The Australian Youth Climate Coalition (AYCC) is seeking a passionate and experienced lawyer to join our voluntary Board as a Director and Company Secretary.

In addition to possessing a strong understanding of climate change and a commitment to the role of young people in tackling it, our ideal candidate:

• Is a current or former practicing Australian lawyer with at least 3 years’ PAE;
• Has a strong understanding of non-profit governance and compliance, including laws relating to the regulation of companies limited by guarantee, charities and DGRs, political expenditure, and charitable fundraising (gained either through legal practice or prior board experience);
• Can facilitate access to pro bono legal assistance from external counsel; and
• Can be any age (while AYCC is a youth-based organisation and half of our board must be under the age of 35 when appointed, age is not a precondition for this role).

The successful candidate will work alongside a diverse and passionate board that includes an experienced employment lawyer.

Applications will be considered on a rolling basis until they close. 

About the Australian Youth Climate Coalition

AYCC is Australia’s largest youth-run organisation, our mission is to build a movement of young people leading solutions to the climate crisis. AYCC achieves this mission by educating, inspiring, and mobilising young people across the country. It is young people who will face the consequences of decisions made today and so AYCC’s vision is to deliver the short-term political impact and long-term cultural change needed for a safe climate future. AYCC’s work is grounded in values and principles of climate justice and building the power of those with the most at stake.

AYCC now has more than 100,000 supporters, a growing network of local groups across the country, and dozens of youth organisation partners. Since its founding in 2006, AYCC has become one of Australia’s most effective and efficient social change organisations.

AYCC gives voice to Australian youth on climate change issues. The AYCC leadership and members regularly meet with decision-makers including federal and state Ministers, MPs, and senior business leaders.

Our major projects and programs have included:

• Power Shift – Australia’s largest youth climate summit;
• Campaigns to leave fossil fuels in the ground – including #StopAdani and more recently work to stop shale gas fracking in the NT;
• Queensland Renewables campaign – working with unions and alliance partners to secure a $2 billion commitment for clean energy in the sunshine state;
• Youth Decide – the world’s first national youth vote on climate change ; and
• Switched on Schools – a national schools program of speakers, school conferences and mentoring.

The role of the AYCC Board

AYCC Directors are responsible for:

• Protecting the mission of the AYCC and supporting the organisation in building a generation-wide movement to solve the climate crisis;
• Ensuring long term strategy is in place, including developing, evaluating and refining the organisation’s strategic plan;
• Ensuring organisational oversight, including approval of major strategic and financial decisions;
• Ensuring the organisation remains compliant to regulatory bodies;
• Selecting, supporting and reviewing the performance of the National Director;
• Driving annual organisational review and risk review process;
• Ensuring the organisation uses its finances in a sustainable way; and
• Providing expert and strategic advice to the National Director as required.

Requirements of applicants

The successful candidate will be required to:

• Bring a strong commitment to the mission of the AYCC and the broader climate movement;
• Working closely with the National Director, lead the organisation’s governance and risk management processes, including chairing the Board’s Risk and Compliance Subcommittee and being available to manage legal and risk issues that arise on an ad-hoc basis;
• Be the AYCC’s Company Secretary and have oversight of reporting to regulators, including the ACNC;
• Attend approximately 6 board meetings per year (these are typically around 3 hours in length and occur online with occasional face to face meetings taking place in Melbourne when permitted) – each meeting requires roughly 2 hours of pre-reading/preparation;
• Attend one major annual AYCC event each year (e.g. Power Shift conference or fundraising event); and
• Appropriately manage any conflicts of interest.

We ask that all Board members commit to an availability of around 2-3 hours per fortnight for their Board duties.

Board Member Terms

Directors serve on the Board on a voluntary and unpaid basis. Applicants who can commit to serving a minimum of 3 years on the Board will be looked on favourably.

Candidates shortlisted for the role will be invited to attend an interview with a selection panel of current Board members.