Board Trainee
- Join the YWCA Australia Board as an observer for 12 months
- Volunteer opportunity for two young women/gender diverse people (age 18-30)
- Develop governance skills in a supportive, feminist environment
ABOUT YWCA AUSTRALIA
YWCA Australia is a feminist not-for-profit organisation focused on improving gender equality for women, young women and girls. Together we challenge the systems, structures and policies that act as barriers to women, especially young women, achieving their full potential.
For 140 years we have stood for gender equality in all communities, transforming the lives of individual women, young women and girls. Cheered on by a fiercely passionate and supportive team, we shout loud and proud and our voices echo around the world in a global feminist movement.
ABOUT THIS ROLE
The YWCA Australia Board Traineeship program offers two young women or gender diverse people (aged 18-30) the opportunity to join the board of YWCA Australia as an observer for a 12-month period, starting on 1 July 2025 and concluding on 30 June 2026. As a Trainee you will participate in discussions and governance activities, without the duties and responsibilities that apply to director positions. This is a great opportunity to develop practical and strategic governance skills in a professional, supportive and feminist environment.
This is a national role and applications are encouraged from all States and Territories, including rural, regional and remote areas.
This position is a learning opportunity for young people who want to explore what governance means and how to navigate it amongst a diverse group of directors. We actively encourage young women with diverse lived experiences to apply. YWCA welcomes applications from all backgrounds and identities, including those with an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander background, those who live with a disability, who are LGBTQIA+ or from a culturally and linguistically diverse background.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND BENEFITS
As a Board Trainee you will:
- Undertake a comprehensive induction process, and be paired with a ‘buddy’ on the YWCA Australia board to provide additional support and guidance.
- Prepare for and attend all YWCA Australia board meetings (both in-person, where circumstances permit, and online meetings) for the 12-month traineeship period. YWCA will cover the costs associated with attending meetings.
- Join one of the board sub-committees and attend all associated meetings.
- Receive a full scholarship to complete the ICDA Certified Community Director course. This course covers governance for directors, finance for directors and strategy & risk for directors.
- Undertake additional professional development opportunities alongside the Board.
- Enthusiastically represent YWCA Australia at events and meetings, sharing your traineeship experience with other young women and stakeholders.
- Work closely with the Company Secretary for the duration of the Traineeship, undertaking additional training and tasks where required.
- Any other responsibilities as agreed with the Company Secretary.
Time commitment:
- Attendance at approximately six board meetings per year. This includes:
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- Four meetings which are held virtually and are 2-3 hours in length
- A two-day meeting and strategy day held face-to-face in Sydney, which takes place in December, and
- A face-to-face meeting held in Sydney, which is 4-6 hours in length and generally takes place in June.
- Attendance at the Annual General Meeting in November 2025.
- Participation on a Board established Committee. Committees generally meet quarterly for approximately two hours and meetings are held virtually.
- Additional time to adequately prepare for all meetings throughout the year and meet with your buddy as required.
- Completion of a YWCA board induction process prior to commencing in the role (approximately 15-20 hours, some during working hours).
- Completion of the ICDA Certified Community Director course. This seven unit course is delivered online and can be completed at the Trainee’s pace.
EXPERIENCE, ATTITUDE AND ELIGIBILITY
About you
You will have a burgeoning interest in feminist leadership and governance, a keen desire to experience it firsthand and a fierce commitment to the YWCA vision and values. You will have an enthusiastic willingness to prepare for and engage with all trainings, special events and meetings (including the induction process and completion of the ICDA course).
Eligibility
In order to be considered for the Board Traineeship, the following eligibility criteria must be met:
- Be a young woman or gender diverse person aged 18-30 at time of appointment on 1 July 2025
- Candidates must not be a current staff member of YWCA Australia, YWCA Canberra or YWCA Hunter, or have been a staff member in the previous 12 months.
HOW TO APPLY
Your application will need to be submitted online and should consist of a resumé (or CV), and a cover letter that responds to the selection criteria. We suggest around 100-200 words for each question.
- Why do you think that feminist leadership and/or governance are important?
- How would your experiences help you to take on the trainee position? You might like to reflect on personal or professional experiences.
- How would you like to use the skills gained through this traineeship in your personal or professional life?
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Application process:
Please submit your resumé and responses to the selection criteria via this link
Applications close at on Sunday 4 May 2025.
Applications will be reviewed and those shortlisted will be invited to attend a virtual interview with the YWCA Nominations Committee.
Got questions? Want to know more about the Board Traineeship? Contact our Company Secretary at companysec@ywca.org.au
