Express an Interest

Targeting:

We are a well-established not for profit organisation in Far North Queensland, that works with endangered sharks and rays, including sawfish, both in Queensland (field work, collaborations with Aboriginal Land and Sea Ranger groups, collaborations with local schools) and Australia wide (Citizen science project identifying sawfish distributions). As a not-for-profit research organisation, the governance of SARA-r is divided into the business side (Board of Directors) and the research side (Research Board). Our research board brings together 7 internationally renowned biologists, who represent essential expertise on the unique sharks and rays of Northern Australia.

Our Board of Directors currently comprises 3 directors, and so we are seeking 1 – 2 highly motivated Non-Executive Directors and a board secretary, who will offer leadership and governance in their complementary fields of expertise. We aim to establish a diverse Board, comprising Directors with a broad range of skills and life experience. All Directors must have, or be already working towards gaining, an understanding of the governance principles of an Australian not for profit organisation (company limited by guarantee). Directors need to be team players who can also work independently. We are looking for enthusiastic individuals who are residing in Australia.

We are seeking expressions of interest from individuals with qualifications, skills and/or experience in any of the following areas:

Essential (at least one):

- Law (corporations, NFP sector, environmental, tax, contract)

- Governance  (corporate, environmental)

- IT (Public relations / marketing / communication, Microsoft 365)

- Philanthropy / fundraising / campaigning

- Finance / accounting (audit, NFP sector, tax)

- Ability to actively participate in strategic decision making

Desirable:

- Ability to share and engage professional networks and relationships to the mission of SARA-r

- Experience in working with various levels of government

- A sound understanding of the principles of conservation biology, ecological management, working with First Nations people, endangered species management and a willingness to expand this knowledge in pursuit of SARA-r’s mission.

Key selection criteria:

SARA-r Board members are expected to:

- Demonstrate a strong commitment to the mission and values of SARA-r

- Demonstrate experience in strategic planning that may come from business, management experience or not-for-profit organisations

- Lead a culture of collaboration, transparency and collegiality where Board peers and organisational staff/volunteers feel engaged and respected

- Thrive in an outcome-oriented environment

- Provide evidence of knowledge of ACNC and ASIC governance principles and demonstrate a commitment to working according to these principles

- Demonstrate initiative and innovative thinking

Time, commitment, term and expenses:

Board duties include: attend board meetings every 6 weeks (2.5 hr each, strategic planning, operational planning, board evaluation), ability to oversee specific portfolios (treasurer, secretary, chair, plus essential items listed above). The time commitment will vary throughout term (i.e. inductions and meeting other Directors at beginning) and year (i.e. interim meetings of committees as required). This is a volunteer position. All meetings will take place virtually.

To apply for this position, please email a cover letter outlining answers to the following questions, along with your CV, to Dr Barbara Wueringer (barbara@saw.fish).

1. Why are you interested in joining the board of directors of SARA-r?
2. What skills, knowledge and experience would you bring to the board?
3. What do you hope to get from joining our board of directors?