WIRE is the only Victoria-wide free generalist information, support and referral service for any woman, trans, non-binary or gender diverse person. WIRE builds community gender equity capacity through research, advocacy, resource development, training and consultancy. For further information about WIRE, including programs, our strategic plan and annual reports, see: www.wire.org.au.

In 2024, WIRE is celebrating 40 years of operation. Our strategic plan (2022-2025) ensures the continuation of services delivery and advocacy to achieve the vision of a just and inclusive society where all people can thrive.

We believe gender equity is possible. We have the power and opportunity to change the current systems and make them gender equitable. A core focus for WIRE is economic security for all.

Job description

WIRE is seeking applications for a Non-Executive Board Director with qualifications (CPA or CA) and expertise in accountancy and financial management, to step into the role of Treasurer. WIRE also has a Deputy Treasurer qualified as a practising CPA, who supports the Treasurer and management team.

Our Principles

WIRE’s principles underpin how we work as a team, the partnerships we form, and the way we research, design and deliver our programs. Our principles are:

• Human rights and social justice
• Courage and leadership
• Intersectional feminism
• Person-centred and responsive
• Evidence and improvement
• Sustainable and interdependent change
• Transparent and accountable
• Respectful collaboration and co-design
• Curiosity and growth

About the Board

Our Board is collaborative and dynamic, with a strong, collective understanding of the strategic direction of WIRE. Board members have a range of skills, experiences, and knowledge, supporting informed decision making. There are ten Board members, including the vacant Treasurer position.

The role of the Board is to ensure that WIRE carries out its vision and achieves its strategic objectives practically, sustainably, ethically and in accordance with its constitution, relevant laws, regulations, and good governance practice.

The Board meets approximately six times per year, with meetings held outside business hours with a flexible mix of face-to-face and online. Board roles are voluntary positions with expenses reimbursed.

The Board and its committees’ responsibilities include:

• Setting the strategic direction and monitoring the overall performance outcomes and workplace culture
• Overseeing financial statements (balance sheets and P&L), annual audits, as well as asset and risk management
• Appointing and monitoring the performance of the CEO
• Endorsing the annual report
• Operating in accordance with the financial, social and ethical objectives
• Ensuring that WIRE’s internal and external practices including advocacy and campaigns are aligned with intersectional feminist priorities and objectives as set out in WIRE’s strategic plan
• Identifying and advising on sector trends, risks and opportunities
• Contribute to the preparation of Board papers and presentations, as required
• Participating in relevant sub-committees and working groups

About the role

The Treasurer is a voluntary Board position that leads the financial governance of WIRE optimising its performance, and ensuring compliance with financial, legal, and regulatory requirements.

WIRE is seeking an individual with essential qualifications, skills and expertise in accountancy and/or financial management. Previous experience in a similar role on a not-for-profit board is desirable but not essential.

This role will Chair the Finance, Audit and Risk Committee (FAR).

WIRE’s day-to-day financial management is undertaken by a contracted agency that specialise in financial services for Not-for-Profit organisations. Monthly reports are provided to WIRE and overseen by the Manager, Operations.

The FAR offers guidance to the CEO in ensuring good fiscal planning and provides advice and recommendations to the Board to facilitate decision making for strategic financial and risk priorities.

All WIRE Directors must have a demonstrated interest in the outcomes of WIRE's work for women and gender diverse people.

All women and gender diverse people with skills and/or lived experience relevant to the role, who can demonstrate a passion for WIRE’s work, are encouraged to apply.

Board members are elected for an initial period of three years and can be co-opted onto the Board between Annual General Meetings.

Conditions of engagement

Applicants will meet the criteria laid out above and:

• Maintain membership of WIRE throughout your tenure
• Undergo a national Police Check and Working with Children Check
• Demonstrate an understanding of ACNC governance standards and be willing to undertake governance professional development, if not already qualified
• Provide confidence and clarity to the WIRE Board and Management about effective financial risk management
• Demonstrate experience in managing financial performance of a community and member- based organisation
• Enter into a confidentiality agreement
• Adhere to relevant codes of conduct and policies

For more information

For more information or to discuss the role please contact either Red Dearnley (they/them), Acting Chair on [email protected] 0411 772 949 - or Ching Gee (she/her), Deputy Treasurer on [email protected] using the subject line: Treasurer Non-Exec Director (Voluntary Position) enquiry via EthicalJobs or 0477 555 939.

To apply

Please click "Apply Now" and submit a two-page CV, along with a one-page cover letter outlining your suitability for this role.

WIRE welcomes applications from women, nonbinary and gender-diverse people, especially from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island communities, and people who are multilingual, are from culturally diverse communities, have disabilities, are neurodivergent or who identify as part of the LGBTIQA+ community.

WIRE acknowledges the skills and knowledge acquired through lived experience. This could include experiences of marginalisation and family violence. We welcome applications from people who could utilise those skills and knowledge on WIRE’s board.

We actively seek to remove barriers that prevent people from applying for roles. This includes but is not limited to providing flexibility in the application process and communicating interview questions/discussion points in advance. If there are any adjustments, we can make to assist you in applying, please contact Cass Read-Hamilton at [email protected]. We will do our best to accommodate all requested modifications.

A position description is attached.