Current Opportunities

Nominate for VNPA Council and committees (voluntary positions)

The VNPA Council (i.e. Board of Directors) is entrusted with the governance of the organisation to make sure it remains true to its mission and operates effectively and transparently.

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Role of Board of Directors

The VNPA Board consists of 12 Councillors (i.e. non-executive directors). The Board is responsible for the overall governance, strategic direction, and financial oversight of the organisation. This includes setting the strategic plan, ensuring compliance with all legal and regulatory obligations, and overseeing the performance and integrity of the organisation.

Individual Directors are expected to act in the best interests of VNPA at all times and contribute their skills and expertise to the Board’s collective decision-making.

VNPA is looking to recruit up to 2 Board Directors (including one who will be Chair of Finance Committee – see below).

Role of the Finance Committee

The Finance Committee is responsible for assisting the Board in fulfilling its oversight responsibilities related to financial budgeting and reporting, internal controls, external audit processes, and risk management. Members of this committee play a crucial role in the financial health and accountability of the organisation.

VNPA is looking to recruit:

  • 2 Board Directors (including 1 as Chair, Finance Committee)
  • Up to 3 external Committee Members (i.e. do not have to be a Board Director).

Role of the Strategic Communications and Fundraising Committee

This Committee is responsible for assisting the Board and staff in furthering key priorities identified in VNPA’s Strategic Plan in relation to:

  • Communicating effectively with key audiences that VNPA is a credible, science-based, apolitical, independent and not-for-profit community organisation
  • Reaching new audiences
  • Increasing campaign, program and financial supporters and income.

VNPA is looking to recruit up to 3 external Committee Members (i.e. do not have to be a Board Director).

Time commitment and key responsibilities

Each Board Director is expected to:

  • Review all documents in advance of meetings for informed participation
  • Actively participate in meetings and decision-making
  • Attend approximately six Board meetings per year via Zoom, with 3-4 face-to-face meetings per year (in Melbourne) to coincide with strategic planning, AGM, or other important events.
  • Serve on at least one Board Committee (approximately six meetings per year via Zoom).

Each Committee Member is expected to:

  • Review all documents in advance of meetings to for informed participation
  • Actively participate in meetings and decision-making
  • Attend approximately six Committee meetings per year via Zoom, with 1-2 face-to-face meetings per year to coincide with AGM or other important events.

Essential skills and qualities

Candidates for Board Director, Finance Committee Member and/or Strategic Communication and Fundraising Committee Member roles must have at least some of the following skills, experience and qualities:

  • Strong commitment to the vision and mission of the VNPA
  • Finance, accounting, and audit
  • Fundraising, including a network in philanthropic and government grants
  • Fundraising strategy, including donor acquisition and conversion
  • Communications and social media
  • Cybersecurity and IT systems
  • Revenue diversification and partnership building
  • Customer Relationship Management (CRM) integration and data analysis
  • Leadership.

Desirable skills and qualities

The following skills and qualities are highly desirable:

  • Previous Board experience
  • Strategic planning
  • Corporate governance
  • Risk management
  • Environmental science and policy
  • Campaign management and strategy
  • Corporate and environmental law
  • Government relations and advocacy
  • Project management
  • Human Resource management

Diversity

VNPA encourages applicants of all backgrounds and identities, including people of all genders, those with disabilities, mature age and younger applicants, those resident in or with a strong connection to regional or rural Australia, members of the LGBTQIA+ community, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and others who are culturally and racially marginalised.

Term of employment

The appointments will begin in early 2026.
For Board Directors, the re-appointment process is conducted annually at the AGM, around October.
For Committees, the re-appointment process is conducted annually, after the AGM.

Eligibility

To be eligible for the Board Director and Committee Member roles, all applicants must:

  • Become a current financial member of VNPA
  • Hold a current Victorian Working With Children Check (WWCC), or be willing to obtain one
  • Not be disqualified under ACNC Governance Standard 4 and be prepared to make an annual Declaration for Responsible People to ACNC (Board Directors only).

These are voluntary (unpaid) roles.
The VNPA maintains Directors & Officers Insurance.

How to apply

For questions please contact Board Director Marilyne Crestias.

Applications are due Friday 24 October.

Apply now

 

Careers at VNPA

The Victorian National Parks Association is an effective and influential nature conservation organisation. We work with local communities, scientists and government to advocate for evidence-based policy to safeguard wildlife, habitat and protected areas. We inspire connections with nature through citizen science, activities, action and education for all Victorians. We’ve led the creation, oversight and defence of Victoria’s natural estate for over 70 years.

Why Work With Us?

  • Make a Difference
    Your work will contribute directly to protecting the integrity and future of Victoria’s grasslands, forests, rivers, and wildlife in a changing world.
  • Supportive Community
    Our team is collaborative, inclusive, and united by a shared vision for nature conservation. We value diverse perspectives and foster a workplace where everyone can thrive.
  • Professional Growth
    VNPA encourages continuous learning and development. We provide opportunities to expand your skills, take on meaningful projects, and grow in your career.
  • Connection to Nature
    From fieldwork in  protected areas to engaging with like-minded supporters, working with VNPA means staying closely connected to the natural beauty of Victoria.

Our Values

We aim to create lasting change through advocacy, community empowerment, and scientific expertise.

A Commitment to Inclusion

We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where all individuals are valued and empowered. VNPA is an equal-opportunity employer and encourages applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences.

Stay Connected

Follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, X, and Instagram to stay informed about our work and upcoming opportunities.

Together, we can protect Victoria’s natural heritage for the future.