Join the Board of the Parenting Research Centre and Help Shape the Future of Parenting in Australia

Organisation: Parenting Research Centre (PRC)

Location:

- Applicants can be based anywhere in Australia
- Attend six Board meetings annually (four online and two in person in Melbourne
- Participate in a Board committee (Governance or Audit), meeting approximately four to six times per year online.

Term: Three-year appointment, with eligibility for a second term. The role is voluntary and non-remunerated. Travel and accommodation expenses are reimbursed.

Skill Areas: Service delivery at scale, Finance, Communications and Marketing, AI and data, Strategy

About the Parenting Research Centre

The Parenting Research Centre (PRC) helps children thrive by transforming the way Australia supports parents and families.

Through the Raising Children Network, Australia’s most trusted parenting website, PRC delivers evidence-based information, advice and resources to millions of parents and carers. In addition to this national platform, we work with governments, practitioners and community organisations to design, implement and evaluate initiatives that improve outcomes for children and families.

For more than 20 years, we have worked at the intersection of research, policy and practice, translating evidence into practical solutions that strengthen parenting, improve child wellbeing and build stronger communities.

Today, families are navigating increasing social, economic and technological change. Demand for trusted information, effective parenting support and evidence-informed policy has never been greater. At the same time, governments and service systems are seeking recent ways to improve outcomes for children and families in an increasingly complex workplace.

As PRC enters its next phase of growth, influence and impact, we are seeking exceptional leaders to join our Board and help shape the future of parenting support and child wellbeing in Australia.

“The Parenting Research Centre plays a unique role in translating evidence into practical action that improves the lives of children and families. As a Board member, you’ll have the opportunity to help guide an organisation with national reach and growing influence at a time when evidence-based solutions are needed more than ever.”

Heather Finlayson, Chair

About the Opportunity





This is an opportunity to contribute to one of Australia’s leading child and family organisations at a time when evidence-based solutions are needed more than ever.

Following the planned departure of several long-serving Directors, PRC is seeking three new Non-Executive Directors to help guide the organisation’s strategic direction, impact and growth.

We’re seeking Directors who can provide strategic insight, sound judgement and constructive challenge as PRC pursues its mission and growth ambitions. Working alongside a highly experienced Board and Executive team, you will help shape organisational strategy, oversee performance and ensure PRC continues to deliver meaningful outcomes for children and families across Australia.

What You’ll Contribute

As a Director, you’ll:

- Provide strategic leadership and organisational oversight.
- Support the long-term sustainability, growth and impact of PRC.
- Contribute to effective governance, risk management and accountability.
- Help strengthen organisational performance and continuous improvement.
- Support PRC’s influence across government, research and community sectors.
- Champion evidence-informed approaches that improve outcomes for children and families.
- Contribute your expertise and networks to support the organisation’s future success.

Time Commitment

Board members are expected to:

- Attend six Board meetings annually (four online and two in person in Melbourne).
- Participate in a Board committee (Governance or Audit), meeting approximately four to six times per year online.
- Commit to an initial three-year term, with eligibility for reappointment.

The role is voluntary and non-remunerated. Travel and accommodation expenses are reimbursed.

Who We’re Looking For

We welcome applications from experienced leaders who believe they can make a meaningful contribution to the leadership of this dynamic organisation.

We are particularly interested in hearing from people with Non-Executive Director,



executive or senior management experience and expertise in one or more of the following areas:

- Service delivery and operational leadership at scale within human-centred sectors, including child and family services, early childhood, disability, health, community or related care services
- Communications and marketing
- Financial management
- AI and data management
- Strategy design and development

Successful candidates will bring:

- A strong commitment to the mission, values and purpose of PRC.
- Sound governance capability and strategic judgement.
- Experience providing leadership and oversight at a senior level.
- Strong strategic thinking and organisational stewardship skills.
- The ability to think critically, contribute constructively and work collaboratively.
- Experience assessing organisational performance and sustainability.
- A willingness to operate within the Board’s policy governance framework.

Diversity and Inclusion

PRC is committed to building a Board that better reflects the diversity of contemporary Australia.

We believe our governance is strongest when it draws on a broad range of lived experiences, perspectives and insights. A diverse Board helps us make better decisions, challenge assumptions and remain connected to the children, families and communities we seek to support.

We welcome applications from people across Australia and strongly encourage interest from First Nations people, people with disability, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and people who identify as LGBTIQA+.

Apply Now

This is an opportunity to help shape the future of parenting support in Australia and contribute to better outcomes for children and families nationwide.

If you are an experienced leader looking to apply your skills to an organisation with national reach, strong credibility and meaningful social impact, we would love to hear from you.

Applications should include:

- A cover letter outlining your interest in the role; and
- A concise CV (maximum two pages).

Applications close 17 October 2026

Interviews will be conducted virtually in November.

For a confidential discussion, please contact Board Chair Heather Finlayson [email protected] or Deputy Chair, Michael Maher [email protected]

📌 Non-Executive Director- Volunteer (Australia)
🏢 Parenting Research Centre
📍 Australia