Australia’s most respected voice for nature and climate. We are the national environment organisation committed to protecting our unique and beautiful wildlife and natural world.
ACF is inclusive, non-partisan, and proudly funded by the Australian community. Whether it’s advocating for the Great Barrier Reef, koalas snoozing in big old trees, or strong climate action, our dedicated community of more than half a million people are working to create a world where forests, rivers, people, and wildlife thrive.
In January 2026, ACF welcomed Adam Bandt as our new CEO - a dynamic and visionary leader stepping in at a time when nature and climate need us most. With deep experience and a fearless commitment to change, Adam’s energy and leadership will guide ACF into its next powerful chapter.
This is a thrilling time to join ACF as we build on a proud 60-year history and leap into the future with bold leadership, renewed momentum, and a passionate community behind us.
About the role
ACF is seeking two experienced, values aligned leaders to join its Board as a Non-Executive Directors.
The Board plays a critical role in setting ACF’s strategic direction, ensuring strong governance and financial stewardship, and supporting the organisation to deliver maximum impact for nature and people. Board Members contribute deep expertise, constructive challenge and a shared commitment to ACF’s vision and values.
Directors work collaboratively with the Board President, Vice Presidents, CEO and the ACF Council, and engage with members, donors and partners across Australia.
Key responsibilities
As a Board Member, you will help shape ACF’s long term vision and strategy, bringing strategic judgement and independent oversight to one of Australia’s most influential environmental organisations. You will champion strong governance, sound risk management and ethical leadership, ensuring the Board meets its fiduciary responsibilities and operates with integrity and accountability.
Working in close partnership with the CEO, you will support the delivery of ambitious, evidence-based strategies, plans and budgets, and hold leadership to account for performance, impact and excellence. You will also play an active role in advancing ACF’s fundraising goals, including by thoughtfully engaging your professional and community networks.
You will contribute as a collaborative Board member, participating in Board meetings, annual strategy workshops and at least one Board committee, and engaging constructively with the ACF Council on matters of strategic and organisational significance.
View the full position description here.
About you
We are seeking values led leaders with a deep commitment to nature, people and ACF’s mission. You will bring experience in strategy, campaigning, systems change or community mobilisation, along with strong governance capability - ideally within a membership based not-for-profit - and the confidence to provide financial and strategic oversight at Board level.
You will be known for your integrity, ethical leadership and commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion. You will also bring relevant professional or community networks and a willingness to activate them in support of ACF’s impact, including through fundraising and influence.
The Board particularly welcomes candidates with experience in senior executive leadership (including CEO roles), finance or risk, fundraising or revenue diversification, digital or organisational transformation, or impact driven systems change.
ACF is committed to building a Board that reflects the diversity of the communities and environments we serve and strongly encourages applications from people with diverse backgrounds and lived experience.
This is a voluntary role, with expenses covered. The commitment includes around six Board meetings per year, an annual strategy workshop, service on at least one Board committee and attendance at the AGM. ACF provides comprehensive Directors and Officers and public liability insurance.
Apply now!
Applications are accepted through our website by clicking the "Apply Now" button and must include a cover letter introducing yourself and a resume outlining your skills, experience, and suitability for the role, addressed to Stephen Lightfoot, NSW ACF Councillor/Acting ACF President.
Want to have a chat before you click send? You can contact Stephen Lightfoot on 0400 253 653 with any questions you might have about the role, ACF or the recruitment process and alternative ways to participate that meet your needs.
We can’t wait to hear from you!
Applicants must have the right to live and work in Australia to be considered for this job.
As part of ACF’s recruitment process, a criminal background check will be conducted.
We request no agency contact please.
Duty Statement: https://canopy.acf.org.au/m/f9323e4f04e1626d/original/Board-Member-Non-Executive-Director-PD-2026-02.pdf
Once you have filled in the following form, your details will be emailed directly to Australian Conservation Foundation.
They will contact you on the telephone number and/or email address you provide. We will not disclose your details to anyone apart from the recruiting organisation.
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Good luck with your search!