Board Chair
Advertised by Volunteering WAGIVE WRITE BOARD CHAIR
THE ORGANISATION Give Write promotes educational equity and environmental sustainability by collecting and redistributing new and gently used stationery to disadvantaged students across Western Australia — ensuring children have the basic tools they need to participate and thrive at school.
From its head office in Subiaco and its regional hubs, Give Write supports 12,000 students across WA, distributing $400,000 worth of school supplies and diverting 12 tonnes from landfill each year.
THE ROLE We are looking for an individual keen to make a difference to underprivileged children in their education and to promote the vision of Give Write.
The Board governs the organisation, provides strategic direction, and oversees the financial sustainability of Give Write. As Board Chair, you will play a pivotal role in leadership — ensuring sound governance and risk oversight, driving adherence to and delivery against our strategic goals, endorsing key strategic decisions, and assessing the financial performance of Give Write.
The Board currently meets two to three times a year, with meeting dates set ahead of time.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE CHAIR
- Chair board meetings and, in partnership with the CEO, set meeting agendas that focus the Board's attention on strategy, risk and performance.
- Provide strong, values-aligned leadership to the Board and the organisation, championing Give Write's mission and culture.
- Ensure the Board meets its governance, legal and regulatory obligations, including compliance with ACNC and other relevant WA charity requirements.
- Oversee risk management frameworks and ensure appropriate controls are in place to protect Give Write and those it serves.
- Guide the Board in monitoring organisational and financial performance against the strategic and business plans, including budget and audit oversight.
- Build a collaborative, high-functioning Board — supporting the recruitment, induction, development and succession of Board members.
- Work closely with, and provide oversight and support of, the CEO — including input into performance review — while maintaining a clear boundary between Board governance and day-to-day management.
- Act as an ambassador for Give Write, building and maintaining relationships with funders, corporate partners, government and community stakeholders.
- Represent Give Write at events, in the media and with key stakeholders as required.
- Foster open, respectful decision-making that draws on the perspectives of all Board members, employees and volunteers.
SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE We are looking for an individual who is passionate about the not-for-profit sector and shares the values of Give Write. Applicants should be willing to actively engage with employees, volunteers and other stakeholders, and commit the time required to fulfil the role — including board meetings, pre-reading and preparation, and project work outside of scheduled meetings.
Additional skills and requirements:
- Previous board experience, ideally including time served as Chair or Deputy Chair
- Strong understanding of corporate governance of a registered charity
- Qualifications in corporate governance (preferred but not essential)
- Financial acumen — able to read and interpret financial statements and understand the Board's obligations around financial sustainability and solvency
- Experience working with, or providing oversight of, a CEO or senior executive
- Demonstrable leadership in an organisational setting
- Strong communication, collaboration and consensus-building skills
- Sound judgement and a high level of personal integrity
- Experience in, or exposure to, the education, community services or environmental sector (advantageous)
- An existing network that could benefit Give Write (advantageous)
- Willingness to obtain a National Police Clearance
- Resides within WA
WHAT YOU’LL GAIN
- The opportunity to make a genuine, lasting difference to the education and wellbeing of over 12,000 WA students each year
- A meaningful leadership role within a growing, values-driven WA charity
- The chance to work alongside a passionate Board, staff and volunteer team
- Governance leadership experience within the not-for-profit sector
MORE INFORMATION To apply, please send a brief cover letter outlining your relevant experience along with your CV. We look forward to hearing from you.