Address
Form of work
SalaryAbout the organisation
About us
YLab exists to design better systems and services withyoung people. We know that organisations are looking for more meaningful ways to engage young people as legitimate design partners, and young people are eager to contribute their brilliant ideas and insights to the design of systems and services that they interact with on a daily basis.
We engage, train and employ young people from many different backgrounds, cultures, identities and lived experiences in co-design, and connect them with the problems that our partners are trying to solve. We work not only to build the capabilities of young people, but to shift the mindsets of institutions to genuinely value and share power with young people as collaborators.
Since our conception, we have worked with over 220 organisations across Australia to design better systems and services with young people. We have also employed over 150 young people as YLab Associates, who have not only gained entry-level employment and pathways through YLab, but also developed skills in co-design, social impact, systems thinking and consulting.
Our current 2023-25 strategy sees us:
- focusing more deeply on the health, employment and education systems where co-design is a high-impact tool
- committing more deeply to our focus on First Nations justice through a renewed approach to our First Nations practice, and embedding First Nations principles across all of our work
- strengthening our employment model to ensure the young people we hire and train have increased security, development and pathways
- expanding our geographic footprint across Australia, and
- driving more impact through new services that emerge within our work, in addition to our co-design methodology.
YLab was founded by the Foundation for Young Australians (FYA) in 2016, and we are currently working towards becoming a wholly-owned subsidiary organisation of FYA from 2024. While we remain core to FYA’s vision and strategy, this organisational change will enable us to establish our own governance structure and ways of working to ensure a stronger, more agile, and more impactful organisation.
About our board
Our Board will include 6-9 Board members, who will oversee our governance and strategic direction to ensure we can provide effective services while meeting our legal and financial requirements.
About the role
Role summary
YLab is evolving, and currently seeking Board Members to lead our first Board. We are hiring multiple Board Members including Co-Chairs and Treasurer.
The role of the YLab Board is to advance our mission and support the organisation in codesigning better systems and services with young people. As Board Members, you will be instrumental in developing YLab’s governance structure, Board culture and ongoing business strategy.
We are seeking Board Members who can apply their diverse experiences and Board expertise to ensure YLab’s vision is realised within a framework of effective governance, robust strategic planning, and sound financial oversight.
Who we’re looking for
We are seeking Board Members who can apply their diverse experiences and Board expertise to develop our budding governance structure. Ideally you will have a number of the following:
- You’re an accomplished leader. You have experience guiding teams to fulfil their potential, mentoring young people, and a leadership style characterised by a commitment to inclusivity, accessibility and continuous improvement.
- You’re a force when it comes to facilitation. You know how to create productive environments for collaborative problem-solving, and facilitate discussions that ensure all voices are heard, perspectives are considered, and consensus is reached.
- You’re a clear communicator. You can convey complex concepts in an easy-to-understand and engaging manner, and tailor your messaging to a wide range of stakeholders, whether it’s online, in-person, or in writing.
- You have a strong understanding of what this role entails. You have experience chairing or serving on Boards and committees, as well as a comprehensive knowledge of the legal and regulatory framework associated with Board membership.
- You have a strong understanding of the youth and not-for-profit sectors. You’ve been involved in youth-led or youth-focused organisations and initiatives, and can demonstrate a deep understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities that surround them.
- You have a strong understanding of key systems and institutions. You have a deep knowledge, lived experience or professional experience within the education, employment and/or health systems, and have a commitment to enacting change within them.
- You have a passion for co-design. You hold a deep understanding of co-design principles and practices, or experience in consulting work that engages lived experiences to create more effective solutions.
- You have strong business acumen. You’ve been involved in designing innovative services, implementing business initiatives and scaling them for impact, as well as managing the associated risks along the way.
- You’re a natural when it comes to networking. You know where to look for business opportunities and how to build trusting relationships. You have a track record of successful business proposals and securing philanthropic support.
Our work is guided by a commitment to intersectional justice. We strongly encourage applications from First Nations people, young people, people of colour, women, disabled people or people with disability, people from LGBTIQA+ communities, and people with lived experience of economic injustice and housing insecurity.
We recognise that the nonprofits sector has systematically excluded these communities. The problems we face are complex, and the more diversity of experiences we can bring to the table, the better our solutions are. Even if you only meet some of the experiences and skills we’re looking for, or feel that you might not entirely be ‘the right fit’, we’d love to hear from you.
How to apply
How to apply
Visit our website to read full details, ask questions and to apply.
We understand that applications can be stressful and often inaccessible, and are committed to an inclusive recruitment process. Please let us know if there's anything we can do to create an accessible and safe space with you.
Please quote in application: Board Positions (Co-Chairs / Treasurer / Board Members) via Pro Bono Australia.
Sector: #Social_Enterprise
