Seaworks Foundation volunteer Board Members

Seaworks Foundation (SF) has two vacancies for highly motivated voluntary Board Members. 

About Seaworks

Seaworks is a not-for-profit company that manages, promotes and develops through capital improvement a Heritage Maritime site (former Port of Melbourne Authority Workshops) in Williamstown, now known as “Seaworks”.

Seaworks is developing as Melbourne’s premier maritime heritage site covering 2.74ha of prime waterfront land with working piers in historic Williamstown. It is best known for hosting tall ships from Australia and around the world.

About Seaworks Board

The SF Board is committed, active, diverse and highly driven to achieve Seaworks’ aims. The Board is responsible for overseeing the strategic direction of Seaworks, managing its financial position, ensuring good governance, and representing the organisation in the wider community. The Board operates as a Board of Management, with Board members taking an active role in the strategic development of the Maritime Heritage precinct. The Board of directors is legally and ethically responsible for managing this important site on behalf of the community.  To that end it:

1. Determines how the organisation will carry out its mission through long and short-range planning
2. Adopts an annual budget and provides fiscal oversight
3. Recruits, orients, and develops board members
4. Hires and evaluates the performance of the Executive Officer
5. Evaluates its performance and overall performance of the organisation in achieving the mission

6. Establishes policies for the effective management of the organisation.

Board member responsibilities:

• Understand and promote the organisation’s mission
• Be familiar with the organisation’s programs, policies, and operations
• Attend board meetings and appropriate committee meetings
• Actively serve on at least one committee and offer to take on special assignments
• Review agenda and supporting documents prior to meetings
• Make an annual contribution to the organisation commensurate with ability
• Participate in fund raising activities and special events
• Strictly adhere to conflict of interest and confidentiality policies

Time Demands (approximate):

• Attend and actively participate in at least 75% of board meetings (10 monthly board meetings, approximately 2-3 hours in length, usually on the 1^st Monday of the month, except January).
• Attend and actively participate in committee meetings and related work (1-3 hours per month as determined by the committee).
• Attend special events such as fundraisers.
• Attend new board member orientation (approx. 3-4 hours).

About the Challenge

Seaworks is developing rapidly. The Board has a long-term strategic plan for the site requiring an extensive capital improvement and maintenance program, while encouraging active public visitation to the site and facilitation of significant public events. It manages a unique asset with huge potential. It is increasing its resource base, community engagement and advocacy. The Board is focussed on boosting the capability and capacity of the organisation.  

About the Board Member Vacancies

The SF board is seeking applications from highly motivated people wanting to serve as a board member. We are looking for people with an interest in preservation of maritime history, community engagement and the right skills to assist with the further strategic development of the Seaworks site.  We particularly need people with skills or experience in the following areas to help us achieve our mission:

• Marketing & Communications;
• Fundraising
• Sound financial skills
• Arts & Entertainment
• Recruitment & Human Resources

This is an excellent opportunity for people with these skills, or a general interest in Maritime Heritage development for community participation. 

If you are interested in this exciting opportunity, please send a copy of your CV and covering email outlining why you would be a great fit for the role to seaworks.williamstown@gmail.com by 31 October 2019.

For further information, or to discuss this Board Director opportunity please contact Seaworks Board Directors Rod Page on 0413 383 731 or Nick Byrne on 0413 027 250.

Payment: Nil – honorary role