About

The Newtown School of Arts, also known as ‘5 Eliza’, is an original social enterprise with a history commencing in 1899. 5 Eliza operates as a small independent, not-for-profit entity housed in a its purpose built heritage building. 5 Eliza works to foster artistic enterprise by providing affordable, cultural infrastructure without the need for government subsidy. The building currently houses four visual-artist studios, flexible incubator spaces and a heritage Ballroom Theatre. The organisation has been developing a comprehensive plan for the adaptive redesign, and expansion of the building and its business model. The plan seeks to double the existing floor plan, quadruple cultural output and support creative workers, and make the heritage building widely accessible to all.

The Board of Trustees, which you will be supporting, is a combination of business and creative professionals who create a welcoming and supportive environment in which we can all flourish. We see diversity as a strength which creates fresh perspectives and generates new ideas. We enjoy our work and are determined to do an outstanding job. We deliver best when working in teams. Our culture is a product of the combined mindsets and behaviours of our people in support of a common goal which is the Trust’s strategic objectives.

Position Description

We are looking for a highly engaged, committed professional who carries a can do approach and the ability to get things done. Our tenant partners include visual artists, theatre producers, and emerging performers and musicians. Ideally, you will have experience and a sound working knowledge of legal and governance procedures, particularly in projects and corporate governance including contracts, as well as an interest in the evolution and expansion of a long standing institution. The successful candidate will have the skillset and desire to become a strong case manager and trusted advisor to the Board of Trustees. This position plays an important role in also supporting the effectiveness of the Trust, maintaining responsibility for high-level executive advice.

Key responsibilities and deliverables

• Conduct your duties with care and diligence;
• Conduct your duties in good faith and for proper purpose;
• Not improperly use information obtained by virtue of their position;
• Deliver clear and user-friendly legal and strategic advice;
• Assist with legal aspects of ongoing projects, working as part of a team;
• Review relevant documents associated with ongoing projects;
• Provide advice on strategy;
• Assist our legal team and our development subcommittee on occasion with drafting agreements;
• Assist the Company Secretary in maintaining and distributing Board papers and Organisation registers and occasion taking of Minutes when required.

Key Projects:

Provide advice, guidance to help execute key objectives in strategic development projects such as:

• Working closely with the Chair and General Manager, to register the organisation as a charity. This includes but is not limited to, updating the organisation’s governing document, supporting the selection of appropriate charity subtypes, and applying for endorsement as a DGR.
• Contracting for the new high-level occupancy and use of the building by international theatre producers.
• The upgrade and expansion of the building and the securing of service providers and the compiling of a development application.
• The furthering of the possessory claim for Eliza Lane and the examination of the benefits of the recent liquor license extension which now includes the lane.

Key requirements (Communication/skills/experience)

• Legal and corporate governance experience are highly preferred;
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills;
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to work well with people at all levels;
• A diplomatic approach and the confidence to provide support, guidance and advice to the Board of Trustees;
• Demonstrate the ability to find pragmatic and creative solutions where appropriate;
• Enthusiasm, flexibility and drive;
• Able to take initiative and have hands-on involvement.

Additional

• Mobile phone required
• Laptop required

Applications:

To be considered for the role, applications must include:

1. A cover letter addressing the position description, selection criteria and your availability, no more than two A4 pages.
2. A current CV, no more than two A4 pages

Please email applications to pr@5eliza.com.au, quoting in subject line 'Board Associate and Advisor Application- Your Name'.

Applications close at 6pm on Monday 19th September 2022.