The Organisation

Engineers Australia is the trusted voice of the engineering profession. We are Australia’s national body for engineering and home for engineering professionals, renowned as leaders in shaping a sustainable world.

With over 130,000 members embracing all disciplines of engineering, Engineers Australia is the largest and most diverse professional body for engineers in Australia. It also operates several overseas chapters across Asia, the United Kingdom and the UAE.

Engineers Australia is a not-for-profit professional body registered with the Australian Charities and Not-for-Profits Commission, with 2,500 volunteers and 360 FTE supporting the delivery of services and programs to our members.

Further information regarding the organisation is available in our 2024 Annual Report.

The Role

The Engineers Australia Board is seeking to appoint a director to assist the Board in stewarding and governing Engineers Australia as it undergoes significant business and digital transformation. The role will also support the Board to steward strategic initiatives to showcase the role engineering plays as a critical contributor in Australia’s economic future and in addressing major societal challenges.

Engineers Australia’s Board of Directors is comprised of up to eight directors:

• six directors from Engineers Australia’s membership, elected by a body of delegates that represent the broader membership; and
• up to two directors directly appointed by the Board.

Term
An initial term of 2 years with potential for re-appointment by the Board at its discretion.

Time Commitment
Each Board director is required to commit approximately 30 days per annum for meetings and preparation, excluding travel time. The Board will typically schedule 6 Board meetings per year, as well as an annual planning day. These meetings are often held around the country and generally require an overnight stay. Directors are also expected to participate in 1-2 Board sub-committees, which typically meet quarterly. Additionally, the Board is also expected to attend National Congress meetings, which typically involve 2 face-to-face meetings (3 days in total) and 2 virtual half-day meetings per year.

Remuneration
Market remuneration is offered for the role.

Selection Criteria

The Board is seeking candidates with the following skills and experience:

1. Transformation experience, namely contemporary skills and experience at Board or CEO level overseeing and guiding large-scale business and digital transformation;
2. Contemporary knowledge and experience overseeing strategic people and culture change, ideally with experience guiding the development of workforce and volunteer management models in membership organisation(s) or organisation(s) with a significant volunteer base; and
3. Strategic economic outlook and positioning, including contemporary knowledge of capital markets, particularly as they relate to institutional investment and a demonstrated understanding of the future and value of engineering in the context of the Australian economy.
   
   

Personal attributes

In addition to the above skills and experience, the following personal qualities are desirable in all directors: leadership, integrity, curiosity and courage, interpersonal skills, communication skills, demonstrated passion and enthusiasm, instinct, a network of senior-level contacts, and an active contributor.

Diversity is sought among directors to bring different perspectives to the Board’s deliberations. Engineers Australia encourages applicants of all backgrounds and identities, including people of all genders, those with disabilities, mature age and younger applicants, those resident in or with a strong connection to regional or rural Australia, members of the LGBTQIA+ community, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and others who are culturally and racially marginalised.