Express an Interest

Targeting:

YRKA is a not-for-profit community organisation formed in 2004 by a group of citizens who love the Yarra, Birrarung River and care about its future. YRKA’s vision is “A Healthy, Protected and Loved Yarra, Birrarung River.”

Our primary purpose is to protect and restore the Yarra, Birrarung River and its tributaries, from source to mouth, for current and future generations.

YRKA’s specific objectives are to:

• Be an effective, independent advocate for the Yarra, Birrarung.
• Provide a community voice for river issues.
• Implement initiatives to protect and restore the Yarra, Birrarung.
• Foster relationships with all river stakeholders.
• Publicise knowledge about the Yarra, Birrarung.
• Celebrate the ecological and social values of the Yarra, Birrarung.

Role Overview

• Support Board meetings, including recording Board decisions and deliberations.
• Maintain and administer the register of members in accordance with governance and
  compliance requirements.
• Support the aims of the Association (as stipulated in the YRKA Constitution) and to
  care about the Yarra River.

Role Responsibilities

Board meeting management

• Organise Board meetings and coordinate the timely preparation and distribution of board and committee papers, agendas, and reports.
• Prepare minutes and track follow-up actions.

Membership management

• Perform duties and responsibilities of a Secretary as required by the Corporations Act, the Associations Incorporated Reform Act 2023, the Association’s Constitution and any other relevant legislation or regulations.
• Ensure that a list of members is maintained through the membership database (Raisley) including required membership records and ensure new members are approved by the Board.
• Act as advocate for members after considering any feedback they may have provided.
• Ensure that the register of members is made available for inspection by any member that has requested this.
• Actively devise and oversee implementation of effective strategies to maintain and grow a sustainable membership base into the foreseeable future.
• Support the Board holding an Annual General Meeting for members to attend.

Governance support

• Advise the Board and its committees on governance matters, ensuring compliance with all regulations and policies.
• Ensure Board decisions are adequately documented and minutes are prepared and approved by the Board.
• Ensure the Board is aware of its compliance requirements including annual returns and reports are lodged with relevant regulators.

Director role

• Attend Board and committee meetings (if relevant) and actively contribute to Board discussions.
• Contribute to the strategic direction of the organisation and the identification and management of risks.

Skills and Experience

The successful Candidate will need to demonstrate a mix of the following skills and experience:

Essential:

Excellent communication, organisational and meeting management skills.

• Understanding of the regulatory framework and governance standards in the not-for-
  profit sector.
• Strategic planning, critical thinking and influencing skills
• Capability and willingness to oversee governance requirements for the Board,
  including the membership database.
• Willingness to uphold YRKA values; leadership, respect, integrity, belonging and
  collaboration.

Preferred:

• Experience in similar roles such as company secretary, board member, audit, compliance, or governance.
• Experience with donation platforms (preferable Raisley) and BoardPro.
• Skills and knowledge in fundraising and managing organisational memberships.
  Requirements
• Attending an annual strategy meeting and the Annual General Meeting.
• Attendance at 80% of Board meetings is essential as they carry responsibility for
  decision-making about strategy, staffing, funding, and other legal liabilities for the
  YRKA.
• The candidate would need to have capacity during the week to attend meetings (9-11
  Board meetings), as well as provide support to the Board, which can change from week to week. At a very minimum, the time commitment includes:
  • 2.5-5 hours of scheduled meetings per month (Board and committee meetings).
  • 3 hours per month for documentation and record management.