About the opportunity

Peace of Mind Foundation is seeking expressions of interest from experienced, values-led leaders to join its Board as one external Non-Executive Director and one external Chair. These voluntary roles offer the opportunity to help guide Australia’s leading specialist brain cancer support charity as it continues to provide practical, emotional and community-based support to people impacted by brain cancer, their carers, families and loved ones.

The Foundation’s vision is that every family in Australia impacted by brain cancer will get the support they need. Its mission is to give support, courage and community to brain cancer patients, their carers, family and loved ones. The Board plays a critical role in stewarding this purpose, strengthening governance, supporting the CEO and team, and ensuring the organisation remains sustainable, connected and true to its roots as it grows.

The mandate The successful candidates will contribute to a high-performing, engaged and agile Board that provides strategic leadership, sound governance and active stewardship of the Foundation’s mission. Board members are expected to bring independent judgement, constructive challenge, practical expertise and a deep commitment to improving the lives of people and families affected by brain cancer.

Responsibilities

· Strategic advising: contribute to the development, review and oversight of organisational strategy, helping the Foundation balance growth with its commitment to remaining personal, relevant and connected.

· Board governance oversight: support strong governance practices, including effective board processes, risk oversight, policy development, compliance and performance monitoring.

· Human resource oversight: provide guidance on people, culture, capability, succession and organisational development matters, particularly as the team and service reach continue to grow.

· Not-for-profit advisory: bring practical insight into the governance, legal, compliance, fundraising, stakeholder and operational realities of a mission-driven charity.

· Stakeholder engagement: act as an ambassador for the Foundation and support constructive relationships with donors, partners, funders, sector organisations and community stakeholders.

· Mission stewardship: ensure decisions are guided by the Foundation’s purpose and by the needs of brain cancer patients, carers, families and loved ones.

Role-specific focus

Board Director The Board Director will work collaboratively with the Chair, CEO and fellow directors to provide strategic oversight and governance leadership. The role is suited to a person who can contribute specialist expertise while also participating fully in broader board deliberations, committee work and organisational stewardship.

Priority experience for this role

· Brain cancer sector or palliative care expertise — clinical, research, advocacy, service delivery, or significant lived or carer experience.

· Cyber security and digital / data governance.

· Social work, welfare or clinical service delivery experience.





· Senior fundraising or philanthropy leadership (major gifts, corporate partnerships or government grants).

Chair The Chair will provide leadership to the Board, facilitate effective board meetings and decision-making, support strong information flow, encourage constructive contribution from directors and act as a key link between the Board and the CEO. The Chair will also help guide board renewal, succession planning, stakeholder engagement and the ongoing development of board effectiveness.

Priority experience for this role

· Proven experience as Chair or Deputy Chair of a comparable not-for-profit or health-sector board.

· Demonstrated experience overseeing a Chief Executive Officer, including performance review and remuneration processes.

· Public policy, government relations or health-sector leadership experience.

· Independence from major donors, corporate partners or competing organisations.

Who we are looking for.

To maintain strong governance standards and ensure a diverse range of expertise, candidates should meet some or all of the following criteria. The Foundation welcomes interest from people who combine professional capability with personal integrity, sound judgement, curiosity, generosity and a genuine connection to the cause.

Role-specific priority areas identified through the Board’s most recent skills review are set out under ‘Role-specific focus’ above.

· Brain cancer or palliative care related expertise and/or lived, clinical, research, advocacy, service delivery or sector experience.

· Governance and compliance background, preferably with Australian Institute of Company Directors accreditation or equivalent board experience.

· Not-for-profit legal skills, including charity governance, compliance, risk, contracts or regulatory knowledge, highly regarded.

· Human resources, organisational development, people and culture, executive leadership or workforce planning experience highly regarded.

· Secretariat, board administration, governance documentation or committee coordination background.

· Experience working with or governing a charity, health, community, advocacy or service-based organisation.

· Capacity to contribute strategically while remaining practical, collaborative and outcomes focused.

· Commitment to diversity, respectful decision-making and safeguarding the trust of donors, partners, clients and the broader community.

Commitment and participation

· Term: Board members serve a three-year term, renewable for up to three terms (a maximum of nine years), subject to the Foundation’s constitution and board renewal requirements (Constitution, clause 12.4).

· Meetings:



Directors are expected to attend at least four of six board meetings held annually and to prepare for and participate actively in board discussions.

· Committee participation: Directors are expected to contribute to at least one board subcommittee (currently Audit & Risk and Fundraising) or agreed area of work, aligned with their expertise and the Foundation’s needs.

· Nature of role: These are voluntary positions. Reasonable administrative support and approved expenses may be considered in line with Foundation policy.

· Location and format: Meetings may be held in person, online or in hybrid format, with participation expected in a way that supports effective governance and collegial board culture.

· Membership: Directors must be admitted as Members of the Foundation. On winding up of the organisation, Members contribute an amount not exceeding $7 (Constitution, clause 28) — this is not an ongoing financial commitment.

· Indemnity & insurance: The Constitution provides for indemnity and insurance for Foundation officers, including Directors (clause 29); current Directors’ & Officers’ insurance arrangements will be confirmed to shortlisted candidates.

· Probity: Candidates should expect to complete a conflicts-of-interest declaration prior to appointment. Directors also will need a current police check, working with children’s check and be referenced checked.

Why join us?

Joining the Peace of Mind Foundation Board is an prospect to make a meaningful contribution to a specialist charity with a clear purpose, a strong community reputation and a direct impact on families navigating brain cancer. You will help shape the organisation’s next stage of development, strengthen its governance and sustainability, and support a dedicated team delivering practical, compassionate and responsive services across Australia.

The Foundation is seeking people who value connection, empowerment, collaboration, innovation and compassion, and who are motivated by the chance to help ensure every family impacted by brain cancer can access the support they need.

How to apply

Expressions of interest should include a brief cover letter outlining your interest in Peace of Mind Foundation, the role you wish to be considered for, and the skills, experience and perspective you would bring to the Board. Please also include a current CV or professional biography. As a first step, interested candidates are encouraged to contact Rebecca Mallet, Founding Member and Lead Engagement Partner, for a confidential discussion.

Applicants are encouraged to address their relevant governance, professional, lived experience, health sector, not-for-profit, legal, human resources, compliance or secretariat experience. Shortlisted candidates may be invited to meet with representatives of the Board as part of the selection process.

Closing date: 16th September, 2026

First point of contact: Rebecca Mallet, Founder and Head of Operations

Email: [email protected]

📌 Board Director and Chair Vacancies (Australia)
🏢 Peace of Mind Foundation Australia
📍 Australia