BirdLife Australia is seeking expressions of interest for Board Committee members. The BirdLife Australia Board is responsible for governing the organisation, including guiding its strategic direction, ensuring its long-term viability and compliance with legal, constitutional and ethical requirements.

To ensure an appropriate governance structure and adequate support to the Board in achieving its role, the Board of Directors have established Board Committees which are responsible for:

• Community Grants & Awards
• Development (Fundraising & Partnerships)
• Finance and Audit
• Governance

About BirdLife Australia

BirdLife Australia is Australia’s only national bird conservation charity, using science and grass-roots conservation to put birds and nature on the path to recovery. Guided by our 10-year Bird Conservation Strategy (BCS), BirdLife Australia takes the lead on actions that halt biodiversity loss and restores ecosystems with the help of members, supporters, campaigners, donors and like-minded conservation organisations.

As a Committee member, you will help BirdLife Australia meet its ambitious goals by providing strategic leadership in the organisation’s growth and the empowerment of our supporter base.

Eligibility

Candidates must be at least 18 years old and willing to become a Birdlife Australia member. Candidates must not have been disqualified from managing a corporation under the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) or disqualified from being a Responsible Person of a registered charity by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) or the courts.

While all Expressions of Interest (EOI) will be accepted, BirdLife Australia is particularly interested in EOIs for the Finance and Audit Committee, Development Committee and Community Grants & Awards Committee. In addition, we are also seeking a new Chair of the Finance and Audit Committee.

General responsibilities of Committee members

Committee members are responsible for:

• Accountability: support the Board’s oversight in ensuring BirdLife Australia meets its obligations, manages its finances and operates transparently, with the roles and responsibilities of all parts of the organisation clearly understood.
• Strategy: advising the Board in setting BirdLife Australia’s long-term goals and ensuring Birdlife Australia pursues the principal objectives outlined in the BCS.
• Risk Management: advising the Board in overseeing the establishment and maintenance of a sound system of risk oversight, risk management and internal control.
• Resourcing: supporting the raising of funds and other resources to support BirdLife Australia’s work.
• Advocacy: supporting BirdLife Australia by ensuring the BCS are well represented to government, the community and to BirdLife Australia’s members, supporters and stakeholders.

Please see the attached Committee Member Position Description for further information.

Specific responsibilities of the Chair of the Finance and Audit Committee

• Will also chair the Australian Bird Fund Committee
• Sit on the Board of Directors
• Present BirdLife Australia’s prior-year financial statement at the Annual General Meeting

Expected time commitment

The BirdLife Australia Board Committees meet on a quarterly basis ahead of Board meetings to allow for the cascade of information. Committee meetings are held during the week and are expected to run for 1-2 hours. Committee members may join meetings using video conferencing although in-person meetings are encouraged. Committee members may occasionally be required to attend donor and stakeholder events.

Remuneration

Service on the BirdLife Australia Board Committees is without remuneration, except for travel and accommodation cost in relation to Committee members’ duties.

About You

• Aligned with the mission and values of BirdLife Australia
• Experience in fundraising, marketing, finance, governance, law, digital media and/or conservation
• Part of a network that can support BirdLife Australia’s goals and a willingness to participate in external engagement relating to the organisation
• Experience in strategic planning and ensuring financial sustainability
• Experience in empowering and leveraging supporter networks