DWL Board Member Position

The Role

Responsibilities

Board Members play a key role in various aspects of the organisation. The primary responsibilities of the Board include (but are not limited to):   

1. Providing leadership in the development of DWL’s purpose, strategic direction and priorities

2. The strategic management and governance of the organisation to ensure that it remains viable and effective, and to secure its long-term future

3. Monitoring DWL’s performance in relation to its operational management, financial accountability, legal compliance, and industrial relations requirements.

4. Ensuring consultation, representation, and advocating for members of DWL.

5. As DWL is still growing as an organisation, Board Members may be required to play a hands-on role with operational aspects of the organisation, which may include organising events, training volunteers, and taking carriage of key projects and initiatives undertaken by the portfolio they are overseeing.

Board Members are required to attend Board Meetings (which take place approximately every 4 weeks) and other meetings, as agreed to or otherwise convened by The Chair or by any member of the Board. 

The anticipated time commitment - being approximately 4-5 hours per week - includes any meetings and events that may take place that week, as well as meaningful responses to emails, consideration of materials, and involvement with the primary responsibilities abovementioned. The term of appointment will be for one year, or otherwise from the date of election until the next AGM following the appointment.

Benefits

In addition to your role, DWL is committed to ensuring our volunteers benefit from personal and professional development and develop transferable skills that can be utilised in the workplace.

Student Board Members are likely to gain invaluable direct exposure to various industry stakeholders, representatives, and external organisations, and will have the opportunity to attend training and development sessions organised for DWL volunteers.

Desired Skills & Qualifications

In addition to the above eligibility criteria, DWL seeks expressions of interest from applicants who are able to demonstrate core skills, such as:

1. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills (oral and written);

2. Strong organisational and logistics management skills;

3. Attention to detail;

4. Ability to work both in teams and independently in leading initiatives, and

5. Passion for and/or experience in supporting diverse women in the legal profession.

Additional desirable skills and qualifications include ability or experience in:

1. Experience at a Board level or in a grassroots/not-for-profit organisation;

2. Thinking strategically and identifying strategic opportunities for DWL;

3. Identifying organisational risks and ensuring regulatory compliance;

4. External fundraising, including liaising with stakeholders and sponsors; and/or

5. Previous experience volunteering with DWL is not essential, however, it will be considered. 

When considering your suitability, please reflect on your professional, volunteer, and life experience. You need not ‘tick’ every box, with the above criteria being a guide as to the desirable skills and qualifications. DWL is seeking candidates with diverse backgrounds and experiences. We strongly encourage Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander persons to apply for this position.