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One in Five | Melbourne-based | Volunteer (Unpaid)

Help change the future of mental health in Australia.

About One in Five

One in Five is an Australian not-for-profit charity with a bold mission: to cure mental illness through world-class medical research. Our aim is to be funding 15+ early career researchers by 2031. Founded in 2003, One in Five was named to reflect the stark reality that one in five Australians lives with mental ill-health every year.

Since its founding, One in Five has raised over $4 million for mental health research through events, fundraising campaigns, corporate partnerships, and community giving. More than 20 years on, we remain passionately committed to funding the scientific breakthroughs that will one day transform how mental illness is understood, diagnosed, and treated.

The Research We Fund

One in Five funds cutting-edge discovery research across a range of mental health conditions having partnerships with three of Australia's leading research institutions including The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Monash University, and HER Centre Australia.

Funded research spans conditions including depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, eating disorders, cPTSD and the impacts of COVID-19 on brain development and mental health. Projects range from investigating novel drug targets and biological causes of illness, to developing new treatment pathways and applying emerging genomic techniques to understand how mental illness develops at a cellular level.

About the Board

One in Five is governed by a dedicated volunteer Board of Directors drawn from diverse professional backgrounds. The Board is responsible for shaping the organisation's strategy, championing its mission, growing its fundraising capability, and ensuring robust governance. This is a hands-on, purpose-driven Board Directors actively contribute their networks, skills, and energy to help the organisation grow.

The Opportunity

We are seeking to appoint one or two additional Non-Executive Directors to join our Board and help drive the next phase of One in Five's growth. We are particularly seeking candidates with depth of experience in:

• Marketing and communications - including brand strategy, digital marketing, media, PR, or creative industries
• Fundraising and philanthropy - including major gifts, corporate partnerships, fundraising, or not-for-profit development

Above all, we are looking for people who believe that mental health research matters, and who are willing to put their skills, networks, and passion to work for the cause.

What the Role Involves

This is a volunteer (unpaid) position with a time commitment of approximately six hours per month, working remotely. As a Director, you will be expected to:

• Contribute to the Board's strategic direction and oversight of the organisation
• Use your professional networks and expertise to support fundraising, awareness-raising, and stakeholder engagement
• Attend a minimum of 80% of Board meetings (virtual meetings held once per month)
• Support the organisation's events and fundraising campaigns, including the annual Extremely Long Lunch and Hike for Hope
• Champion ethical, transparent governance and contribute to sound financial oversight

Who We're Looking For

You are a professional who brings genuine passion for the cause and the skills and networks to make a difference. You will likely have:

• Significant experience in marketing and communications, fundraising, or a related discipline
• Strong professional networks that you are willing to activate in support of the organisation
• A collaborative approach and the ability to work constructively with a small, committed volunteer Board
• Experience in the not-for-profit sector or philanthropy is an advantage but not essential
• A personal connection to or strong interest in mental health

Why Join Us

• Be part of a purpose-driven organisation with over 20 years of impact and significant potential ahead
• Work alongside a group of experienced, passionate, and collaborative fellow Directors
• Play a direct role in funding research that could transform outcomes for the 5 million Australians living with mental illness
• Connect with a respected network of researchers, clinicians, corporate partners, and community supporters

How to Apply

If you share our belief that mental health research can change lives, we'd love to hear from you. Please send a brief expression of interest and your CV to:

Lou Wardlaw — Chair, One in Five

louwardlaw@oneinfive.com.au

For more information, visit www.oneinfive.com.au

One in Five is committed to creating a safe and inclusive environment. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and people from the LGBTIQ

Duty Statement: Australia