Non-Executive Director - Volunteer

WAVES OF WELLNESS FOUNDATION

Charity Board opportunity | Australia-wide

A Board role with a difference!

Help us make more waves of impact.

At Waves of Wellness (WOW) Foundation, we believe mental health support should feel welcoming, human and connected to the world around us. For us, that starts at the beach.

We're looking for a few good people to help shape WOW's next chapter.

People with valuable experience to share, good questions to ask and relationships that could open new doors. We're particularly keen to meet people who can help us build partnerships, connect with supporters and strengthen our long-term financial sustainability.

These are voluntary Board appointments, but the opportunity to make a difference is significant.

A little about WOW

Waves of Wellness Foundation is an Aussie mental health charity taking mental health support out of the clinic and onto the beach.

Our free, evidence-based surf therapy programs combine learn-to-surf lessons with practical, group-based clinical mental health support. Since 2016, we've supported more than 5,800 people through our nature-based therapies.

Surfing is what brings people to the beach, but what happens on the sand makes the real difference. Our mental health professionals create down-to-earth conversations and share practical skills and strategies in a relaxed, approachable way. That's why we call it "health by stealth".

Big-picture thinking, with real-world impact

As a Non-Executive Director, you'll help guide WOW's strategy, financial sustainability, governance and risk.

You'll bring independent thinking, constructive challenge and support to our leadership team, helping us make good decisions and build a strong foundation for the future.

We're especially interested in people who enjoy building relationships and can connect WOW with potential donors, funders, partners and advocates.

People who are comfortable starting conversations, sharing our story and making a thoughtful ask for support.

Your contribution might also include representing WOW at events, offering advice or joining a committee or working group.

We're serious about our impact and responsibilities, but we bring warmth, curiosity and a healthy sense of humour to the way we work together.

What you'll bring

You might be an experienced executive, an established Director or a senior leader ready to bring your experience to a charity Board.

We're looking for people who bring sound judgement, strategic thinking, a collaborative approach and a willingness to roll up their sleeves when needed.

We're particularly interested in experience across:

• Fundraising, philanthropy and partnerships: Strong relationships, relevant networks and confidence opening doors and helping secure support.
• Governance and organisational leadership: Finance, risk, legal, audit, people and culture, or sustainable organisational growth.
• Sector knowledge and influence: Mental health, healthcare, not-for-profit, surfing, government, advocacy, communications or brand.

You don't need to tick every box. We're building a Board with complementary skills, different perspectives and a shared commitment to making a difference.

The practical stuff

Role: Non-Executive Director (voluntary)

Location: Australia-wide

Term: 3 years

Time commitment: Approximately 8–10 hours per month

Board meetings: Six per year, including four virtual meetings and two in-person meetings in Sydney (June and December).

Remuneration: Unpaid, volunteer appointment

Executive Search Partner: Jaryd Wallis, Unbound Talent

Directors must be eligible to serve on the Board of an Australian registered charity and meet the relevant governance and legal requirements.

Sound like your kind of opportunity?

We'd love to hear from you.

Our superstar pro bono Executive Search team at Unbound Talent, led by Jaryd Wallis, is independently leading this process.

To apply, please submit your CV and a brief cover letter (maximum one page) by email to [email protected] addressing:

1. Why WOW? What connects you to our purpose and the work we're doing?
2. What would you bring? Share your relevant leadership, governance, fundraising, partnership experience or networks.
3. How would you contribute? Beyond attending Board meetings, how could you help WOW grow its impact?

Shortlisted candidates will have the opportunity to meet the team, learn more about our ambitions and explore what being part of the WOW Board could look like.

If you're someone who wants to use your experience, relationships and energy to make a difference, we'd love to hear from you!