Join our team

Join our Board of Directors!

1. About Healthy Cities Australia

Healthy Cities Australia is a not-for-profit organisation working to create healthier, more equitable communities. Part of the global Healthy Cities movement, HCA works with communities, local government, researchers and partners to address the conditions that shape health — from food security and active living to community connection. HCA is governed by a voluntary board of directors supported by four standing committees, and has recently completed a comprehensive governance review that sets a clear strategic and governance foundation for its next phase of growth.

2. The opportunity

HCA is seeking two non-executive directors to join its Board. We are looking for people whose skills and networks sit at the intersection of:

• Fundraising and philanthropy — experience growing income for a for-purpose organisation: grants, philanthropic partnerships, donor programs, corporate giving or social enterprise revenue.
• Partnerships — building and sustaining corporate, community, government or peak-body partnerships that deliver strategic value.
• Media and public influence — shaping public narratives: media experience, advocacy, campaigning, public affairs or a strong public profile in health, community or social policy.
• Financial growth — a track record of not just bringing money in but overseeing that it is spent well: budget oversight, financial sustainability, or resource allocation in a for-purpose context.
• Attending approximately six board meetings per year (video conference and in person), plus membership of at least one board committee.
• Contributing to strategy, oversight and governance as a voting director, with the duties of a director under the Corporations Act and ACNC governance standards.
• Actively using personal and professional networks to advance HCA’s fundraising, partnerships and public profile — an explicit expectation of these roles, not an optional extra.
• An estimated commitment of one to two days per month. Positions are voluntary (unremunerated), with reasonable expenses reimbursed.
• An initial term in accordance with HCA’s constitution, with appointment confirmed at the AGM.
• A purposeful governance role in a nationally recognised organisation within the global Healthy Cities movement.
• A recently renewed governance framework: clear committee structure, terms of reference, and a board development program.

No single candidate is expected to be strong in all four areas. We will appoint the two candidates who together give the Board the strongest and most complementary coverage across this profile. We are looking for people who want to help build HCA’s next chapter — the expectation that directors actively open their networks for HCA is written into the role, and the brief is deliberately demanding: this is a working board seat, not an honorary one.

3. What the role involves

• Attending approximately six board meetings per year (video conference and in person), plus membership of at least one board committee.
• Contributing to strategy, oversight and governance as a voting director, with the duties of a director under the Corporations Act and ACNC governance standards.
• Actively using personal and professional networks to advance HCA’s fundraising, partnerships and public profile — an explicit expectation of these roles, not an optional extra.
• An estimated commitment of one to two days per month. Positions are voluntary (unremunerated), with reasonable expenses reimbursed.
• An initial term in accordance with HCA’s constitution, with appointment confirmed at the AGM.

4. What we offer

• A purposeful governance role in a nationally recognised organisation within the global Healthy Cities movement.
• A recently renewed governance framework: clear committee structure, terms of reference, and a board development program.
• Structured induction, a board buddy, and ongoing professional development in governance.

5. How to enquire/express your interest

Please submit a Letter of Interest and an updated CV to chair@healthycities.org.au

Similarly, if you have any questions or would like further information, please email our Chair, Dr Lina Engelen via chair@healthycities.org.au

Applications close Friday 25^th September.