Role Description & Opportunity

As Common Ground Project enters its sixth year, we are in a period of exciting growth and development as we embark upon the next phase of the organisation. We are seeking to recruit and appoint three qualified Non-Executive Board Directors to join our Board. In particular, we are looking to fill the following roles: Chair, Treasurer and General Director.

The organisation would particularly welcome applicants with experience in:

• Deep and broad networks in not-for-profits/philanthropy/social enterprises (particularly relating to food systems/farming and training and employment pathways for young people and Culturally and Linguistically Diverse communities).
• Marketing to improve awareness of the organisation for public and private opportunities (i.e. philanthropy, grants, public engagement).
• Financial Management including the ability to oversee grant funds, assess cash flow forecasts and analyse balance sheets for strategic benefit.
• Understanding of legal and governance requirements for a DGR-1 charity listed under the ACNC.

About Common Ground Project

Common Ground Project is a regenerative community farm and social enterprise located in Freshwater Creek, Victoria. We are on a mission to connect and empower those most vulnerable in the community so that we can support a fairer, more resilient food and farming system for everyone.

We do this via the following core strategic areas:

• Regenerative Farming - regenerating the land and growing nutrient-rich, organic produce;
• Education, Training and Employment Programs - supporting people facing disadvantage in the community via a range of paid and unpaid programs such as internships and placements, community workshops, volunteering and collaborations across the region;
• Food Hub – connecting the local community to our regenerative produce and producers from around the region, supporting new and emerging producers in our local food system;
• Cafe and Events – bringing people together in our farmhouse for impactful farm-table experiences.

Above all, Common Ground Project is centred on a belief that access and connection to land, food, meaningful work, culture and community underpins impactful social and ecological change. Learn more about Common Ground Project by visiting our website.

Key DIRECTOR Responsibilities

• Oversee the performance of Common Ground Project and all activities.
• Collaborate with fellow board members to set and execute strategic objectives, plan and policies for the organisation.
• Approve operating budgets and sources of funding.
• Keep abreast of and contribute to the overall ongoing financial viability of the organisation.
• Uphold the highest standards of governance, ethics and risk management, ensuring compliance with legislation and regulations.
• Provide valuable knowledge and insights to drive informed decision-making.
• Monitor and review the performance of the board and management.
• Monitor and review management processes to ensure the integrity of financial and other reporting.
• Commit the time required to fully exercise the duties required of the position (approximately 10 hours per month).
• Attend a minimum of 80% of all Board and Committee meetings (held online).

Key Selection Criteria

• Previous governance and Board Director experience.
• Skill set or background in one of the following areas: food systems/farming, social justice, refugee/CALD communities, law, finance, not-for-profit/philanthropy.
• Experience or understanding of social enterprises and the not-for-profit sector, in particular DGR-1 charities registered with the ACNC.
• Demonstrated ability using networks to advance the cause of an organisation, including an understanding of funding and partnerships required for growth.
• Visionary mindset with a focus on innovation and long-term sustainability.
• Passionate about creating inclusive and fair regenerative food and farming systems.
• Desire to contribute to a diversity of voices at the Board table.
• Strong intrapersonal skills, with the ability to provide constructive challenge and oversight, ask questions and persist in robust discussions.

Values & Culture

We are an inclusive team and value diversity in all its forms. Women, LGBTQIA+ folks, anyone who identifies as Indigenous or any other racialised groups and those from ethnically diverse communities are encouraged to apply.

Please address any questions to [email protected] using the subject line: Non-Executive Board Directors x3 (Voluntary) enquiry via EthicalJobs.

A position description is attached.