Do you want to be part of a feminist organisation that is dedicated to making a future where gender equality is a reality? YWCA Australia is seeking two Board Trainees to join the organisation from 1 July 2026 through to 30 June 2027. About YWCA Australia For over 140 years we have been working at the forefront of gender equality through our housing, community programs and advocacy. Our purpose is making young women’s leadership and women’s housing our priority for gender equity in Australia. Learn more about us here.  About our Board Traineeship Program The YWCA Australia Board Traineeship Program offers two young women or young 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 2026 and concluding on 30 June 2027.  As a Board Trainee you will participate in discussions and governance activities, without the duties and responsibilities that apply to Director positions. This is a fantastic opportunity to develop practical and strategic governance skills in a professional, supportive and feminist environment.   These are national opportunities, and YWCA encourages applications from all States and Territories, including rural, regional and remote areas.  This is a volunteer role, and YWCA will cover the costs of travel to in-person meetings. 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 and gender diverse people with diverse lived experiences to apply.  YWCA is an intersectional feminist organisation, committed to building a diverse and inclusive organisation. We welcome applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, LGBTQIA+ communities, people with disability, and individuals from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. 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 training, special events and meetings (including the induction process and completion of the Institute of Community Directors Australia (ICDA) course).   There is no one educational or professional background required for this role. What does matter is your ability to explain your interest in the role.   Eligibility To be eligible, you must meet the following criteria: You’re a young woman or gender diverse person aged 18-30 at time of appointment on 1 July 2026 You are not currently employed by YWCA Australia, YWCA Canberra, or YWCA Hunter, and have not been a team member in the last 12 months. To broaden participation opportunities, current YWCA Australia, YWCA Canberra, or YWCA Hunter Board members, and current members of the Young Women’s Council, are not eligible to apply. If This Opportunity Speaks to You, Apply  Research shows that men often apply for roles when they meet only 60% of the criteria, while women tend to apply only if they meet 100%. If you believe you can bring your passion and grow in this role, we encourage you to apply. We welcome candidates with a wide range of experiences – formal, informal, professional, and lived. Use of AI in Applications We understand that many people use AI tools when preparing their applications. If you choose to do this, please make sure your application still reflects you - your interests, your strengths, and what you hope to bring and learn in this opportunity. We want to learn about your voice, your motivation, and your uniqueness for this opportunity. Ready to have an impactful experience? We want to hear from you! Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining why you are the ideal candidate for this role. In your cover letter, please respond to the following questions in 100–200 words each: Why do you think that feminist leadership and/or governance is important?  How would your experiences help you to take on this opportunity? 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?  Applications close at 11pm AEDT on Monday, 30 March 2026. Questions? Have questions? Want to know more about the Board Traineeship? Contact Hannah Murray, our Company Secretary at companysec@ywca.org.au.  In partnership with the Institute of Community Directors Australia YWCA is partnering with the Institute of Community Directors Australia (ICDA) to offer scholarship places in the Certified Community Director course. ICDA provides practical governance training for community sector boards and leaders, and together we are committed to empowering young women through development, mentoring, and real governance experience. Please connect with us at any time during the selection process if you require assistance to fully participate. Board Traineeship Position Description

YWCA Board Trainee

  • Two 12-month Board Traineeship opportunities available
  • Join a national, purpose-driven feminist organisation
  • Gain valuable, meaningful experience to broaden your leadership

Do you want to be part of a feminist organisation that is dedicated to making a future where gender equality is a reality? YWCA Australia is seeking two Board Trainees to join the organisation from 1 July 2026 through to 30 June 2027. 

About YWCA Australia 

For over 140 years we have been working at the forefront of gender equality through our housing, community programs and advocacy. Our purpose is making young women’s leadership and women’s housing our priority for gender equity in Australia. Learn more about us here.  

About our Board Traineeship Program 

The YWCA Australia Board Traineeship Program offers two young women or young 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 2026 and concluding on 30 June 2027.  

As a Board Trainee you will participate in discussions and governance activities, without the duties and responsibilities that apply to Director positions. This is a fantastic opportunity to develop practical and strategic governance skills in a professional, supportive and feminist environment.   

These are national opportunities, and YWCA encourages applications from all States and Territories, including rural, regional and remote areas.  

This is a volunteer role, and YWCA will cover the costs of travel to in-person meetings. 

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 and gender diverse people with diverse lived experiences to apply.  

YWCA is an intersectional feminist organisation, committed to building a diverse and inclusive organisation. We welcome applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, LGBTQIA+ communities, people with disability, and individuals from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. 

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 training, special events and meetings (including the induction process and completion of the Institute of Community Directors Australia (ICDA) course).   

There is no one educational or professional background required for this role. What does matter is your ability to explain your interest in the role.   

Eligibility 

To be eligible, you must meet the following criteria: 

  • You’re a young woman or gender diverse person aged 18-30 at time of appointment on 1 July 2026 

  • You are not currently employed by YWCA Australia, YWCA Canberra, or YWCA Hunter, and have not been a team member in the last 12 months. 

  • To broaden participation opportunities, current YWCA Australia, YWCA Canberra, or YWCA Hunter Board members, and current members of the Young Women’s Council, are not eligible to apply. 

If This Opportunity Speaks to You, Apply  

Research shows that men often apply for roles when they meet only 60% of the criteria, while women tend to apply only if they meet 100%. If you believe you can bring your passion and grow in this role, we encourage you to apply. We welcome candidates with a wide range of experiences – formal, informal, professional, and lived. 

Use of AI in Applications 

We understand that many people use AI tools when preparing their applications. If you choose to do this, please make sure your application still reflects you - your interests, your strengths, and what you hope to bring and learn in this opportunity. We want to learn about your voice, your motivation, and your uniqueness for this opportunity. 

Ready to have an impactful experience? 

We want to hear from you! Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining why you are the ideal candidate for this role. 

In your cover letter, please respond to the following questions in 100–200 words each: 

  • Why do you think that feminist leadership and/or governance is important?  

  • How would your experiences help you to take on this opportunity? 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? 

 Applications close at 11pm AEDT on Monday, 30 March 2026. 

Questions? 

Have questions? Want to know more about the Board Traineeship? Contact Hannah Murray, our Company Secretary at companysec@ywca.org.au.  

In partnership with the Institute of Community Directors Australia 

YWCA is partnering with the Institute of Community Directors Australia (ICDA) to offer scholarship places in the Certified Community Director course. ICDA provides practical governance training for community sector boards and leaders, and together we are committed to empowering young women through development, mentoring, and real governance experience. 

Please connect with us at any time during the selection process if you require assistance to fully participate.