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Chief Commissioner, Scouts NSW

Scouts Australia (NSW)
Logo for Scouts Australia (NSW)

The Organisation

Scouts NSW is a not-for-profit youth organisation, a branch of Scouts Australia, the longest-running youth organisation in the country. Operating in NSW since 1908, Scouts has delivered skills for life to millions of young people during this time.

Through the delivery of its Scouts program, every young person aged 5 to 25 has the opportunity to enjoy a safe and supportive environment where they can make new friends, plan their own adventures and tackle challenges at their own pace, all while being part of a wider community. Scouts delivers a big impact within our wider society. According to a 2019 study by Resilient Youth Australia, young people participating in their local Scout group demonstrate higher levels of resilience than their non Scouting peers. Scouting contributes an estimated 1.5 million volunteer hours each year, adding $65.5 million to the NSW economy.

Position Description

The Chief Commissioner leads the adult volunteers of the organisation, working alongside the Chief Executive Officer, who has accountability for the business affairs of the organisation. The Chief Commissioner is accountable to the Board of Directors and is recommended for appointment by the Board to the Chief Scout of Australia, the Governor-General.

To recognise the demands of volunteers, this role has been re-designed to enable an individual to manage the responsibilities on a part time basis.

Applications are encouraged from people of all ages, genders, and backgrounds. If multiple suitable candidates are identified who are amenable to sharing the role, this arrangement may also be considered.

Key Selection Criteria

Scouting knowledge and experience

  • A well-developed knowledge of Scouting.
  • A personal commitment to the aim and principles of Scouts Australia.

Leadership

  • The ability to convey a positive and constructive image of Scouting and reinforce the fundamental importance of the Scout Promise and Law in delivering Scouting programs.
  • The ability to work with, encourage and inspire adults with a diversity of attributes including experience, background, gender identity, culture, and beliefs.
  • Understanding of and experience in working with a volunteer driven organisation.

Compliance and legal

  • A strong and proven supporter of a safety and legislative compliance driven culture.
  • Knowledge and appreciation of relevant legislation and risks that are relevant to Scouts NSW.

Communication and advocacy

  • Strong written and oral communication skills – including comfort with public speaking and in quickly building rapport to have meaningful and appropriate interactions with key stakeholders, including young people.
  • Demonstrated ability to be a positive advocate of Scouting and its benefits, and to communicate effectively with all Scouting members, a diverse community including State and local government, and the media.

Stakeholder management

  • Ability to comprehend, and capacity to negotiate, important policy issues as appropriate with a range of entities, including related organisations, public bodies, government agencies, faithbased organisations and community interest groups.
  • Demonstrated ability to understand and engage on issues relevant to young people, and empathy to listen to their voices and represent them.

Issues and change management

  • Well-developed skills in change management and relationship development, including understanding collective decision making, flexibility to accommodate change, a demonstrated commitment to learning, developing skills and sharing knowledge, and a preparedness to be accountable.
  • The ability to mediate and resolve leadership issues at all levels and to ensure that Scout policies including dispute resolution procedures are fairly applied.

How to Apply

All applications must be received by 9:00am on Monday 24 October 2022.

Applications should be marked ‘Confidential’ and emailed to the Scouts NSW Nominations Committee at applications@nsw.scouts.com.au.

Your application should include:

  • A current resume, including details of professional experience, relevant Scouting experience, and your Working with Children Check clearance number.

  • A statement addressing the Key Selection Criteria (maximum of 1,500 words).

  • Contact details of 3 referees, at least one of whom must be a person not associated with Scouting. (Referees will not be contacted without permission from the candidate).

Applicants who are shortlisted will be contacted to arrange further assessment of their applications, including an interview.

You can not apply for this role as it is no longer available.