Community Director (Non-Executive Director)

Help shape the future of student life at the University of Newcastle

UNSA is seeking an experienced and community-minded leader to join its Board as an independent Community Director.

This is an opportunity to contribute your governance expertise to a growing student-led charity that supports more than 37,000 students through advocacy, wellbeing services, clubs and societies, student leadership programs, events, student media, and social enterprise initiatives.

Why Join UNSA?

As a Community Director, you'll help guide the strategic direction of a significant not-for-profit organisation while mentoring and supporting emerging student leaders.

This is a rewarding chance to:

- Influence the future direction of UNSA.

- Support and mentor student directors.

- Contribute to meaningful outcomes for students and the wider community.

- Apply your professional expertise to governance, strategy and organisational growth.

- Support an organisation expanding its impact through innovative programs and social enterprise initiatives.

About the Role

Working alongside six elected student directors and two other independent directors, you will:

- Contribute to Board governance and strategic decision-making.

- Oversee organisational performance, risk and financial sustainability.

- Support effective corporate governance and regulatory compliance.

- Participate in CEO oversight, performance review and succession planning as required.

- Act as a mentor and trusted adviser to student directors.





- Help foster a positive culture aligned with UNSA's values.

About You

We are seeking candidates who can demonstrate:

- Board, governance or senior leadership experience.

- Strong strategic thinking and sound judgement.

- Experience in not-for-profit, community, education or social enterprise environments.

- Expertise in one or more of the following areas:

- Finance

- Risk

- Legal

- Human Resources

- Community Engagement

- Experience mentoring, coaching or developing emerging leaders.

- A commitment to ethical leadership, inclusion and collaboration.

- Experience as a company director and AICD qualifications (GAICD, MAICD or FAICD) are desirable but not essential.

Time Commitment and Honorarium

- Approximately four hours per month plus meeting preparation and committee participation as required.

- Monthly Board meetings.

- Honorarium of up to $4,000 per annum.

- Initial appointment 1 January 2027 - 31 December 2029.

Eligibility

Applicants must:

- Not be a current University of Newcastle student.

- Not be employed by UNSA.

- Be eligible to serve as a director under the Corporations Act and ACNC Act.

- Have relevant governance, leadership or sector experience.

Apply Now

Please submit:

- A CV (maximum two pages); and

- A cover letter (maximum two pages) outlining your interest in the role and relevant experience.

Applications close 11:59pm Sunday 1 November 2026.

Contact

For a confidential discussion about the role, please contact Chanel Egan, Chair of the Nominations Committee and Non-Executive Director, via ••••@gmail.com.

📌 Non-Executive Community Director (Volunteer) (Newcastle)
🏢 University Of Newcastle Students' Association
📍 Newcastle