Organisation : Learning Difficulties Australia
Location : Australia (National role - location negotiable)
Work type : Various
Sector : Disabilities, Education & Training
Salary type : Annual Package
Application closing date : 9 Dec, 2019
About the organisation
Organisation History
Learning Difficulties Australia (LDA) was established in 1965 as the Diagnostic and Remedial Teachers’ Association of Victoria. In 1987 it became an Incorporated Association under the name of the Australian Remedial Education Association, and in 1994 the Association was renamed the Australian Resource Educators’ Association. There was a further change of name in 2001, when it adopted the current name of Learning Difficulties Australia. Its current Journal, the Australian Journal of Learning Difficulties, was first established in May 1969 under the name Remedial Education (1969 to 1972), and then the Australian Journal of Remedial Education (1973 to March 1996). It was renamed the Australian Journal of Learning Disabilities in June 1996. In 2008 publication of the Journal was taken over by Taylor and Francis, a leading publisher of academic Journals, when it adopted its current name of the Australian Journal of Learning Difficulties.
General Manager Role Context
This newly created role is in response to addressing the increasing pressures on operating such an integral association in today’s complex environment. A recent review identified several emerging challenges that LDA faces, and the importance of maturing the organisation beyond the great volunteer support it has enjoyed and expanding its reach and influence with the support of a general manager.
Mission and Vision
Learning Difficulties Australia is an association of teachers and other professionals dedicated to assisting students with learning difficulties through effective teaching practices based on scientific research, both in the classroom and through individualised instruction.
Our aims are:
- To promote understanding in the community of the complex nature of learning difficulties and the need for intervention to be carried out by qualified and expert professionals.
- To support professionals in the field through high quality professional development programs and publications so that all members have access to theoretical advances and well researched teaching strategies in the field of learning difficulties.
- To support and promote scientific evidence-based research that will advance understanding of the theory and evidence underlying effective teaching practice for students with learning difficulties.
- To liaise with other related associations, thereby promoting co-operation and inter-disciplinary exchange of ideas.
- To advocate for improved services to students experiencing difficulties with learning through advice to relevant organisations and submissions to government bodies.
- To promote excellence in the field by recognising outstanding contributions through the following awards: the Mona Tobias Award, the Bruce Wicking Award and the Tertiary Student Award.
Governance
Learning Difficulties Australia (LDA) is a not-for-profit association incorporated under the Victorian Associations Incorporation Act 1981. LDA is managed by the LDA Council consisting of five (5) honorary officers and nine (9) members, who are elected each year at the Annual General Meeting. The Honorary Officers, who must be voting members of the Association, are the President, two Vice-Presidents, the Treasurer, and the Secretary.
Management and control of the business and affairs of LDA is vested in the Council which may do all such things required to be done by the association, and as are prescribed in the Constitution. The LDA Council may make, vary and repeal standing orders or Rules on the conduct and management of the Association and of any of the committees.
About the role
Position Overview
The General Manager (GM) will be responsible for the overall governance, secretariat and administrative functions with appropriate support as required. Importantly, the GM will need to ensure that LDA develops and expands its financial footprint to ensure a sustainable association that can also continue to support this role. Primarily, this is expected to be achieved through increased professional learning services and membership growth – being the two most significant revenue generating functions currently available.
The GM will carry out these responsibilities in accordance with the directions and policies established by the Council, as well as being committed to the values and purpose of LDA. The GM will not be the official spokesperson for the organisation, as this responsibility will remain with the LDA President. The successful GM will enable the Council to deliver on its objectives, with the comfort and knowledge that the GM is controlling the governance, secretariat and administration roles and actively supporting LDA’s growth agenda.
As a national body, without a head office, the GM will be required to largely operate from either their own premises or at a serviced office. This will be considered in the remuneration of the role. Whilst LDA operates predominantly via electronic methods (phone, video conference, email) there will be a need for some interstate travel – to meet with council members and in pursuit of LDA’s expansion objectives.
Personal Qualities and Experience
We are currently experiencing an exciting period of change. We are searching for an experienced General Manager Operations/Change Manger to develop, grow and mature our service to ensure future financial stability/viability.
The GM will need to demonstrate experience in successfully delivering in similar roles, and have key experience working in the Not-For-Profit sector. Whilst detailed knowledge of the learning difficulties sector is not essential, there is a need for an appreciation of the sector, the role that LDA plays within the sector, and a willingness to adopt and espouse LDA’s Code of Ethics. The applicant will also need to present capability in working with a diverse and committed leadership – including an appreciation of the education and academic sectors.
How to apply
Applications not allowed for this job listing.
Please quote in application: General Manager via Pro Bono Australia.
Sector: #Disabilities, #Education_and_Training
