We are seeking applications for the role of Chair of the Board.

Stella is a small non-for-profit cultural organisation that operates under the governance of a volunteer Management Committee (“The Board”). Board members have a wide range of experience and share a commitment to Stella’s cultural change agenda.

About Stella

Stella is a major voice for gender equality in Australian literature.

Stella strives to promote books by Australian women and non-binary writers, support greater participation in the world of literature, and create a more equitable and vibrant national culture. Founded in 2012, the organisation’s flagship program is the Stella Prize – an annual literary award celebrating Australian women’s writing.

Stella also delivers a suite of year-round initiatives which actively champion Australian women writers, tackle gender bias in the literary sector, and connect outstanding books with readers.

Stella’s Strategic Goals are to:

1. Support women writers

2. Promote outstanding literature to readers

3. Contribute to a just, fair, and equitable literary sector

4. Safeguard its future by becoming a sustainable organisation

About the Role

The Chair has a critical role to play in terms of leadership, governance and cultural stewardship of Stella.

The Chair of the Board is responsible for:

• Working with the Executive Director, Deputy Chair and Board Secretary to shape the Board’s agenda and managing information flow to the Board
• Chairing Board Meetings and participating in various Board Subcommittees
• Representing Stella at various meetings and functions, including with key donors and stakeholders
• Helping to mobilise networks and funds in support of the Stella Prize
• Providing regular counsel and support to the Executive Director
• Ensuring the Board effectively carries out its chief purposes of monitoring the implementation of Stella’s Strategic Plan and monitoring the performance of the Executive Director

In order to effectively carry out this role, it is anticipated the successful candidate will possess:

• Significant strategy and governance experience, including through previous Board roles
• Understanding of the Australian non-for-profit sector
• Demonstrated commitment to gender equality and / or literature, culture and the arts
• A strong commitment to the Board’s role in fundraising
• Personal networks and a willingness to leverage them to benefit Stella
• Completion of the AICD Company Directors Course is preferred but not required.
• Commitment required

This is a voluntary position, requiring a time commitment of 4-5 days per month on average.
There are currently six Board meetings per year conducted remotely via Zoom with Board Members across Australia.

Other Information

Stella is committed to cultural safety, equity and inclusion and strongly encourages applications from women and non-binary people who identify as First Nations, people of colour, and/or deaf and disabled.

Stella is an Incorporated Association, registered in Victoria.

Stella has Deductible Gift Recipient Status, is income tax exempt, and is a registered fundraiser.

The organisation receives its funding from a combination of government grants, philanthropic grants, individual donations and earned income.

While Stella is incorporated in Victoria, is it a national organisation with Board Members currently based in Victoria, New South Wales, and Western Australia. Further information on the Board, can be found on our website.

To Apply

Please email your CV and a cover letter which briefly addresses the requirements set out in this position description to our Executive Director Fiona Sweet on fiona@stella.org.au.

Applications close 5pm on Friday 15 March 2024.