Cultivating Community is a not-for-profit organisation committed to creating fair and resilient food systems and fostering social connection through food. The Board of Directors plays a crucial role in the governance and strategic direction of the organisation.

We are currently seeking a new Treasurer to join our Board. With commitment to our mission, relevant experience and skillset, and a willingness to dedicate time and effort to the Board and organisation.

Background

Cultivating Community is an accredited social enterprise and non-profit organisation. With more than 25 years’ experience we manage Public Housing community gardens in Metro Melbourne for the State Government. We also offer a variety of fee for service activities that are related to food systems including cooking, baking, gardening and food waste management. We deliver community based and co-designed cooking clubs, meal services and food literacy projects.

We have two social enterprise models: Hortus is a WISE (work integrated social enterprise) organisation that offers food based and other garden design, build and maintenance services including pathways for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Community and High-Rise Community Bakery creates culturally appropriate and ethical breads from our community-based ovens and locations.

We have a variety of collaborative gardens and rooftop farm where we produce fresh, culturally appropriate foods to supply our partners and our community programs. Our target beneficiaries are communities living or active within Public Housing localities and CALD groups both in Metro and Regional Victoria.

Please read more at Cultivating Community’s website here: https://www.cultivatingcommunity.org.au/

Board Composition

• The Board is currently comprised of eight (8) Directors, and must have at least four (4) Directors.
• Directors are appointed for an initial two-year term, with the opportunity for reappointment for a maximum of five terms (i.e, 10 years)
• There are two sub-committees, Governance, and Risk & Audit, and Directors are expected to participate in at least one as part of their role.
• Sub-committees meet at least 3 times per year, typically 4-5 times per year.

Skills & Attributes

We are seeking candidates who have strong skillset in finance, accounting and governance, with board and committee experience and demonstrated experience with risk management.

The desired skills and attributes of the candidate include:

• Commitment to Cultivating Community values.
• Strong accounting and finance experience (CPA qualifications).
• Board governance experience.
• Demonstrated understanding of risk management and the regulatory environment in which Cultivating Community operates.
• Experience and understanding of working with vulnerable and/or disadvantage groups as represented by the current Cultivating Community consumer population.
• Demonstrated ability to think strategically and contribute to the development and implementation of organisational strategic plan.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills. Ability to articulate ideas clearly and listen actively to others.
• Demonstrated leadership skills and the ability to contribute positively to the Board's culture and effectiveness.
• A commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion both within the Board and the organisation.
• A passion for making a difference and contributing to the organisation's mission and goals.
• Willingness to commit at least 5-10 hours per month to Board duties and activities.

Board Duties & Responsibilities

• Board meetings are generally held five times per year (with 2-3 informal sessions in addition) usually commencing at 6pm on a Wednesday, with the hybrid option of in-person or via Teams.
• Directors can expect to commit at least 5-10 hours per month.
• Treasurer is also responsible for monthly review of the accounts and manages the annual audit process with external auditors.

Please direct any questions to Board Chair Jane Hadjion at: [email protected] using the subject line: Treasurer, Board Director (Voluntary) enquiry via EthicalJobs.