Chair Women’s Health Victoria Board (Voluntary)

Women’s Health Victoria is a statewide, feminist, non-profit organisation working with government, the health sector and the community to improve health outcomes for women (cis and trans inclusive) and gender diverse people. We advocate for healthcare rights and access, deliver health promotion resources, and operate vital information and support services, so that all Victorians have the opportunity to access optimal health and wellbeing, free from bias and discrimination.

As part of our succession planning, we are searching for a new Chair in preparation for the retirement of the current Chair in October 2024.

Board Chair

The Chair of the Board plays a crucial leadership role in guiding and overseeing the strategic direction and governance of WHV. This position requires a visionary leader with a deep commitment to the organisation’s vision, mission and values, along with a strong understanding of the not-for-profit sector.

About the role

The key responsibilities of the Chair include:

• Strategic leadership covering oversight of the strategic plan, identification of strategic risk management and fostering a culture of transparency, collaboration, accountability and integrity.
• Leadership of the Board to effectively discharge its governance, compliance and fiduciary responsibilities and keep its focus on strategy, governance, culture, financial oversight, risk management and organisational performance.
• Conduct Board meetings to ensure that they are constructive and efficient, facilitate respectful communications amongst board members and encourage constructive debate during board deliberations.
• Oversight of the Board’s composition, development and succession planning.
• Facilitate an open, frank and collaborative working relationship with the CEO to provide guidance in line with the organisation’s mission, strategy and KPI’s; and review performance.

About You

The core requirement for the WHV Chair is the ability to lead and manage a Board comprising a diverse range of talented individuals. This requires good intellectual, interpersonal and communication skills, an ability to think laterally and the resilience to drive change where necessary. You’ll be able to demonstrate a strong track-record of strategic and values-led leadership, with the ability to work in partnership and collaboration towards shared goals and vision.

Selection Criteria

We are looking for a Chair who:

• Feels a strong connection with WHV’s purpose and can demonstrate a strong personal commitment to gender equity, diversity and inclusion.
• Has a track record of senior strategic leadership, the ability to lead transformation and innovation and the power to influence.
• Board experience and a minimum two years chairing a Board and/or Board committee.
• Demonstrates a collaborative, respectful and inclusive leadership style and the ability to build a productive team culture and strong relationships.
• Understands the pillars of strong and effective corporate governance.

Knowledge of WHV’s operating context and experience in the health sector would be looked upon favourably but is not essential.

Director Fees/Expenses

This is a volunteer position and there are no director fees paid. The organisation will reimburse expenses incurred by the Chair in connection with the affairs of the organisation.

How to apply