The Justin Nix Future Leaders Program aims to inspire and empower rising young leaders across Australia.

Founded in 2024, in honour of Justin Nix – a passionate, generous and respected leader in the disability sector – the program is designed to support the development of the next generation of leaders living with a disability.

One scholarship will be awarded as part of this program which includes:

• The opportunity to serve on the SDA Alliance Board for 12 months (or up to two years maximum). This includes attending all board meetings as a non-voting member and learning about the principles and functions of not-for-profit boards, the roles of board members, and other governance priorities.
• The cost of travel and accommodation to attend board meetings and related SDA Alliance events
• Complimentary training through the Australian Institute of Company Directors: the opportunity to select one of three courses to complete: Company Directors Course, Foundations of Directorship or Governance Foundations for Not-for-Profit Directors.
• Leadership mentoring by the SDA Alliance CEO: four sessions that will offer valuable guidance, advice, and insights from an experienced leader.

The program provides aspiring leaders with the following:

• A rewarding program that aims to empower emerging leaders to serve confidently on a board and strengthen their leadership capacities.
• Professional training for directors delivered by the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
• Access to experienced Board directors from both the corporate and not-for-profit sectors.
• A professional development opportunity that combines education, mentorship and networking with recognised leaders across the sector.

We are looking for passionate, curious, talented young people from a diversity of backgrounds with a strong desire to learn and contribute to the not-for-profit sector. Attributes such as emotional intelligence, teamwork, and compassion are just as important as skills and experience. The ability to contribute to board discussions when invited to do so is important.

Eligibility

To be eligible for the program, applicants must:

• Identify as a person with disability or person with lived experience of disability
• Be aged between 25-40 years on the application closing date
• Be available to attend all or a majority of board meetings (both in-person and on-line) and be committed to completing selected training through the Australian Institute of Company Directors
• Be either an Australian citizen or permanent resident

The SDA Alliance is proudly an equal opportunity employer committed to workplace equity. We strongly encourage applications from candidates with a diverse range of backgrounds including people from culturally diverse backgrounds, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, women and LGBTQI+ people.

Selection Criteria

• A passion for learning
• A strong desire to contribute meaningfully to a not-for-profit board and build relationships based on trust, collaboration and respect
• Committed to value-based leadership and making an impact in the community
• Agreement to publish your involvement in the program

Please click Apply Now to submit your application.

If you require reasonable adjustments to be made during the recruitment and interview process, please email us at: [email protected], using the subject line: NFP Board Observership - Justin Nix Future Leaders Program enquiry via EthicalJobs.