Non-Executive Director- Volunteer

Join the Board of the Parenting Research Centre and Help Shape the Future of Parenting in Australia

Organisation: Parenting Research Centre (PRC)

Location:

• Australia-wide.

• Attend six Board meetings annually (four online & two in person in Melbourne).

• Participate in a Board committee (Governance or Audit), meeting approximately four to six times per year online.

Term: Three-year appointment, with eligibility for a second term. Voluntary and non-remunerated. Travel and accommodation expenses are reimbursed.

Skill Areas: Service delivery at scale, Finance, Comms and Marketing, AI and data, Strategy

About the Parenting Research Centre

The Parenting Research Centre (PRC) helps children thrive by advancing evidence-based parenting support. Through the Raising Children Network, Australia's most trusted parenting website, and partnerships across health, education and social services, PRC works with governments and communities to design, deliver and evaluate initiatives that improve outcomes for children and families.

About the Opportunity

Contribute to one of Australia's leading child and family organisations at a time when evidence-based solutions are needed more than ever.

Following the planned departure of several long-serving Directors, PRC is seeking three new Non-Executive Directors to help guide the organisation's strategic direction, impact and growth.

Working alongside an experienced Board and Executive team, you will help shape organisational strategy and oversee performance.

What You'll Contribute

• Provide strategic leadership and organisational oversight.
• Support the long-term sustainability, growth and impact of PRC.
• Effective governance, risk management and accountability.
• Help strengthen organisational performance and continuous improvement.
• Support PRC's influence across government, research and community sectors.
• Champion evidence-informed approaches that improve outcomes for children and families.
• Expertise and networks to support the organisation's future success.

Time Commitment

Board members are expected to:

• Attend six Board meetings annually (four online and two in person in Melbourne).
• Participate in a Board committee (Governance or Audit), meeting approximately four to six times per year online.
• Commit to an initial three-year term, with eligibility for reappointment.
• The role is voluntary and non-remunerated. Travel and accommodation expenses are reimbursed.

Who We’re Looking For

We welcome applications from experienced leaders who believe they can make a meaningful contribution to this dynamic organisation.

We’re particularly interested in hearing from people with Non-Executive Director, executive or senior management experience and expertise in one or more of the following areas:

• Service delivery & operational leadership at scale within human-centred sectors, including child and family services, early childhood, disability, health, community or related care services
• Communications & marketing
• Financial management
• AI & data management
• Strategy design & development

Successful candidates will bring:

• A strong commitment to the mission, values and purpose of PRC.
• Sound governance capability and strategic judgement.
• Experience providing leadership and oversight at a senior level.
• Strong strategic thinking and organisational stewardship skills.
• The ability to think critically, contribute constructively and work collaboratively.
• Experience assessing organisational performance and sustainability.
• A willingness to operate within the Board's policy governance framework.

Diversity & Inclusion
PRC is committed to a Board that reflects the diversity of contemporary Australia. We value diverse perspectives and lived experiences that strengthen decision-making and connection to the communities we serve. We encourage applications from First Nations people, people with disability, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and LGBTIQA+ people.

Apply Now

If you’re an experienced leader looking to apply your skills to an organisation with national reach, strong credibility and meaningful social impact, we would love to hear from you.

Send your application to [email protected].

Include:

• Cover letter outlining your interest in the role
• Concise CV (max. two pages).

Applications close 17 October 2026. Interviews will be conducted virtually in November.

For a confidential discussion, please contact Board Chair Heather Finlayson [email protected] or Deputy Chair, Michael Maher [email protected]