National Director

• Lead a national movement of people of colour working for racial justice

• Part-time at 0.8 FTE. Work remotely from Sydney or Melbourne (other capitals considered).

• Social and community services employee level 8, SCHADS ($125,000 – $130,000 pro rata), with excellent and flexible working conditions

Our mission is to build a powerful racial justice movement

Democracy in Colour is building the power of people of colour to organise around the issues that affect us most. For migration with dignity, for great public and community services, and for diverse and accurate journalism. We are led by and work for people of colour (multicultural or non-white people).

By organising people of colour, we will build our political power and leadership in the progressive sector as well as amplify our voices, interests, lived experience and perspectives in national discourse, to dismantle structural racism and achieve racial, social and climate justice for our communities.

Join us for an opportunity to have outsized impact

We’re looking for a dynamic, multi-talented National Director to draw on the successes of the organisation of the past 7 years, set a new strategic plan to drive racial justice campaigning in Australia, and lead Democracy in Colour’s strategic, financial and operational activities.

We are at a pivotal moment in the organisation and this is an unparalleled opportunity to consolidate an innovative non-profit from founder-led start-up to the next stage of maturity, implementing its overall strategic direction and growth as a power and distinctive presence in Australian progressive politics.

Democracy in Colour is undergoing several key internal and external projects that will require strong leadership to ensure our high performing staff are given the support and resources to complete our key work. These include:

• Rapid Response campaigns centred on racialised topics;

• Climate justice campaigning;

• Re-design & Implementation of our training materials ;

• Re-igniting our member-led model with strong participation pathways.

Key Responsibilities

The National Director will lead teams and own the end-to-end success of the organisation, making strategic decisions and setting the overall direction of the organisation.

Strategy and organisational leadership

• Oversee development of a new strategy for the organisation, drawing on the successes of our past 7 years, and the input from our on-the-ground staff and stakeholders

• Lead the management and operation of the organisation, in accordance with our Values and within delegations from the Board.

• Oversee the development and execution of high-impact issue-based campaigns, long-term policy and education campaigns, and agenda setting media moments

• Oversee the growth of our membership and organising pathways in both depth and breadth

• Build Democracy in Colour’s public profile by supporting staff to act as spokespeople to the media, decision makers and other organisations

• Embody stewarded leadership – make decisions that always advance the priorities of our membership

• Manage and grow the organisation’s relationships with a diverse network of stakeholders, including members, fellow activists, donors, and governments

Planning and governance oversight

• Lead the Board and staff to implement, evaluate and report on the strategic plan and provide regular updates on organisation performance and progress

• Lead an ethical organisation that conducts itself with integrity and complies with laws and regulations

• Be responsible for board liaison, risk management and overall governance oversight

HR management

• Manage a mixture of senior and early career staff (5 individuals) coach, support work plans, and facilitate professional development

• Recruit staff and contractors where necessary

• Sustain the impact-focussed, innovative, data-driven, culture where leadership is shared and everyone has significant freedom and real responsibility

• Provide leadership in maintaining an organisational culture of anti-oppression

Fundraising and financial oversight

• Grow our fundraising income – including major donor fundraising, small dollar online fundraising, and peer-to-peer fundraising

• Provide strong financial stewardship and guide the organisation towards financial stability with multiple revenue streams including securing continued untied core funding

Selection Criteria

Technical skills, experience and knowledge

• A track record of managing fast-growing teams, and an ability to lead organisations through different phases of growth

• Previous experience in raising funds in a non-for-profit organisation, or equivalent investment / capital raising experience

• Financial management and budgeting

• Proven people management skills, acting as a champion of culture and values

• Deep understanding of racial justice theory and the politics around race/racism in Australia

• Experience with creative, effective grassroots and/or digital campaigning. Excellent analytical skills and experience in campaign strategy.

• Strong communication skills with ability to communicate compelling and complex messages and trade-offs

• Strong skills in managing relationships with diverse networks of stakeholders; networking, diplomacy, negotiation and conflict mediation,

Behavioural competencies

• Deep passion for racial justice and a world where the inherent worth and dignity of everyone is recognised. A commitment to diversity, equity and anti-oppression

• Excited about trying new solutions outside the standard playbook, and willing to challenge the status quo and make bold decisions

• Resilient and flexible, with a problem-solving and learning mindset, and an ability to deal with uncertainty and complexity

• Conscientious and honest, with an inclination to personal accountability

• A team player who develops leadership in others, and minimises hierarchies

• Can develop empathy with a wide range of stakeholders

Salary and Work Benefits

The role is classified as a level 8 social and community services employee under the Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Industry (SCHADS) Award, with a full-time annual salary of between $125,000 and $130,000. This position is part-time at 0.8 FTE.

Democracy in Colour offers 15 days of Special Leave (pro rata) in addition to the National Employment Standards (20 days), flexible work arrangements (work from home, flexible hours), and the opportunity to work in a team entirely made up of people of colour.