The Blue Mountains World Heritage Institute (BMWHI) is a dynamic NFP working to protect one of Australia's most iconic and most visited natural landscapes. The Institute delivers impact by driving collaboration and evidence-based solutions at a landscape scale. At the local level we work with First Nations custodians, land managers, community, visitors, tourism providers, conservationists, and federal, state and local government to support practical and impactful conservation efforts.
As we look ambitiously to our next phase of growth, we are seeking a Director and a Chair to join our Board and contribute their skills and perspectives to our future priorities and direction.
POSITION DESCRIPTION
The Institute is seeking to appoint a new Board Director to contribute to the governance, strategic leadership and long‑term sustainability of the Institute. This is a voluntary, non‑remunerated position.
ROLE PURPOSE
Act in the best interests of the Institute, consistent with its purpose, constitution and legal obligations.
Contribute to the Board's strategic planning, policy development and decision‑making.
Provide oversight of organisational performance, including financial management, risk and compliance.
Support and constructively challenge the CEO, providing guidance and mentorship where appropriate.
Volunteer to serve on Board committees (e.g. Finance & Governance; Research & Programs; Business Development & Innovation).
Act as an ambassador for BMWHI, supporting relationships with funders, partners, government and the community.
Participate in Board evaluation and continuous improvement processes.
Fiduciary Obligations:
Prepare for and actively participate in Board and committee meetings.
Maintain confidentiality and manage conflicts of interest.
Comply with the duties of directors under the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth), Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission Act 2012 (Cth) and other relevant legislation.
Uphold the Institute's values and code of conduct.
PRIORITY CAPABILITY AREAS
1) Environmental Science or Conservation:
Expertise in environmental science, conservation, ecology, climate or related fields.
Understanding of protected area management, biodiversity conservation or landscape-scale stewardship.
Ability to support the Institute's role as an evidence-based, research-led organisation.
2) First Nations Governance & Leadership
Strong connections to First Nations communities, organisations or governance structures.
Experience in First Nations-led governance, cultural stewardship, or partnership models.
Ability to support the Institute's commitment to respectful collaboration, shared decision-making and recognition of Country and custodianship.
3) Philanthropy, Fundraising, Business Development, Innovation, Partnerships
Experience in philanthropy, grant-making, major gifts, corporate partnerships or social impact investment.
Networks that can support the Institute's funding diversification, innovation and long-term sustainability.
Strategic insight into building values-aligned partnerships.
4) Finance, Audit & Risk
Senior-level experience in finance, accounting, audit or investment.
Ability to contribute to oversight of financial sustainability, reserves, and risk management.
Experience supporting purpose-driven organisations through growth or transition phases.
5) Legal
Senior experience in legal practice, governance, regulatory or policy environments.
Understanding of legal and fiduciary duties relevant to not-for-profit organisations.
Ability to contribute to oversight of compliance, risk and governance frameworks.
ADDITIONAL SKILLS & ATTRIBUTES
The Institute also welcomes Directors who bring:
Governance experience in not-for-profit, public sector or purpose-driven organisations.
Expertise in areas such as policy, government relations, communications or advocacy.
Strategic thinking with the ability to engage with complex, long-term issues.
Sound judgement, integrity and a collaborative, collegiate approach.
A genuine commitment to protecting the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area and advancing evidence-based decision-making.
Prior board experience is desirable but not essential.
DIVERSITY & INCLUSION
BMWHI is committed to building a Board that reflects the diversity of the communities connected to the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area. We strongly encourage applications from First Nations people, people with lived experience of the region, women and individuals from diverse professional and cultural backgrounds.
TIME COMMITTMENT
Four Board meetings per year (mix of in‑person and virtual).
Annual strategy review and planning
Committee meetings as required, each committee meets four times per year
Additional time to progress strategic initiatives
Occasional strategic sessions, events or stakeholder engagements.
TERM OF APPOINTMENT
Directors are appointed for an initial term of three years and may be eligible for reappointment, subject to the Constitution and Board policy.
WHAT THE INSTITUTE OFFERS
The opportunity to contribute to the protection and stewardship of a globally significant World Heritage Area.
Engagement with leading experts across science, policy, conservation and governance.
A collegial, purpose‑driven Board and leadership team.
The chance to shape the future direction and impact of a respected, independent institute.
ABOUT THE INSTITUTE
We acknowledge and pay respect to the Dharug, Gundungurra, Wanaruah, Wiradjuri, Darkinjung and Tharawal peoples as the Traditional Custodians of the Greater Blue Mountains. We are committed to a First Nations First approach, working in genuine partnership with Traditional Custodians and respecting their rights, Cultural Authority, knowledge and stewardship of Country.
The Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area (GBMWHA) is a globally recognised natural asset. This one million hectare property provides clean water, clean air and crucial biodiversity and ecosystem services for Greater Sydney and beyond.
UNESCO World Heritage status is a badge of enormous pride for the Greater Blue Mountains Area, but it also comes with significant responsibility. No resourcing or funding is provided by UNESCO to support the designation. As with stewardship of the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area, it falls to us to ensure that this vast, awe-inspiring forested landscape - and all of its inhabitants - survive the headwinds of escalating climate and bushfire risk, floods and landslides, invasive plants and animals, visitation pressures and the cumulative impacts of the nature-people interface such as urban waste, water contamination, threats to native species, as well as toxic outputs from adjacent industry, infrastructure and private land management.
Soon after the UNESCO World Heritage designation in 2000, the BMWHI was established to address this need. The Institute is an independent, not for profit organisation and was founded in 2004 by Dr Rosalie Chapple and Dr John Merson. Our mission is to promote understanding and stewardship of this globally significant landscape through research, partnerships and community action.
The Institute delivers impact by driving collaboration and evidence-based solutions at a landscape scale. At the local level we work with First Nations custodians, land managers, community, visitors, tourism providers, conservationists, and federal, state and local government to drive practical and impactful conservation efforts.
STRATEGIC CONTEXT
The BMWHI is entering a pivotal phase of its development. Recent achievements which have led to this moment include:
The publishing of a comprehensive Research Prospectus which identifies specific threats to the Area and the research questions that need to be answered to support action on priority management goals. The Prospectus is a starting point for the development of an alliance across a range of stakeholders and land managers in the region.
A plan to develop the Greater Blue Mountains Stewardship Alliance which brings together councils from across 12 Local Government Areas, six Indigenous language groups, Local Land Services, government agencies and environmental organisations to create a practical framework for inclusive, collaborative, landscape-scale conservation.
The recent approval of a significant grant over two years to establish the Greater Blue Mountains Stewardship Alliance.
A collaboration with Science for Wildlife to establish the Stewardship Alliance. The Alliance will serve as the collaborative framework to support a much needed Koala Corridor across the Greater Blue Mountains Area.
The successful production of a Symposium in 2025, marking the 25th Anniversary of the UNESCO designation of the Blue Mountains as a World Heritage Area - an important first step in establishing the Stewardship Alliance, bringing together stakeholders critical to the effective, landscape-scale protection of the Greater Blue Mountains Area.
On the ground research highlights include: helping Wombats fight disease; eradicating invasive weeds in the rail corridor running through the World Heritage Area; addressing the damaging effects of concrete leachate on the Area's water resources and supporting conservation efforts to protect the Regent Honey Eater from extinction.
Following this period of strategic growth, the Institute is strengthening its outward-facing role as a trusted, evidence-based voice, deepening partnerships, and building a more sustainable funding and governance model to support long-term impact.
Key priorities for the coming period include:
Establishing the Greater Blue Mountains Stewardship Alliance
Consolidating the Institute's strategic direction and impact framework.
Strengthening financial sustainability through diversified funding and partnerships.
Deepening collaboration with First Nations custodians and partners.
Enhancing the Institute's influence in public policy, research translation and collective governance.
Building Board capability to support growth, accountability and effective succession.