Independent Director

Be the Voice of Impact: UNSA Independent Director (Volunteer)

Help Shape Student Advocacy and Engagement at the University of Newcastle

Are you a dynamic leader with a passion for empowering communities and fostering equity, inclusion, and wellbeing? The University of Newcastle Students' Association (UNSA) is seeking an inspiring Independent Director to join its Board of Directors.

As a volunteer, you'll play a pivotal role in steering UNSA's strategic direction, ensuring exceptional governance, and supporting initiatives that enrich the lives of over 37,000 students across the University of Newcastle domestic campuses.

Role Snapshot

The term of office for the Independent Director is a 2-year term initially, beginning from 1 January 2026 and ends on 31 December 2027. Pending performance and board ratification, a director may be reappointed for a further 2 terms (maximum of 6 years).

In line with the Board's skill matrix, we are seeking candidates with a background in the Legal Profession who preferably hold AICD (or similar) credentials.

Directors may receive an honorarium of up to $4,000 per year.

Who We Are

UNSA is a student-led, not-for-profit registered charity and company limited by guarantee, primarily funded by the Student Services Amenities Fee (SSAF). We advocate for students in areas of education, out-of-class experience, and wellbeing. UNSA delivers a wide range of services including:

• Free or discounted workshops and training;
• Student media and online campaigns including but not limited to, Opus Magazine;
• Clubs and societies;
• Equity collectives;
• Student support and advice;
• Events and engagement activities;
• Wellbeing services and crisis support; and
• A growing portfolio of social enterprises that support student development and community engagement such as Laptops For Less.

In addition to our services, UNSA also maintains a permanent presence on Callaghan Campus and is about to launch a brand-new, curated student space alongside separate office locations. UNSA currently services students across:

• Callaghan Campus
• Newcastle City Campus (NuSpace)
• Ourimbah Campus
• HMRI at John Hunter Campus
• Sydney Campus
• Gosford Clinical School
• Gosford Mann Street location (2026)

It's an exciting time to join the Board, as UNSA undergoes a major transformation and expansion, with future plans to establish permanent presence in additional locations.

About the Board

UNSA's Board of Directors comprises nine volunteer non-executive directors: six student directors and three non-student directors. The Independent Director role is designed to bring external expertise and perspective to support UNSA's governance and strategic development.

In addition to contributing to strategic decision-making, Independent Directors play a vital role in mentoring and coaching student directors, helping them build confidence, governance capability, and leadership skills. This is a unique opportunity to support the next generation of changemakers while guiding a dynamic, student-led organisation.

Candidate Note: We are particularly interested in candidates with financial and/or legal acumen to complement the skills of our current board.

What You'll Do

• Collaborate & Lead: Work with a diverse board to provide strategic oversight and guidance.
• Govern Strategically: Contribute to policy review, strategic planning, and oversight of financial and risk management.
• Support Leadership: Participate in CEO performance and remuneration oversight, and recruitment if required.
• Model Values: Help build a positive organisational culture by modelling UNSA's core values.
• Ensure Compliance: Support UNSA in meeting its regulatory obligations, including ACNC reporting.
• Mentor Emerging Leaders: Actively mentor and coach student directors to build their governance and leadership capability.
• Contribute Creatively: Offer innovative solutions aligned with UNSA's student-led vision.

What We're Looking For

• Legal and Governance experience: Preferably in a Board setting, either as a Director or senior leader reporting to Boards in these areas.
• Passionate Advocate: Committed to supporting students and strengthening community ties.
• Experienced Director: Proven experience in governance, corporate decision-making, and board-level leadership.
• Strategic Thinker: Experience in governance, leadership, finance, law, or not-for-profit sectors.
• Sector Knowledge: Awareness of the higher education sector and student support challenges (desirable).
• Industry Expertise: Background in finance, legal, risk, HR, or community engagement.
• Inclusive Leader: Culturally aware, values diversity, and demonstrates ethical and collaborative leadership.
• Creative Problem-Solver: Brings a proactive, solution-oriented mindset and innovative thinking.
• Ethical Leader: Aligned with UNSA's values of respectful collaboration, safety & security, empowerment, kindness & compassion, and inclusivity & diversity.

Why Join Us?

• Shape Tomorrow's Leaders: Make a meaningful impact and mentor student directors.
• Flexible Contribution: Just a few hours monthly can spark real change.
• Time Commitment: Commitment of approximately 2-4 total hours monthly beyond board meetings.
• Unite for a Purpose: Join passionate individuals dedicated to student and community growth.

Eligibility

This volunteer role is open to non-UoN students who are not employed by UNSA, UoN or associated entity employees, in accordance with eligibility requirements aligned with UNSA's Constitution. Board meetings are monthly, and appointments are for an initial two-year term.

To be eligible, candidates must also:

• Not be ineligible under the Corporations Act or the ACNC Act.
• Have appropriate knowledge and experience of the higher education sector aligned with UNSA's purpose.
• Demonstrate experience as a director, in not-for-profit or social enterprise governance.
• Hold or be working towards a GAICD/MAICD/FAICD or equivalent (desirable).
• Be available to attend monthly board meetings and participate in subcommittees as required.

How to Apply

Ready to empower student voices and help shape UNSA's future?

Submit yourCV (max 2 pages) and a brief response addressing the position's eligibility, responsibilities, and skills criteria (max 2 pages).

Applications close 11:59pm on Sunday 23 November 2025.

Candidates must be available for an online interview in the week commencing 8 December 2025.

For more information and confidential enquiries, please contact the Nominations Committee Chair and UNSA Non-Executive Director, Chanel Egan,

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