Non-Executive Director

CoAct is a national not-for-profit organisation and registered charity committed to helping Australians overcome barriers to employment and build brighter futures. Since 1997, we have supported more than 750,000 people into meaningful work through our network of community-based Service Partners operating across 300 locations nationwide. 

As a Public Benevolent Institution (PBI) and Company Limited by Guarantee, CoAct is committed to strong governance, ethical leadership, and delivering positive social impact. Our independent Board plays a critical role in guiding the organisation’s strategy, overseeing performance, and ensuring we continue to create lasting outcomes for individuals, families, and communities. 

We work alongside community-based not-for-profit organisations that share our purpose and commitment to improving lives. Any surplus generated is reinvested back into strengthening services and supporting the communities we serve. 

About the Opportunity 

We are seeking two experienced and values-driven Non-Executive Director to join the CoAct Board. 

This is an opportunity to contribute your skills, expertise, and perspective to an organisation that is making a real difference across Australia. As a member of the Board, you will help guide CoAct’s strategic direction, support effective governance, and ensure the organisation remains sustainable, accountable, and focused on delivering positive outcomes for the people and communities we serve.

While applications are welcomed from across Australia, preference will be given to candidates based in Brisbane, Melbourne or Sydney to support participation in Board activities and stakeholder engagement opportunities.

We are particularly interested in candidates who can bring diverse perspectives and experiences that reflect the inclusive communities supported by CoAct. 

Key Responsibilities 

As a Director, you will: 

• Contribute to the strategic direction and long-term success of CoAct. 
• Understand and uphold the legal, fiduciary, constitutional, and ethical responsibilities of a Director. 
• Prepare for and actively participate in Board and Committee meetings. 
• Provide independent judgement, constructive challenge, and informed decision-making. 
• Monitor organisational performance, risk, financial sustainability, and compliance obligations. 
• Hold management accountable while fostering a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement. 
• Contribute to discussions regarding organisational performance, financial results, and future opportunities. 

Board Directors are expected to commit approximately 15-20 days per year to CoAct business, including meeting preparation and attendance at Board and Committee activities. 

This commitment includes:

• Three major Board meetings each year (April, August and November), conducted either in person or via videoconference, with meetings typically lasting 4-5 hours plus preparation time. 
• Three shorter Board meetings held in February, June and October. 
• Attendance at an annual Strategy Planning Day. 
• Attendance at up to two CoAct member and stakeholder events each year, such as the Annual General Meeting, leadership forums, or the CoAct Conference. 

Board meetings are generally held in Brisbane, while event locations may vary across Australia. 

Skills and Experience 

We are seeking directors who can bring expertise in one or more of the following areas identified as strategic priorities for CoAct’s future growth and governance: 

Essential Requirements:  

Applicants must demonstrate: 

• Current GAICD designation, successful completion of the AICD Company Directors Course (CDC), or an equivalent governance qualification. 
• Significant experience as a Director of a complex organisation with multiple stakeholders. 
• Demonstrated governance expertise, including strategic oversight, risk management and accountability.  

Highly desirable experience in: 

• Employment services, including workforce participation, employment programs, and government-funded service delivery. 
• NDIS, disability services, or disability sector governance. 
• Allied health services, clinical governance, or service delivery models. 
• Business leadership, including strategy, consulting, marketing, communications, organisational growth, or commercial management. 
• Education sector governance, particularly experience relating to Non-State Schools Accreditation Board (NSSAB) requirements and compliance. 

In addition, ideal candidates will demonstrate: 

• Strong governance capability, including risk management, compliance, accountability, and strategic oversight. 
• Experience operating at a senior leadership, executive, or board level. 
• The ability to contribute independent judgement and constructive challenge. 
• A commitment to understanding and improving outcomes for people experiencing disadvantage, disability, or barriers to employment. 
• An ability to leverage technology, innovation, and data to improve organisational outcomes. 
• Strong financial literacy and the ability to interpret financial reports, budgets, forecasts, and organisational performance metrics.  
• Exceptional stakeholder engagement, communication, and relationship-building skills.  
• Integrity, sound judgement, and accountability. 

Professional Development 

CoAct is committed to governance excellence. Directors are expected to maintain and enhance their governance knowledge and skills through ongoing professional development. 

Why Join CoAct? 

CoAct recognises the expertise, experience and commitment that independent Directors bring to the organisation and provides remuneration in line with relevant governance and not-for-profit sector benchmarks. 

In addition: 

• Travel and accommodation arrangements for approved Board and Committee activities are coordinated and funded by CoAct. 
• Directors are entitled to reimbursement of approved incidental expenses in accordance with CoAct’s Director Travel and Reimbursement Guidelines. 
• Access to salary packaging benefits where applicable.  
• Access to corporate health insurance discounts through CoAct’s provider arrangements. 

Apply Now 

If you are passionate about governance, social impact, and helping shape the future of a purpose-driven organisation, we would love to hear from you. 

To apply, please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your interest in the role and the skills and experience you would bring to the CoAct Board. 

CoAct is committed to diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunity. We strongly encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disability, and individuals with diverse lived experiences. 

For further information, please contact recruitment@coact.org.au. 

Successful applicants will be required to complete relevant screening and probity checks.