About Us :
Toora Women Inc.
supports women facing complex challenges and those who have experienced past or present trauma, including:
- Domestic, family, and sexual violence
- Mental health issues
- Drug or alcohol dependency
- Homelessness or needing support to stay out of the homelessness system
- Time in ACT Corrections
Our programs in domestic violence, homelessness, and alcohol and other drug (AOD) health treatment are delivered across a variety of settings: crisis, transitional and head tenancy accommodation, day programs, counselling, and outreach support.
This enables Toora to provide wrap-around, trauma-informed care within an integrated service system.
All our services are grounded in a human rights and gendered framework, and are based on a theoretical model of recovery, respect, and empowerment.
We encourage self-help, minimise the effects of institutionalisation, and seek to reduce the harms associated with dependencies.
You can make a real difference for women and gender diverse people in Canberra by sharing your expertise, perspective, and commitment at Board level.
Whether you’re a seasoned leader, passionate about developing your governance skills, or looking to contribute as a Board trainee or observer, your involvement strengthens our impact for those who need us most.
Let’s explore how we can work together for a safer, more inclusive community.
About You :
We are seeking current Board Directors to enhance our governance and bring expertise in:
- Clinical governance
- Industry experience
- Corporate law
- Finance and enterprise risk
- Fundraising
We also invite applications for Board Trainee and Board Observer roles for those wishing to learn and contribute.
Position Summary :
The Toora Board consists of up to ten Board Members including the Chief Executive Officer.
The Board Members work collaboratively with the CEO and other Board Members to create and implement a vision for the future of the organisation.
The Toora Board members take overall responsibility for the governance of the organisation and manage Toora’s affairs according to the Constitution and the Board Terms of Reference.
Office bearers, elected from the Board Members (in the Board meeting after the Annual General Meeting, AGM) are:
- Chair
- Deputy Chair
- Treasurer
- Secretary
Each Member of the Board holds office, subject to the Constitution, until the conclusion of the Annual General Meeting three years following the date of the Member’s election.
Board members are eligible for re-election.
Diversity & Inclusion
We strongly encourage applications from people with diverse backgrounds, particularly younger women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, culturally and linguistically diverse individuals, and those with lived experience, especially in gendered environments.
Application Process
If you’re ready to offer your leadership, insights, or a willingness to learn, and want to make a difference, we would love to hear from you.
Please contact us today to discuss current opportunities and how your skills can best support Toora’s mission.
Contact: Kellie Friend, CEO, **************************
Your expertise or enthusiasm can help open doors to safety, stability, and hope for women in our community.
Key Requirements :
All Board members require the following:
- A commitment to, and understanding of, the work of Toora Women and the organisation's purpose, vision and values and preferably experience working for a not-for profit organsiation.
- High levels of personal integrity, credibility, and a passion for improving the lives of women impacted by domestic violence, homelessness, drug and alcohol dependency in the Canberra region.
- Be a “suitable and responsible person”, as outlined by the ACNC
- Discharge the duties of responsible person, as outlined by the ACNC
- Understand WHS due diligence as an Officer of a PCBU
- Be available to attend Board Meetings and be available to review out of meeting information and requests for decisions
The whole Board requires skills in the areas below.
Individual Board Members are not expected to have detailed knowledge in all areas listed but in a selection of areas that complements other Board Members, ensuring the Board as a whole possess skills in all key knowledge areas:
- Governance/Regulatory Compliance, as it relates to non profit organisations
- Accounting/Finance,
- Legal compliance, as it relates to non profit organisations
- Senior management/governance
- Fundraising/sponsorships
- Government/government relations/advocacy
- Health/mental health/welfare/community/NFP
- Business management/administration/development
- Information/communication technology
- Project management/consulting
- Research
- Quality management/evaluation
- Operations/service delivery
.
Job Responsibility :
The Board oversees, controls and manages the affairs of Toora according to the Constitution and has the ultimate decision-making responsibility.
The Board has three overarching areas of responsibility:
1. strategic direction setting;
2. financial accountability; and
3. broad service delivery policy setting.
The functions of the Board are to:
- Provide effective leadership and collaborate with the CEO in articulating the organisation’s values, vision, mission and strategies, developing strategic (direction) plans and ordering strategic priorities and maintaining an organisation structure to support the achievement of agreed strategic objectives
- Monitor the performance of the CEO against agreed performance indicators
- Be advised of the business (action) plans and annual budget proposed by the CEO
- Monitor the achievement of the strategic and business plans and annual budget outcomes
- Contribute to Board committees, policies and procedures to facilitate the more effective discharge of the Board’s roles and responsibilities
- Ensure, through the Board committees and others as appropriate, compliance obligations and functions are effectively discharged
- Participate in the Board self-evaluation program and follow-up action to deal with issues arising.
- Be willing to attend courses, seminars and participate in development programs as the Board judges appropriate
- Ensure that all significant systems and procedures are in place for the organisation to run effectively, efficiently, and meet all legal and contractual requirements
- Ensure that all significant risks are adequately considered and accounted for by the executive management team.
- Ensure that organisation has appropriate corporate governance structures in place including standards of ethical behaviour and promoting a culture of corporate and social responsibility.
Each Board Member is expected to be actively involved in the Board’s undertaking of its functions.
The Board has no operational involvement in the conduct of the organisation’s business activities and delivery of services.
Its role is confined to strategic planning; policy identification, review and compliance; overseeing risk and its management; and oversight of the CEO’s performance.
Commitment
- Engage actively in Board meetings, held six times a year
- Engage actively in one of the Board Subcommittees
Job Functions :
Community development
Job Benefits :
What We Offer
- Board roles matched to your skills and interests
- Clear expectations, orientation, and ongoing support
- Structured learning for trainees
- Opportunities to observe before taking on formal responsibilities
Selling Point :
Get involved – lead, learn and shape the future with Toora
Contact :
Andrea McCarron-Benson
Required Skill Profession
Secretaries And Administrative Assistants
📌 Board Chair
🏢 Toora Women
📍 Canberra