Are you our next Executive Director?

 

We are recruiting for a new Executive Director to lead indigo foundation into its next phase of development. This is a fantastic opportunity to play a leadership role in an international development organisation that is committed to community-led development and gender equity. If you have a strong belief in the power of community development, experience of working through local partnerships with marginalised communities and a track record in managing diverse teams, this may be the role for you.

About indigo foundation

indigo foundation is an innovative and independent community development organisation based in Australia. For over 20 years, we have supported grassroots organisations to pursue their development goals. We currently partner with 13 local partners across seven countries. We are a proudly nimble and creative organisation, with committed volunteers and supporters across Australia.

We support local community partners to empower women and girls, improve education and health outcomes, secure better livelihoods for families and defend their human rights. We believe powerful and positive change is achieved through community control over decision-making, honest communication between communities and ourselves and building strong community organisations. We know from the evidence that community-led development works to transform lives and build more resilient communities. Our approach to partnership is built on respect, mutual learning and accepting that progress and setbacks are a normal part of community development.

About the role

As Executive Director you will drive indigo’s strategic direction and ensure our work overseas and in Australia is aligned to indigo’s guiding principles – community ownership, sustainability, transparency and equity. You will lead a strong and cohesive team of staff and volunteers to run an ethical and high-impact development program grounded in respectful relationships with grassroots community partners.

Reporting directly to the Board, your responsibilities include:

  • Leading a not-for-profit organisation – You will bring professional management expertise to ensure effective governance, operational management, budget performance and risk management. You will provide advice and expertise to shape planning, policy and practice.
  • Strategic planning and growth – You will work with the Board to drive and implement the strategic direction and build indigo’s impact and sustainability.
  • Oversight of our development partnerships – You will work with the Development Coordinator and Partnership Coordinators to support local community partners achieve their goals for development. You will identify opportunities to strengthen program management and expand our development program.
  • Fundraising and donor relationships – You will play a key role in growing and diversifying our income through strong and purposeful relationships with supporters, grant-makers and philanthropists.
  • People and culture – You will manage the performance and development of staff and volunteers and nurture a supportive, respectful and productive organisational culture.
  • External relationships and influence – You will build strong relationships in the region and with diaspora communities, universities and the international development sector in Australia to further indigo’s goals.

See the full role description here.

what we can offer you

This is an Australia-based part-time role for 30 hours per week (hours may be negotiable for the right candidate). You will be employed under the SCHADS Award Level 7.

We live our guiding principles at indigo foundation. You will be joining a highly committed, skilled and diverse team of staff and volunteers. We are committed to a flexible and supportive working environment and the spread of hours across the week can be negotiated with the Board.

indigo foundation is a virtual organisation with staff and volunteers throughout Australia, with stronger hubs in Melbourne, Sydney and Canberra. You will work from home and the role can be based anywhere in Australia, with a preference for the candidate being based in NSW, ACT or Victoria.

The role is a unique opportunity to demonstrate your leadership talents and initiative in a role that offers both autonomy and flexibility.

Selection criteria

Critical experience, values and abilities

  • A minimum of five years’ experience in international development or in a relevant leadership role
  • Management experience including financial oversight and budgeting, staff supervision, policy development and risk management
  • Proven ability to generate income and mobilise resources through diverse channels including supporter-based fundraising, strategic partnerships and grant programs
  • Commitment to gender equity, empowerment of women and girls, human rights and social justice
  • Understanding of and commitment to indigo foundation’s guiding principles – community ownership, sustainability, transparency and equity
  • Ability to identify, analyse and solve problems and independently exercise strategic judgement
  • Experience creating a supportive and productive team environment for staff or volunteers
  • Ability to work collaboratively, value diversity and listen and learn from others, in a way that promotes trust, respect and integrity
  • Excellent time-management skills and ability to prioritise work at times of high pressure
  • Highly developed communication and interpersonal skills
  • Tertiary qualifications in community development, law or a related field.

Desirable

  • Experience in programs, research or advocacy directed to gender equity
  • Experience in programs involving advocacy and/or movement-building models of change
  • Experience in securing, managing and reporting on institutional and philanthropic grants
  • Experience of managing or working in a volunteer-based organisation.

indigo foundation is an equal opportunity employer – we know that diversity makes us a stronger and better organisation. We do not discriminate on the basis of ability, age, gender identity and expressions, national origin, race and ethnicity, religious beliefs, sexual orientation, or criminal record.

indigo foundation is a child-safe organisation. The Executive Director must sign our Code of Conduct for Working with Children and Young People and hold a current Working with Children and Vulnerable People clearance.

How to apply

To apply for this position, please send a letter detailing your interest in the position and the experience you would bring, and your current CV. Applications close at 6.00 pm on Friday 16th September.

Further information and applications to Lyla Rogan, Chairperson, indigo foundation: lyla.rogan@indigofoundation.org