Chairperson of Board of Directors

Role overview

The Board Chair plays a voluntary leadership role, guiding the Board of Directors in a way that strengthens governance, supports long-term sustainability, and helps steer the organisation’s strategic direction. This position works closely with the Chief Operating Officer (COO) while keeping governance responsibilities separate from operational management.

The Chair is expected to help build a constructive, high-performing board environment, encourage well-informed decisions, and ensure the organisation acts in line with its Constitution, legal obligations, and charitable purpose.

Term

The length of appointment is governed by the Constitution and the Board election process.

Key responsibilities

• Guide the Board in defining strategy and setting long-term organisational priorities.
• Preside over Board meetings in a fair, orderly, and professional way.
• Prepare meeting agendas in collaboration with the COO.
• Support active participation and balanced discussion from all Directors.
• Help ensure decisions are made in a timely, informed, and considered manner.
• Track the implementation of Board resolutions and follow through on agreed actions.
• Promote strong governance practices, ethical conduct, and accountability.
• Make sure the Board meets Constitution requirements, ACNC Governance Standards, and applicable laws.
• Review Board effectiveness and encourage ongoing governance improvement.
• Oversee succession planning, recruitment, and onboarding of Directors.
• Ensure conflicts of interest are identified, disclosed, and managed appropriately.
• Serve as the main point of contact between the Board and the COO.
• Offer guidance, support, and constructive feedback to the COO.
• Lead the COO performance review process.
• Support the COO while preserving operational independence.
• Keep governance responsibilities clearly separated from day-to-day management.
• Assist with the development and monitoring of the Strategic Plan.
• Ensure organisational risks are recognised and properly overseen.
• Encourage responsible use of resources and financial sustainability.
• Back innovation and initiatives that further Still Aware’s mission.

Skills and experience

• Prior experience on a Board or in a governance role.
• Strong leadership and meeting facilitation ability.
• Strategic mindset and practical judgement.
• Confident verbal and written communication skills.
• Good interpersonal skills and ability to work with different stakeholders.
• Understanding of not-for-profit governance and accountability.
• Ability to build agreement and navigate differing opinions.
• High levels of integrity and ethical conduct.

Expected time commitment

• Attendance at every Board meeting.
• Participation in Board subcommittees when needed.
• Regular meetings with the COO.
• Attendance at major organisational events and strategic planning sessions.
• Additional time as required to carry out the role effectively.

Other information

This is a volunteer director position. The role is part-time and based onsite in Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.