Board Member | NED

• Lived experience essential
• Two-year term
• Meetings held online

Lived experience essential | Two-year term | Meetings held online

Use your professional expertise and lived experience to help advance the rights, wellbeing, and opportunities of single mothers and their children.

Council of Single Mothers and their Children (CSMC) is seeking an additional three Volunteer Board Directors to join its established Board for the 2027 term.

To strengthen the Board’s collective capability, we are particularly interested in professionals with expertise in:

 Governance and risk
 Legal and regulatory matters
 Finance, ideally with a CPA, Chartered Accountant or equivalent qualification
 Information technology, cybersecurity or data governance

Applicants are not expected to bring expertise across all areas. We are seeking Directors whose individual perspectives and complementary skills will add to the strength of the Board as a whole.

These positions are open only to women who are, or have previously been, single mothers.

About CSMC
Founded by single mothers 57 years ago, CSMC is a specialist non-profit organisation working to improve the lives of women parenting alone and their children. CSMC combines direct support with systemic advocacy, championing the agency, rights and needs of single mothers across issues including financial security, affordable housing, employment and education, legal protection, health, safety and wellbeing.

Our work is grounded in lived experience and informed by a community of more than 6,500 single mother members and over 3,000 contacts with single mothers each year.

The Board Opportunity
CSMC currently has seven Board Directors and is seeking a further two to three
appointments to complete the Board’s membership under its Constitution.
Working collectively with fellow Directors and the CEO, you will contribute to the strategic direction, sound governance and long-term sustainability of CSMC.

Your responsibilities will include:

 Contributing to the development and oversight of CSMC’s strategy
 Monitoring organisational performance, financial sustainability and risk
 Reviewing and approving key governance policies
 Ensuring appropriate legal, regulatory and financial oversight
 Supporting and constructively challenging the CEO
 Contributing to Board effectiveness, renewal and succession planning
 Participating in at least one Board subcommittee
 Acting as an advocate for CSMC’s purpose and work

Appointments are for a two-year term.

About You

Alongside relevant professional expertise, you will bring:

 Lived experience as a current or former single mother
 Alignment with feminist principles and a commitment to gender equality
 A strong commitment to creating a fairer and more equitable future for single mothers and their children
 Sound judgement and the ability to contribute constructively to strategic discussions
 An understanding of governance responsibilities, including confidentiality and the management of conflicts of interest
 A collaborative approach and the capacity to work respectfully with fellow Directors, the CEO and staff
 The commitment to prepare for meetings and participate actively in the work of the Board

Previous Board experience will be highly regarded but is not essential. Applications are also encouraged from experienced professionals seeking to build their governance experience and contribute their expertise to a purpose-led organisation.

Commitment
These are voluntary positions. Directors are expected to participate in:
 Approximately six to seven online Board meetings each year
 Board meetings of approximately two hours, generally held after business hours
 Pre-reading and preparation before each meeting
 Subcommittee meetings of approximately one hour every six weeks
 Occasional discussions and decisions conducted by email
 The Annual General Meeting and other key organisational events, where possible

Lived Experience and Diversity

CSMC works from a feminist perspective and is committed to self-help, empowerment and mutual support among single mothers.
Consistent with CSMC’s model and purpose, these Board appointments are reserved for women who are, or have previously been, single mothers. This requirement falls within the exception contained in section 28 of the Equal Opportunity Act 2010 (Vic).

We strongly encourage applications from First Nations single mothers, culturally and linguistically diverse single mothers, LGBTIQA+ single mothers, single mothers living with disability, and those caring for children with disability.

How to Apply

Please submit your CV and a brief cover letter addressing:

 The professional skills and experience you would bring to the Board
 Your interest in CSMC’s purpose and this Board opportunity
 Confirmation that you meet the lived-experience eligibility requirement
 Your capacity to meet the expected time commitment

A full position description is available.