About the Centre for Australian Democracy

The Centre for Australian Democracy is a recently established independent not-for-profit organisation working to build a democratic Australia that is centred on the public interest and active public participation.

Our work and people are driven by the belief that democracy is much more than just about elections, and that Australia’s democracy requires transformational change – one where our social and political systems support, enable and empower community-led decision-making, in addition to the strengthening our representative democracy.

A healthy democracy is the pillar to a thriving society. It enables our society to shape and make decisions centred on the public interest, rather than the status quo whereby decisions are based on personal, political and vested interests. Australia faces significant social and public policy challenges – systemic inequality, climate change, First Nations rights and justice – to name a few. A truly democratic Australia, that supports and enables society to work collectively towards the common good, will enable us to tackle the challenges and opportunities facing Australia.

Our vision is a thriving democracy where all parts of society are open, accountable and act in the public interest, and an informed and empowered public plays an active and meaningful role in civic and political life.

About the role

We are looking for students, young people, educators and education experts (including but not limited to academics and researchers) to fill multiple vacancies within the Transformative Democratic Education Steering Group.

The TDE Steering Group’s Terms of Reference requires member of the group to comprise of at least 50% young people (30 years and under) and at least one Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person.

Location: Anywhere in Australia. All personnel work remotely.

Length of term: Minimum 1 year.

Time commitment: 4 hours per fortnight.

Renumeration: Nil. This is a volunteer role and not remunerated.

Requirements: You will need to have access to a computer.

Duties and responsibilities

The Steering Group will:

• Co-design the TDE program and resource with young people, educators and other education experts and stakeholders.
• Support educators to deliver the TDE resource.
• Identify and implement opportunities to promote and expand the TDE resource across schools.
• Ongoing monitoring, review and revision of TDE resource as appropriate.
• Monitor democratic education settings in schools and curricula.
• Identify any other education activities or initiatives as appropriate.
• Engage and work with stakeholders as appropriate.
• Attend monthly Steering Group meetings.

Selection criteria

• Passion for democracy and/or education and commitment to the Centre’s mission.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to show initiative.
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team.
• Strong organisational and time management skills.

What we offer

• Flexible, online (remote/work from home) working arrangements where you conduct work in your own time.
• An inclusive and supportive team and innovative culture in a flat/non-hierarchical organisational structure.
• Networking opportunities across civil society and politics.
• A unique opportunity to meaningfully contribute to shaping a better democracy and society.

Enquiries

If you have any questions, for a copy of the position description, or to organise a confidential discussion, please contact Loi Lam at office@centreforaustraliandemocracy.org using the subject line: Member – TDE Steering Group – Enquiry – First Name Last Name

If you require any assistance or reasonable adjustments with your application, or require the position description in an alternative format, please contact office@centreforaustraliandemocracy.org using the subject line: Member – TDE Steering Group – Assistance – First Name Last Name

How to apply

Please submit a cover letter (2-page maximum) and CV via SeekVolunteer, or to office@centreforaustraliandemocracy.org using the subject line: Application for Member – TDE Steering Group – First Name Last Name

Your cover letter should outline why you are interested in the role and address the selection criteria. Your CV should contain your email address and phone number.

Closing date: Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until we decide to stop further recruitment – we encourage you to apply as soon as possible.

Shortlisted applicants will be asked to attend a phone and/or online interview.

We encourage applications from Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people, people with disability, LGBTIQA+ people, and people from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds.