• Position Title: Board Director
• Organisation: River Nile Learning Centre (RNLC) (ABN: 13 616 662 134)
• Location: Melbourne, Australia
• Term: Renewed annually, no term limits
• Time Commitment: Approximately 5-10 hours per month, including board meetings, committee meetings, and event attendance.

About RNLC:

The River Nile Learning Centre (RNLC) was founded in 2006 to support the African refugee community. It has evolved over the years and was re-established under a new entity in 2017 following the formation of the River Nile School (RNS). RNLC (independent of RNS) is committed to providing free, welcoming, holistic educational and wellbeing programs to women from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) backgrounds.

RNLC provides a free and safe learning space with holistic support to women from refugee, asylum seeker, and CALD backgrounds to build capacity and thrive in the community. RNLC provides education programs and services to women, whose age, visa or personal circumstances limit them from being enrolled in government funded programs. RNLC classes are non-accredited, and the curriculum is guided by student needs and interests, building English language, literacy, numeracy, and digital skills. RNLC aims to enable its students to thrive in the community, and in time move into paid work or further education.

All students who attend RNLC have English as an Additional Language (EAL) classes, so developing student levels of language, literacy and numeracy is at the core of its programs. Its students are refugee and asylum seeker women who may have had disrupted schooling, are newly arrived to Australia, or find a flexible learning environment most suitable to their learning.

RNLC adopts a holistic model for supporting the unique educational and support needs of each student, so developing strong student-teacher relationships is essential. As its students come from backgrounds where they may have experienced significant trauma and torture, we adopt a trauma-informed approach to our teaching.

RNLC has a dedicated social worker to assist students with finance, housing and legal issues, as well as providing mykis, staple food items and material aid. Many of the students are young mothers and so childcare assistance is provided. This support removes barriers to student attendance and allows them to focus and engage in their studies. All RNLC programs and services are provided free of charge.

Position Summary:

RNLC is seeking dedicated individuals to join its Board of Directors and contribute to the mission of empowering women from diverse backgrounds to thrive. Board Directors play a crucial role in providing guidance and oversight, ensuring the organisation's sustainability, and ensuring the best support for the women it serves. We are particularly interested in individuals who are passionate about supporting others and can bring valuable insights from their professional or community involvement.

Key Responsibilities:

• Strategic Implementation:
  • Contribute to the effective implementation of RNLC's current strategic plan.
  • Offer knowledge and experience to guide the organisation's activities.
  • Assist in the development and review of organisational policies.
• Organisational Oversight:
  • Contribute to sound financial management and ensure accountability.
  • Participate in board meetings and actively engage in board activities.
  • Work collaboratively with fellow board members and the RNLC team of staff and volunteers.
• Community Connection and Advocacy:
  • Represent RNLC within the broader community and build positive relationships.
  • Support the organisation's efforts to raise awareness and advocate for the needs of the women we serve.
  • Participate in community engagement activities.

Selection Criteria:

• Demonstrated commitment to RNLC's mission, vision, and values.
• Relevant experience and skills in one or more of the areas with the required Board Skills Matrix at Appendix 1, noting priority areas.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• A collaborative and team-oriented approach.
• Commitment to ethical conduct, integrity, and confidentiality.

Desirable Attributes:

• A strong interest in supporting women's empowerment.
• Connections within the Melbourne community.
• A willingness to learn and contribute to a board environment.
• Potential to assist with fundraising activities

To Apply:

Click 'Apply Now' to submit a resume and a cover letter outlining your relevant experience, skills, and your interest in joining the RNLC Board of Directors directly through EthicalJobs.

Contact: For inquiries, please contact Richard Brown at [email protected] using the subject line: Board Director enquiry via EthicalJobs or 0439 322 634. 

A position description is attached.

Appendix 1. Required Board Skills and Priority for Recruitment – 2025

High Priority for Recruitment in 2025

• Community Engagement & Partnerships: Community outreach, stakeholder relations (government, community organisations, other service providers), partnerships development, advocacy
• Cultural Competency & Diversity: Deep understanding of diverse cultures, intercultural communication, culturally responsive service delivery, lived experience with diverse cultures
• Fundraising & Development: Grant writing, donor relations (individual, corporate, philanthropic), fundraising campaigns (online/offline), community outreach, major gifts
• Legal & Compliance: Understanding of legal issues relevant to non-profits (employment law, contract law, privacy, ACNC compliance)
• Program Development & Evaluation: Curriculum development, educational program design, needs assessment, program evaluation, impact measurement related to language and life skills training
• Refugee & Asylum Seeker Expertise: Knowledge of refugee and asylum seeker issues, relevant policies and regulations (including visa processes and settlement support), lived experience as a refugee or asylum seeker

Medium Priority for Recruitment in 2025

• Financial Management: Financial reporting, budgeting, financial controls and audit oversight
• Marketing & Communications: Branding, public relations, digital marketing (social media, website), storytelling, media relations, advocacy communications

Low Priority for Recruitment in 2025

• Governance & Strategy: Board governance best practices, strategic planning, organisational development, policy development, legal compliance (incorporating risk management)
• Human Resources: HR policies, recruitment (cross-cultural recruitment), performance management, staff development, volunteer management
• Technology & Innovation: Technology adoption (program delivery, administration), digital literacy training, innovation in service delivery