• Opportunity to work at Partnerships for Local Action and Community Empowerment (PLACE), a national not-for-profit organisation that supports the adoption and impact of place-based approaches across Australia.
• Join at an exciting time, as the PLACE team builds its foundational team during its establishment phase, in preparation for its first steps of growth as a new organisation.
• $110,000 - $130,000 (FTE) per annum excluding superannuation.
• Full time (1.0) fixed-term position
• Flexible national location, with hybrid conditions - available in Adelaide, Brisbane, Canberra, Darwin, Hobart, Melbourne, Perth, Sydney or regional Australia.
• The successful candidate will undertake domestic travel regularly as part of this role.

The Governance Advisor and Facilitator will provide expert governance advice and support to PLACE’s Company Secretary and play a key role in the effective operation of the Community Council. This role ensures that PLACE’s governance frameworks meet regulatory requirements and support our ambition to be led by and accountable to the community.

As a trusted advisor, the Governance Advisor will strengthen PLACE’s governance processes, support the Board, and build the capacity of the Community Council to contribute effectively to PLACE’s strategic priorities.

Who you are (selection criteria):

• You hold relevant tertiary qualifications in law, governance, business administration, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
• You have extensive experience in governance advisory roles, preferably within not-for-profits, member-based organisations, or government bodies.
• You have a strong understanding of governance frameworks, regulatory compliance, and risk management in the Australian context.
• You can demonstrate proven facilitation skills, with experience engaging diverse stakeholders in collaborative decision-making processes.
• You can demonstrate an ability to build capacity and provide training in governance-related areas.
• You possess excellent interpersonal and relationship-building skills, with the ability to work with Board members, Community Council members, and staff.
• You have strong organisational and project management skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities effectively.
• You are comfortable in a start-up environment; you manage multiple competing priorities with a proactive and adaptable approach.
• You demonstrate a commitment to PLACE’s vision, values and principles, particularly around community leadership and shared decision-making.

Research indicates that while men apply to jobs when they meet an average of 60% of the criteria, women and other marginalised individuals often wait until they fulfil every requirement. If you believe you have the attributes to do the job but don't match every point on the job ad, we welcome and encourage your application.

Key responsibilities:

• Provide strategic advice and technical expertise to support the Company Secretary in meeting governance obligations and maintaining compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Develop, review, and refine governance frameworks, policies, and charters to ensure alignment with PLACE’s vision and values.
• Facilitate the effective operation of the Community Council, ensuring its members are equipped to contribute meaningfully to PLACE’s strategic priorities.
• Facilitate workshops, discussions, and decision-making processes for the Board, Community Council, and other governance bodies as required.
• Support PLACE’s governance setup during the start-up phase, including the development of foundational policies and processes.

Please see the Governance Advisor and Facilitator Job Description for more.

Establishment Phase Priorities:

• Support PLACE’s governance setup during the start-up phase, including the development of foundational policies and processes.
• Lead the establishment of the Community Council, including recruiting members, onboarding, and structuring its operational processes.
• Collaborate with PLACE’s leadership team to ensure governance systems and practices are aligned with the organisation’s start-up needs and growth trajectory.

Who we are:

Partnerships for Local Action and Community Empowerment (PLACE) is a not-for-profit organisation, committed to collaborative, community-driven approaches to create impactful and lasting change. By leading a national workforce strategy, we support community needs through place-based solutions.

It is our vision to enable communities and governments to jointly decide on matters that are most important to our lives. We lead national initiatives to develop workforce strategies, enhance place-based practices and improve data monitoring and evaluation.

At PLACE, we are dedicated to creating lasting change through understanding, action and empowered governance.

What we offer:

• True flexibility and a strong focus on agility in the workplace; we prioritise making flexible work arrangements possible for all employees.
• Access to Fringe Benefits Tax options, in addition to base salary and superannuation.
• A team of supportive and passionate people committed to maintaining a positive workplace culture and making an impact.
• 5 weeks of Annual Leave for every 12 months of employment.
• Two days volunteering leave for every 12 months of employment.
• A leadership team that truly wants you to flourish and make your mark on the organisation.
• A workplace that prioritises both diversity and inclusion, allowing everyone to bring their authentic selves to work in an environment that ensures psychological and physical safety.
• Hybrid work environment and flexible working arrangements (the opportunity to work where you live).
• Cultural and Ceremonial leave.
• A Learning and Development budget per employee, prioritising professional development for our employees.

How to apply:

To express your interest, submit an online application through this portal and include a professional resume. All applicants must also provide brief responses to the application questions that are included as part of the online application.

Note: we do not accept cover letters as part of our application process.

Applications will be reviewed upon receipt, so don’t delay your application.

If you require additional adjustments, or would like to discuss any access needs as a part of the application and recruitment process, then please contact us via email [email protected] using the subject line: Governance Advisor and Facilitator - PLACE - Flexible Location enquiry via EthicalJobs.

A position description is attached.

PLACE is an equal opportunity employer and strives to maintain a workplace environment that is fair and free of discrimination, is safe and accessible for all employees, and provides working arrangements that accommodate the diverse needs of our staff. We strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, women, people from culturally- and linguistically-diverse backgrounds, LGBTQIA+ people and people of every ethnicity, faith, ability, culture, language, gender identity, age, and sex.

Employment in this position is conditional upon reception and maintenance of a Working With Children Check.

As part of our employment screening process, we do run police checks. But don’t worry—having a criminal record doesn’t automatically disqualify you.