
Organisation : Victorian Student Representative Council
Location : Melbourne (North Melbourne)
Work type : Full-time, Contract/Temporary
Sector : Education & Training, Youth & Young People
Salary type : Annual Package
Salary : $120,000 plus 10.5% superannuation (FTE)
Application closing date : 27 Nov, 2022
About the organisation
Victorian Student Representative Council (VicSRC) is the peak body representing students in Victoria. VicSRC was created by students, for students, to advance education priorities as determined by students.
Our vision is education that’s relevant, flexible and includes students in all decisions – and we stand with and for students to elevate their voices to be heard at the highest levels of decision making in Victorian education. Everything that we do is based on what students want and need.
We have a unique student-led governance structure. VicSRC is led by an elected group of secondary school-aged students, the VicSRC Student Executive Advisory Committee. This Committee plays a key role in the governance of the organisation by ensuring that it’s always student led. The Student Executive Advisory Committee advises VicSRC on its strategic direction and advocacy priorities and it represents the Victorian student community through advocacy, stakeholder engagement, communications activities, and forward planning and decision-making. The Student Executive Advisory Committee is the primary decision maker and makes decisions collaboratively with the Board of Trustees.
It’s an exciting time for VicSRC, with some recent big wins across our Advocacy Priorities and the potential for substantial growth of the organisation’s impact in 2023 and beyond!
About the role
Are you our next CEO?
VicSRC is seeking its next Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to build on the organisation’s solid foundation and success. This is a fantastic opportunity to join a student-led organisation that’s driving real change for Victorian students through compelling advocacy for systemic change, and deep partnerships and engagements across the education system.
We’re looking for a dynamic and collaborative leader who has demonstrated experience working in genuine partnership with young people. Our CEO should have a strong understanding of government and thrive on developing and maintaining relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders. They must see the unlimited potential of young people, respect their experience and expertise, and be dedicated to supporting and enabling their leadership. Most importantly, our CEO should have an unwavering commitment to VicSRC’s ultimate goal: empowering all student voices to be valued in every aspect of education.
If this sounds like you and you’d like to be VicSRC’s next CEO, we’d love to hear from you!
VicSRC values diversity in all forms. Applicants who demonstrate a genuine interest in VicSRC’s mission and activities and have relevant experience and personal qualities will be considered. Women, LGBTQIA+ people, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds and people with disability are particularly encouraged to apply.
Position Description
Title: Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
Location: Our Community House, North Melbourne (Hybrid work arrangements available)
Employment type: 1.0 FTE with flexible working arrangements available, including consideration of 0.8 FTE; fixed term to 31 December 2023 (potential for renewal subject to funding and performance).
Please note that the CEO is required to attend monthly Saturday meetings and after-hour meetings from time to time.
Remuneration: $120,000 plus 10.5% superannuation (FTE)
Role Overview
The CEO of VicSRC is responsible of the leadership of VicSRC and the day-to-day operations of the organisation. Leading a dedicated team of staff, the CEO works with and for school-age students in Victoria to elevate student voice at the highest levels of decision making in Victorian education.
The CEO will work in close partnership with the Student Executive Advisory Committee while also offering support and mentoring to the group. The Student Executive Advisory Committee provides advice and guidance on VicSRC’s strategic direction, advocacy priorities, programs and decision making, with support from the Board of Trustees. The CEO will work closely with the Victorian Government and other key stakeholders to drive forward VicSRC’s policy agenda to elevate student voice in every aspect of education.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership
- Work in partnership with the Student Executive Advisory Committee and Board of Trustees to align core work with the 2020-2024 Strategic Plan and drive strategic direction
- Support VicSRC’s vision and mission through effective leadership
Organisational Leadership
- Manage and oversee day-to-day operations of the organisation, including developing and monitoring operational plans and budgets
- Oversee the development and delivery of VicSRC programs, initiatives and events
- Manage the recruitment, performance and supervision of VicSRC staff and volunteers, and provide leadership and guidance
- Ensure legal, ethical and professional practices are consistent with child safety policies and VicSRC values
- Provide support to the Student Executive Advisory Committee, including mentoring, guidance and the development of shared processes
- Act as Company Secretary and manage relevant governance processes
Stakeholder Management and Relationships
- Represent VicSRC and its purpose, programs, and services in a strong and positive light, and support staff and the Student Executive Advisory Committee to do the same
- Ensure the Student Executive Advisory Committee is consulted, included or leading stakeholder meetings
- Secure and maintain strong relationships with government representatives, relevant Ministers, and key government agencies to advance and advocate for the interests of Victorian students
- Secure and maintain relationships and partnerships within education, community and corporate sectors to ensure the sustainability of VicSRC and advance advocacy objectives
- Maintain relationships with relevant youth and advocacy organisations and groups to promote VicSRC’s work
- Manage media enquiries and responses, oversee and support messaging opportunities through VicSRC channels
Fundraising and Partnerships
- Liaise directly with the Department of Education and Training Victoria and other relevant funding bodies to secure and advocate for funding for VicSRC, with a focus on sustainability
- Ensure financial sustainability and drive growth through strategic partnerships and other diverse funding streams
Finances, Risk and Reporting
- Monitor and review the financial performance and operations of VicSRC, with the support and advice of the Finance Manager and the Treasurer
- Prepare budgets, develop and maintain financial records, and provide regular reports to the Student Executive Advisory Committee and Board of Trustees
- Identify and manage operational and other risks for the organisation, formulate strategies to manage and mitigate risks, and seek the advice and endorsement of the Board of Trustees and Student Executive Advisory Committee
- Support the Student Executive Advisory Committee and Board of Trustees to clarify their shared and distinct responsibilities, and develop clear processes to ensure these responsibilities are reflected in VicSRC’s governance and operations
Key Selection Criteria
- At least 3-5 years’ experience working and partnering with young people
- Demonstrated cultural fit and values consistent with VicSRC’s vision, mission and values
- Partnering with young people:
- Understanding of and commitment to student voice, agency, and participation, including demonstrated experience in co-design and co-production with children and/or young people
- Ability to advise, enable, support, and advocate and partner with young people and other communities
- Proven ability to develop and implement policies and procedures that uphold VicSRC’s commitment to child safety under Victoria’s Child Safe Standards to protect and empower children and young people
- Leadership and management:
- Demonstrated experience in effectively leading and managing people, programs and operations, applying a collaborative and empathetic leadership approach
- Demonstrated experience developing and implementing long-term strategic plans and operational plans including managing risk and budgets
- Government relations:
- Demonstrated experience developing and maintaining productive and collaborative relationships with government
- Stakeholder relations and engagement:
- High level interpersonal and communication skills and demonstrated ability to develop and maintain strong partnerships with diverse stakeholders
Desirable:
- Driver licence
- Strong business acumen and commercial skills, including proven track record of leading organisational growth and securing new revenue opportunities within social enterprises or community-based organisations
- Experience developing and implementing advocacy strategy in partnership with young people
- Understanding of the education sector and key policy issues in education
- Experience working with and/or supporting a Board, Council, Committee of Management or other governance body
Employment Conditions
VicSRC promotes the safety, wellbeing and inclusion of all children and young people, including those with a disability, those who are Aboriginal or those from refugee or migrant backgrounds. We take child protection very seriously. All employees are subject to screening and assessment against child safety standards, including rigorous background, identity and reference checks. The successful applicant will require a current Working with Children Check and Police Check (costs reimbursed) and must agree to adhere to our child safe policy and employee code of conduct.
How to apply
Applications not allowed for this job listing.
Please quote in application: Chief Executive Officer via Pro Bono Australia.
Sector: #Education_and_Training, #Youth_and_Young_People