About Us

Ondru is a Melbourne-based, non-profit, humanitarian organisation that facilitates the telling and sharing of human stories through the medium of art. 

We recognise that many communities, including the displaced, marginalised, and disenfranchised, face significant barriers to equitable opportunities, representation, and social inclusion. Our vision is to create a more compassionate, connected and equitable society. We strive to build a greater understanding of the human condition, inspire discussion and enable reconciliation through pioneering art projects that give voice to the displaced, marginalised and disenfranchised communities.

Our projects have touched upon issues and experiences such as identity, displacement, mental health, homelessness, autism and Indigenous voice using many forms of art including photography, theatre, dance, film, music, sculpture, poetry, digital projections and public art installations.

We are a registered as a charity with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) and have deductible gift recipient status. We were registered as a company limited by guarantee in June 2014, and as a cultural organisation in April 2015. Ondru is made up of around 20 -30 volunteers at any one time, and no paid staff at this point, however we are working towards having paid staff in 2024. Ondru is in a rebuilding phase after being heavily impacted by COVID-19.

Role Overview

As part of the rebuilding and re-designing phase, we are seeking values-aligned, skilled, committed and well organised all-rounders to join our Board on a volunteer basis for a minimum of 1 year to to support the funding and branding elements of the Board. There is also an additional option to be the Chair leading the Board itself. We are looking for Board members with the passion, energy and commitment to transform Ondru and enable us to deliver pioneering local and international projects again after the challenges of COVID-19.

Ondru Board priorities

The Board priorities will be:

• Developing aligned and strong partnerships
• Developing project based and recurring funding streams
• Re-establishing our studio in CBD
• Brand elevation

About the Role

Ondru is in search of a committed, passionate and hardworking Director(s) to enable the vision of the organisation and support the rebuilding after being heavily impacted by COVID-19. The Director will work closely with other Board members to advise, govern, oversee the strategic direction of Ondru and assist with the leadership and general promotion of the vision and values of the organisation in accordance with its Constitution. We are seeking people with leadership, finance, funding, legal and governance skills and capabilities to help steer the organisation forward.

The core responsibilities of a General Director are as follows:

• Organisational leadership and advice
• Oversight of risk management and legal responsibilities
• Innovative thinking
• Support the development and delivery of Ondru’s strategic planning process
• Build, nurture and maintain relationships with key stakeholders (funding sources and strategic partnerships)
• Actively seek new funding opportunities
• Formulation and oversight of operational and Board policies and procedures
• Financial management and security, including adoption and oversight of the annual budget
• Promotion of the organisation
• Assistance with marketing, fundraising and development of public profile
• Assistance with personnel performance evaluation and development
• Attendance at Ondru Board meetings, strategic planning sessions and the AGM

Selection Criteria

Essential:

• Demonstrate alignment with Ondru’s values, and have the drive to make a positive contribution to achieving the organisation’s vision and strategic objectives

• Demonstrated understanding of the legal duties and ethical responsibilities undertaken by company directors

• Ability and capacity to engage with key stakeholders to build partnerships and secure new funding opportunities

• Commercial experience in areas such as business strategy, innovation, fundraising, marketing and/or media

Desirable:

• Knowledge and networks in one or more of Ondru’s targeted social justice areas

• Previous experience as a Board Director with a non-for-profit organisation

• Experience in project delivery, impact measurement or social media/ communications

• Have a background in art and access to the arts sector and other relevant networks (Corporate/Philanthropic/Government funders)

How to Apply

If you’re passionate about our vision and are interested in being involved in this exciting transformation phase of Ondru, we’d love to hear from you! Please email your CV and cover letter to [email protected] with the subject heading: Ondru Board Application