- Help shape a brighter future for young people impacted by cancer
- Sydney/Melbourne based
- Use your executive expertise to drive meaningful change

Canteen is Australia's leading youth cancer charity, supporting young people aged 12-25 facing their own cancer diagnosis, or that of a parent, sibling or close family member. We're seeking a passionate and experienced Non-Executive Board Director to join our Board and help drive positive change for young people affected by cancer. This is a unique chance to contribute your expertise, expand Canteen's influence, and work alongside an extraordinary group of young leaders with lived experience.

About Us For more than 40 years, Canteen has been standing alongside young people when cancer crashes into their world. We combine life-changing support services, research, advocacy and youth leadership to ensure no young person faces cancer alone.

Our mission is simple but powerful: to be in the corner of every young person when cancer crashes into their world. What makes Canteen truly unique is that young people continue to shape everything we do, including our distinctive youth-led governance model and Board.

About Our Role

As a Board Director, you'll provide strategic leadership and governance while supporting Canteen's mission and long-term sustainability.

We're particularly interested in individuals with expertise in government relations, policy, advocacy and stakeholder engagement who can help strengthen Canteen's voice and influence across federal and state governments.

You will

- Provide strategic advice on government engagement, advocacy and public policy
- Support the Executive Team with high-level government and stakeholder relationships
- Help identify opportunities to influence policy and improve outcomes for young people impacted by cancer
- Open doors to government, corporate and philanthropic partners
- Mentor and support our young Member Directors in their governance journey




- Contribute to Board discussions, strategy, risk oversight and organisational performance

About You

You'll bring

- Senior experience in government, public policy, advocacy, ministerial offices or government relations
- Strong networks and an understanding of how government decision-making works
- A genuine commitment to improving the lives of young people affected by cancer
- An appreciation for diverse perspectives and collaborative leadership
- The ability to engage with and mentor young people
- An understanding of governance responsibilities and the role of a Board Director

Significant executive or senior leadership experience is essential.

Prior

Board experience is preferred but not mandatory.

Why Join Canteen?

Canteen's Board is unlike any other.

Our governance model is youth-led, with many of our Board members being young people who have lived experience of cancer. Their insight, courage and leadership make serving on the Board a deeply rewarding experience.

You'll have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact, help shape the future of a nationally respected organisation and contribute to the development of Australia's next generation of leaders.

Commitment and remuneration

- Approximately 4 Board meetings per year.
- Participation in occasional committee meetings and strategic workshops.
- Board paper preparation and engagement between meetings.
- Meetings conducted via Video and in person
- Three-year appointments, with the Board seeking candidates willing to serve two consecutive terms to support continuity and impact.

This is a voluntary Board position. Reasonable travel, accommodation and administrative expenses associated with Board duties will be covered. If you would like a copy of the Information Pack or have any questions, please contact Lee Grewal, Talent & Careers Lead, Canteen at [email protected].

Join us in ensuring no young person faces cancer alone.

Applications close: Monday 12th October, 2026

📌 Board Director (Government Engagement) (Sydney)
🏢 Canteen Australia
📍 Sydney