Council Associate

ORGANISATIONAL OVERVIEW

The Friends of the Australian Ballet (FAB) is the principal support organisation for the Australian Ballet in NSW.  FAB is an independent, not-for-profit, membership based company limited by guarantee, established in 1973.

It has a broad based charter to promote the appreciation of and access to ballet and the world of dance while focusing on The Australian Ballet Company specifically. The Friends principle activities are:

• The cultivation of community, connectedness and access through the management and service of the organisation’s core membership of friends and ballet lovers by providing an array of activities and events which are educational, social and offer behind the scenes access to the world of dance;
• Fund raising through a variety of events;
• Profile building by the delivery of one or two prestigious, major, public events per year.

POSITION OVERVIEW

This position is voluntary and reports to the Council of Friends of the Australian Ballet (NSW) Pty Ltd via the Chair. The position is required for 10-15 hours per month. This will include a meeting on the third Wednesday of each month at 5.30pm for approximately 2 hours (usually at The Arts Exchange, Sydney or other CBD location as advised), plus a minimum of 1 hour per week working during office hours (which can be done remotely) and the remainder is flexible and can be completed outside of office hours.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES

The position is responsible for maintaining the governance policies and procedures of the Council. Working closely with the Chair of the Council, the Council Associate will need to:

• Attend The FAB Council meeting each month (2 hours per month – usually the The Arts Exchange, Sydney);
• Ensure receipt of various papers from key FAB managers and Council executive as appropriate;
• Compile, format, cross reference papers against Agenda and distribute Agenda and Minutes (1-2 hours per month)
• Minute taking at monthly Council meetings (1 -2 hours per month)
• Apply and carry out the various governance policies and procedures (6-8 hours per month)
• Coordinate other sub-committee meetings and ancillary matters (2-3 hours per month)

The Council Associate will work alongside the Council to support its governance of the organisation. Such governance is carried out by:

• Sustaining the mission and direction of the organisation;
• Being responsible for the financial health and integrity of the organisation;
• Being involved as a Council in the strategic planning and growth of Friends of the Australian Ballet, including its philosophy, scope, scale and operating model;
• Evaluating regular reports and periodic evaluation from the Administration Coordinator and Marketing and Events Coordinator to the Council of FAB on any and all of these areas;
• Overseeing, guiding and directing the management of Friends of the Australian Ballet, but not managing its operations on a day to day basis;
• Being accountable to public trust, to members, supporters and all stakeholders;
• Clarifying the primary issues facing the organisation;
• Identifying the key issues of governance of the organisation;
• Developing guiding principles and governance policies;
• Clarifying the role, function and expectations of the FAB Council, Council membership and sub-committees;
• Ensuring the organisation has the necessary resources;
• Organising regular Council meetings and specific project task forces;
• Spreading the good word of Friends of the Australian Ballet with whatever constituency by whatever means.

ORGANISATION RELATIONSHIPS

Reports directly to the Council of FAB via the Chair and on a day to day basis will report and liaise directly with the Chair.

SPECIALIST KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

The following skills and knowledge need to have been demonstrated:

• Administrative skills;
• Knowledge of governance;
• Organisational skills;
• Competency in the use of software: Outlook, Word and Excel;
• Time management;
• Task Completion and closure;
• People management.
• Strong, clear communication skills;
• Relationship management;
• Influencing and negotiation.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCES

The role does not require formal qualifications but a sound working knowledge of governance procedures is essential. Demonstrated experience in a similar role is highly desirable. Qualifications are desirable.

Personal/professional qualities such as organisational skills, communication skills commitment to deadlines and relationship management are of importance along with enthusiasm, flexibility, drive and previous experience implementing governance procedures.

APPLICATIONS

For further information about the role or to receive a copy of the position description, please contact Amy Hill on admin@fab.org.au or 02 9252 7322.

To apply, submit a CV and covering letter detailing your experience with the Specialist Knowledge and Skills to admin@fab.org.au