Board Director

Job description

Please note : We welcome candidates from anywhere in Australia.

OUR PURPOSE

Wear It Purple strives to foster supportive, safe, empowering, and inclusive environments for rainbow young people.

ABOUT US

Wear It Purple is a volunteer-led organisation dedicated to fostering supportive, safe, and inclusive environments for rainbow young people. Our mission is to raise awareness, educate communities, and advocate for the rights and wellbeing of LGBTSBQIA+ youth. We work to ensure that every young person is respected, has a sense of belonging, and feels proud of who they are.

WEAR IT PURPLE DAY & THE WORK WE DO

Wear It Purple day is held on the last Friday of August. The day sees K – 12 schools, universities, not-for-profits, charities, small businesses, corporate and government organisations celebrate rainbow young people, whilst highlighting the issues these LGBTQIA+ kids deem important. Each year there is a theme decided by our Youth Action Council (YAC) and the day is about centring rainbow young people's unique experiences, acknowledging barriers to inclusion and celebrating their successes.

Alongside Wear It Purple Day, we run initiatives throughout the year that empower LGBTSBQIA+ young people and their allies to be changemakers in their own environments. Our Queer Futures Fund and Wear it Purple fellowship invested in youth, arts, culture, and community development. We also build resources, invest in corporate and community partnerships, participate in Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras, and support young people through development, grants and awards.

Diversity, equity and inclusion

Diversity of identity, lived experience and perspective is one of our greatest strengths. We strongly encourage people of all backgrounds, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people of colour, people with disability, trans and gender-diverse people, and neurodivergent people to apply.

If you require any adjustments to the application process please email using the subject line : Board Director (Voluntary) enquiry via EthicalJobs.

ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY

We are currently seeking several new members to join the Board of Directors. This is a volunteer-led organisation made for and by young people, but we welcome candidates of all ages and backgrounds. As a board member, you'll work closely with our Youth Action Council, ambassadors, and community partners to deliver our vision.

While we're currently seeking candidates with experience in HR, legal, risk and governance, or fundraising, we also value lived experience, passion, and fresh perspectives. If you care deeply about LGBTQIA+ youth and believe you can contribute meaningfully, we'd love to hear from you

EXPECTATIONS OF BOARD MEMBERS

Wear It Purple requires proactive members Australia-wide to join our board as it is a hands-on role which requires energy, commitment and communication. Here is a little bit more on expectations :

• Board positions are not remunerated as we are a volunteer lead organisation.
• Attend monthly virtual board meetings
• Regularly check your wear it purple emails and participate in conversations occurring on this format
• Champion projects with key partners and guide our YAC to ensure they're receiving the best experience throughout the project
• Closer to Wear It Purple day, represent Wear it Purple at speaking events. This time of year does see us busy, balancing our own work, lives and WIPD.
• Ideally, you can commit to a minimum of three years in the role

We pride ourselves on being an organisation created by young people for young people. Working alongside the Youth Action Council (YAC), Community partners and Ambassadors, the Wear It Purple board is a group of very proactive volunteers who drive and support initiatives that are deemed important by our YAC.

key responsibilities

Strategic Oversight :

Contribute to shaping the strategic direction of Wear It Purple, ensuring alignment with our mission and values.

Youth-Centred Collaboration :

Work closely with the Youth Action Council (YAC) and community partners to co-design and support initiatives that centre LGBTQIA+ youth voices.

Governance & Risk :

Support effective governance by contributing to discussions, decisions, and organisational policies. Where relevant, assist in identifying and mitigating organisational risks.

Fundraising & Partnerships :

Assist in building strategic partnerships and support fundraising efforts, including events, grants, campaigns or donor engagement.

Representation & Advocacy :

Act as an ambassador for Wear It Purple—representing the organisation at public events and actively advocating for LGBTQIA+ youth inclusion and wellbeing.

Board Engagement :

Attend monthly virtual meetings, contribute to board discussions and working groups, and actively engage in projects throughout the year—particularly around Wear It Purple Day.

key attributes

Experience : At Wear it Purple, we value diverse forms of leadership and contribution. You might bring formal professional experience, community-based knowledge, or lived experience relevant to supporting young people or working in governance, fundraising, legal, or HR contexts.

Desired attributes : Proactive, collaborative, reliable, and team-minded. High level of integrity, and a commitment to the mission of Wear It Purple, and empowering young people. Ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders and team members.

Understanding : Knowledge of the challenges and issues faced by LGBTQIA+ young people is highly desirable.

SELECTION PROCESS

Once we have received all expressions of interest by the agreed date, we will review all applications. If we require any further clarification, the board will reach out to obtain further information.

Once a shortlist has been created, applicants will be notified and invited to a board meeting for an 10 to 15 minute interview where both parties can explore the role and your interest in it.