Position Description
The Board is seeking to appoint up to two independent non-executive directors to the Board of Dunmore Lang College.
They will join the existing Board made up of independent directors, one university-aligned director and the Principal of the College.
About Dunmore Lang College
Opened in 1972 as the first affiliated Residential College at Macquarie University, Dunmore Lang College accommodates 260 students predominantly from rural and regional NSW, as well as from interstate and around the world. The College is a Not-for-Profit/ For-Purpose organisation whose mission is to create opportunities for university study in a residential academic community based on respect, personal responsibility, and service.
We believe that enabling access to university study not only changes students’ lives but also the lives of those around them. By stepping out and completing tertiary education, students become role models for other members of their schools, their wider communities and their families, as well as opening up new pathways and opportunities.
The College is led by the Principal and a senior management team, supported by a close-knit team of staff and student leaders. Governance is provided by the Board of Directors (voluntary) that includes people from a diverse range of backgrounds united in their passion for enabling access to university study in a supportive Residential College environment.
Students are provided with 24/7 wraparound care by an integrated team of staff and student leaders including the Principal and Deputy Principal/ Dean who live onsite.
A strong scholarship programme supports students who would not otherwise be able to attend university to successfully complete their degrees, and the College has developed a significant outreach to rural and regional, Indigenous, and first-in-family students.
The College is committed to building and supporting a safe, respectful, and inclusive community, and welcomes students and staff from a diverse range of backgrounds and experiences.
All Board Directors and staff are expected to actively support the College’s commitment to providing a diverse and inclusive community where students feel welcome, respected, and encouraged.
Selection Criteria
1. Core Director Competencies
Candidates are expected to show evidence of the following core competencies:
- Commitment to the ethos and values of Dunmore Lang College
- Knowledge of governance
- Strategic thinking, planning and delivery
- Financial acumen
- Risk management mindset
2. Qualifications
A Bachelor degree is required. Post-graduate qualifications are desirable.
Evidence of Governance knowledge is essential. Qualifications from a recognised institution e.g. AICD or The Governance Institute are preferred. Proven Board experience may be acceptable evidence.
3. Expertise
Applicants will demonstrate significant expertise in key and relevant areas including, but not limited, the following domains:
Education
- Higher Education sector
- Residential colleges or student housing
Finance/Property/Investment
- Built Environment / Property Development
- Capital expenditure
- Asset management
- Investment strategies
Marketing/Stakeholder Relationships/PR
- Student recruitment strategies
- Public relations, communication and media
- Alumni communication and activation
- Philanthropy and Fundraising
Human Resources
- HR management and processes
- Workplace culture and capacity
- Diversity and inclusion
- Organisational culture
Legal
- Contracts
- HR and employment
4. Experience
One or more of the following is highly desirable:
- Connection with Macquarie University
- Experience of living in a university residential college (any)
- Previous service on a board in the not-for-profit sector
5. Profile
The Board to seeks candidates who will expand the diversity of its membership including in the following areas:
- Culture/ethnicity/religion
- Rural/regional background
- Indigenous identity
- Sexuality/gender identity
- Socio-economic background
Expected commitment
- Attendance at five Board meetings per year of two-three hours each, plus preparation time and communications between meetings
- Attendance at one full-day Strategy Planning meeting per year
- Membership of at least one committee of the Board, and attendance at around three meetings per year (duration, preparation, and communications as above for the Board)
- Attendance at College events several times throughout the year
Other information
- A NSW resident is preferred
- This is a voluntary position. Reasonable travel expenses would be paid for a Director living outside Greater Sydney
- Initial term of appointment is three years, with a further two terms available, to a maximum of nine years’ service