Chair – Non Executive Director

Lead a formal network of respected leaders from the business community focused on better outcomes for Australian children and society.

• Take a lead role in a new entity to shape Australia’s future
• Leverage your passion for social impact and early childhood outcomes
• Nurture and grow a strong network of supporters

The Front Project (formerly known as Ready Nation Australia) is an independent national enterprise focused on better outcomes for Australian children and society. It is a network of influential business and community leaders committed to expanding the already strong evidence base that links the early years landscape to the skills Australians need to thrive in life and work.

The Front Project’s role is to activate businesses and leaders by providing them with new knowledge and tools to enact change and generate a positive shift in the national narrative around the early years. The organisation engages leaders to advocate, campaign and generate positive change in Australia’s care, learning and work environments.

The Front Project is now looking for an experienced, active and supportive Chair to work with the CEO and current stakeholders (including the interim Chair) to recruit, establish governance practices, deepen the networks and develop with the CEO and Board, the strategic direction of the organisation. You will also be responsible for ensuring the Board is clear on its purpose and that individuals and the organisation more broadly, are aligned and working collegiately and cohesively. Using your exemplary leadership skills you will work with and support the organisation’s CEO and maintain oversight of the organisation’s strategic performance, financial position and other significant issues and ensure board members are appropriately informed.

You will have demonstrated knowledge of the early education and care landscape and be committed to its excellence and improving societal outcomes. Importantly, you will have strong and relevant networks with business and community leaders enabling you to influence on behalf of the Front Project. You will be an excellent communicator, strategic in your approach and highly skilled in managing a variety of stakeholder relationships.  

Key selection criteria:

• Credibility and networks within the Australian leadership community
• Deep and effective business leadership at executive and board level
• Genuine commitment to social impact and early childhood outcomes
• Well-honed relationship management and stakeholder engagement skills
• Demonstrated strategic perspective with the ability to contribute to and review strategy and effective board decision-making
• Strong understanding of corporate governance requirements and risk management
• Ability to activate networks and engage people in the vision and mission of the Front Project

It is anticipated that some national travel will be involved, including meetings in Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra and other locations as the network of business leaders grows. As this is a relatively new organisation and Board, it is estimated that the role of the Chair may take between 4 – 8 hours per week, as well as attendance at monthly, or six-weekly meetings. Board members are not remunerated but are able to claim reasonable travel expenses in attending meetings.

For expressions of interest, please call Rachael McLennan on 0468 625 252 or email hello@peopleforpurpose.com.au. To apply, please submit an appropriate CV and a covering letter outlining why you are interested in representing the Front Project and how your skills and experience align to this opportunity.

www.peopleforpurpose.com.au