Warakirri College Limited (WCL) is seeking Expressions of Interest (EOI) from suitably qualified people wishing to join the WCL Board of Directors.

Warakirri College is an independent high school for young people completing Year 10 and Higher School Certificate (HSC) studies. As a social impact initiative of MTC Australia, it’s a different kind of high school where students are encouraged to be themselves as they study in a flexible adult learning environment. Warakirri College is for students aged 15–22 who have disconnected from mainstream education or don’t feel comfortable in a traditional school. Students can be referred from their current school or can apply directly to the college.

Warakirri means ‘to grow’. To help our students grow and achieve, Warakirri College offers an innovative program and a positive and welcoming space. Teachers are there not only to teach but also to help students build confidence, manage other challenges in their life and work towards their own learning, career and life goals.

The Board will ensure it has the necessary skills, knowledge and experience required to effectively govern the organisation.

The following information is aimed at assisting potential Directors assess their suitability for appointment.

Key Competencies

The Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD) define competencies of Directors as “being the experience, skills, attitudes, values and beliefs of the person”. Whilst not an exhaustive list, the following key competencies will be required from individuals seeking to be appointed to the WCL Board:

• Leadership & Change Management - Experience as a CEO or senior executive, leading people and achieving positive change and business outcomes.
• Financial & Accounting Knowledge - Experience in reading and comprehending financial material and assessing the adequacy of financial controls.
• Strategic Expertise - Experience in developing and implementing strategy and assessing strategy execution and outcomes.
• Risk Management expertise - Experience in identifying and managing risk.
• Governance - Experience overseeing compliance and an understanding of Directors legal duties and responsibilities.
• Technology - Experience and understanding of the impact of digitisation on the sector, and business more broadly.
• Sector Knowledge - Experience and understanding of social purpose issues, the sector and the impact of public policy.

Personal Qualities

Different Directors will bring different technical skills and knowledge to the Board, however the following personal qualities are necessary for appointment to the WCL Board:

• Interpersonal Skills - A Director must work well in a group, listen well, be tactful but able to communicate frankly.
• Business Acumen & Instinct - Good business acumen, instinct and the ability to get to the crux of the issue quickly.
• Curiosity & Perseverance - Curiosity to ask questions and the perseverance to challenge fellow Directors and management.
• Genuine Interest - Genuine interest in the organisation and sector and relevant public policy.
• Active Contributor - Actively contribute to Board dialogue and decision making.
• Integrity - Acting ethically and putting the organisation’s interests at the forefront.

As part of the current renewal process, WCL is seeking EOI from potential Directors who possess the above Personal Qualities and Competencies.

Specifically, based on the existing Board Skills Matrix, we are seeking EOI from candidates with a background and significant experience in the following area:

Social Impact for Young People

A comprehensive understanding of, and considerable experience in, the social purpose and community sector. An understanding of the sector’s role in improving the social and economic wellbeing of young people, particularly the most disadvantaged in society. Specific experience in working with the education, training and employment sectors and the role these disciplines play in delivering improved social impact outcomes for young people.

Additional information is available by contacting the Chair of WCL, Doug Taylor, on 0417 222 424.

Please include a cover letter and CV. EOIs close on COB 30 April 2020.