Yarra Energy Foundation
* Create a cleaner energy future
* Engage business and residential communities to be part of the solution
* Unlock innovation at scale addressing complex climate challenges
The Yarra Energy Foundation is seeking expressions of interest for up to three unpaid non-executive directors to join its established and experienced Board.
Yarra Energy Foundation (YEF) is a for-purpose not-for-profit organisation with big ambitions.
Our Vision: Cleaner energy to address a changing climate.
Our Mission: Accelerate the transition to cleaner energy.
YEF has established a leading position in energy innovation, including launching Victoria's first inner urban community battery. We play a unique and trusted role bringing together private and public partnerships to deliver better energy within our communities. There is high demand for our services as we expand our work in renewables, energy storage, and residential electrification.
YEF is growing, with new demand for its specialist services in addressing the climate challenge – combining technical skills in concert with industry and community partnerships. This presents opportunities and challenges in revenue diversification, as the organisation repositions itself strategically within the energy, environment and not-for-profit ecosystem.
Given the innovations and services we are now delivering, we require expert skills from the energy sector, combined with engagement or partnership skills, and people and culture skills to help YEF go from strength to strength.
Skills and experience
Across the positions being recruited for, the following skills are required:
In particular:
* Engagement, partnerships, communication and marketing
* People and Culture, Human Resources
Other desirable
* Legal in fiduciary governance - compliance with laws and regulations, conflicts of interest, contracts, duties of care, risk and ethical standards
* Finance and accounting – accounting compliance, solvency, cashflow
* Income diversification – commercial savvy in a not-for-profit context
* Technology and digital – digital product and channels
* Compliance with the requirements of Directors as described in the Corporations Act and the Australian Charities and Not-for-Profit Commission Act
* Public and private stakeholder networks which can be activated to support YEF's mission and strategy: channel partners, delivery partners and funding partners
* AICD or equivalent company directors' qualification
* Corporate governance – experience working with Boards or as a Board member
* Environmental sustainability and climate change
* Funding, investment, and philanthropy – ability to attract funding or investors to the foundation
* An industry working knowledge of the Australian electricity sector in the context of clean energy and energy efficiency initiatives
Board members will be expected to contribute some time to YEF outside of board meetings, participate in one of the Board Committees (currently there is an Audit Risk & Finance Committee and a Brand & Partnership Committee) and attend board meetings during the year.
The role of Directors is "hands on" given that YEF is a small not-for-profit organisation. The Board and each Committee of the Board meet every 2 months. Most Board meetings are held virtually.
For those intrinsically motivated by making a difference, these leadership roles present a unique opportunity to create a positive legacy for future generations.
Yarra Energy Foundation Overview
YEF exists to connect people to better energy. We do it by bringing government, industry and community together to deliver innovative solutions for energy emissions reductions. Established by the Yarra City Council in 2010, YEF is now an independent organisation. The organisation is governed by an independent and highly experienced Board of Directors.
To achieve its mission, the Foundation's strategic objectives are:
* Pursuing innovative projects that have transformational potential to reduce carbon emissions at the speed and scale demanded by the climate emergency
* Being known as a trusted advisor and successful innovator of energy solutions among residents, businesses, stakeholder and governments
* Maintaining financial autonomy through a diversity of funding streams, a supportive and positive work culture and the attraction of top talent.
We look forward to welcoming you to the team to help the Foundation navigate future strategic, operational and cultural shifts while transitioning communities to net zero energy emissions.
To apply, please submit a 'no more than one page' expression of interest and a summary CV, to the prior to the end of February 2026.