Non-Executive Directors (Voluntary – 3 positions)

Non-Executive Directors (Voluntary – 3 positions) 

• Location: Australia-wide. Applicants from Tasmania, Western Australia and Northern Territory are strongly encouraged to apply.  
• Term: 1 year, with re-election at the AGM to a maximum of 3 years. 
• Time Commitment: Approximately 40 hours per calendar year. 
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are particularly encouraged to express interest in these opportunities.

We are seeking applicants with experience in one or more of the following: 

• Fundraising. 
• technology and digital.  
• community engagement.  
• corporate finance.  
• people and culture. 

Roles 

• 1 x Non-Executive Director & Chair of People, Culture & Remuneration Committee   
• 2 x Non-Executive Directors 

Reporting to: Board Chairperson  

Environmental Defenders Office (EDO) is the largest environmental legal centre in the Australia-Pacific, dedicated to protecting our climate, communities and shared environment by providing access to justice, running ground-breaking litigation and leading law reform advocacy. 

Since time immemorial, First Nations and Indigenous peoples have been taking care of their Countries in Australia and the Pacific. These deep understandings, knowledges and experiences are critical to maintaining the health and vitality of Australia and the Pacific’s unique wildlife and ecosystems. EDO respects these great knowledges and strongly believes that EDO cannot achieve a world where nature thrives without working for First Nations and Indigenous peoples.   

The opportunity: 

Bring your governance, leadership and professional expertise to the Board of a values-led national organisation at the forefront of protecting the environment, advancing climate justice and supporting communities through the law. 

EDO is seeking three experienced Non-Executive Directors to join its skills-based Board and contribute to the organisation’s strategic direction, governance and long-term sustainability. Two of these roles are general members of the Board, and one is for a Chair of the People, Culture and Remuneration Committee. 

Working collaboratively with the Board Chair, fellow Directors, CEO and Executive team, the successful candidates will bring independent judgement, constructive challenge and strategic insight to Board deliberations. They will support strong governance and help ensure EDO remains resilient, sustainable and well positioned to deliver its mission and long-term objectives. 

In addition to fulfilling the responsibilities of a Non-Executive Director, the Chair of the People, Culture and Remuneration Committee will provide strategic governance and oversight of EDO’s people and culture strategy, organisational capability, workforce planning, executive performance and remuneration and significant people-related opportunities and risks. They will work closely with EDO’s Director of People of Culture, and People and Culture Team. 

Candidate profile: 

Are you an experienced senior leader or Board Director looking to apply your expertise to meaningful environmental and social impact? 

We are seeking three strategic and values-led leaders who bring sound judgement, strong governance capability and the confidence to engage constructively with complex organisational matters. You will be able to balance support with appropriate challenge, contribute an independent perspective and build trusted relationships with fellow Directors and EDO Executives, including the Chief Executive Officer.  

As a Non-Executive Director, you will bring substantial senior-level expertise and experience relevant to EDO’s strategic priorities and governance. You will contribute sound judgement, a collaborative approach and a broad organisational perspective, helping to strengthen EDO’s sustainability, capability, impact and long-term resilience. 

Whether your experience has been gained in the corporate, commercial, professional services, philanthropic, government or not-for-profit sector, what matters most is your ability to contribute effectively at Board level and your genuine alignment with EDO’s purpose and values. 

If you are looking to bring your leadership and governance experience to a purpose-led Board and contribute to EDO’s strategic direction, long-term sustainability and lasting environmental and social impact we would love to hear from you.  

Key responsibilities: 

The Non-Executive Directors will carry out the responsibilities outlined in the Position Overview, which include but are not limited to: 

• Contribute actively to the development, oversight and review of EDO’s strategic direction, organisational priorities and long-term sustainability. 
• Exercise independent judgement and provide constructive advice, scrutiny and challenge to support effective Board decision-making. 
• Monitor organisational performance, governance, risk and compliance and ensure appropriate systems of accountability and oversight are maintained. 
• Review and contribute to significant strategic, financial, operational and organisational matters presented to the Board. 
• Support and appropriately challenge the CEO and Executive team while maintaining a clear distinction between governance and operational management. 
• Participate actively in Board meetings, strategic planning and other governance activities, contributing specialist expertise to Board deliberations. 
• Act as an ambassador for EDO and uphold its purpose, values, reputation and commitment to ethical and responsible governance. 
• Chair the relevant Board Committee (PCR Committee Chair position), facilitating robust discussion and ensuring the Committee provides timely and effective advice, recommendations and reporting to the Board. 

Key selection criteria: 

The right person may come from a commercial, corporate, professional-services or not-for-profit background; what matters most is demonstrated governance and strategic leadership, sound judgement, relevant senior-level expertise and genuine alignment with EDO’s mission to protect the environment, advance climate justice and support communities through the law. 

Essential:  

• Significant senior-level leadership, professional or governance experience, with the ability to provide strategic oversight and contribute effectively at Board level. 
• Strong governance judgement, with the ability to critically assess complex information, consider organisational, financial and reputational risk and contribute constructively to Board decision-making. 
• Demonstrated ability to take a broad organisational perspective and contribute to discussions on strategy, sustainability, organisational performance and long-term priorities. 
• Strong interpersonal and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to work collaboratively and effectively with fellow Board members, the CEO, senior leaders and other key stakeholders. 

Desired:  

• Proven leadership and facilitation capability, including experience in one or more of: 
• fundraising. 
• technology and digital. 
• community engagement. 
• corporate finance. 
• people and culture.  

Personal qualities and cultural competency: 

• A champion of the EDO Values & Cultural Pillars. 
• Strong initiative and self-motivation. 
• Commitment to the protection of human rights and the environment. 
• A strong sense of ethics and understanding of professional obligations. 
• Demonstrated awareness of and sensitivity to the needs and concerns of First Nations and peoples from diverse cultures, backgrounds, and orientations in both the delivery of our work and our internal culture. 
• Demonstrated ability to work in a collaborative and team-based environment. 

Commitment to EDO’s Cultural Pillars  

• Thriving People & Professional Excellence: Demonstrating professionalism, accountability, continuous learning and a commitment to a safe, supportive and high-performing workplace. 
• Shared Direction & Courageous Action: Working collaboratively toward shared goals, embracing change and demonstrating initiative, adaptability and courage. 
• Grounded in Clarity, Strengthened by Trust, Driven by Ownership: Acting with integrity and transparency, building trust and taking ownership of responsibilities and decisions. 
• Inclusive Impact: Valuing diverse perspectives, promoting cultural safety and inclusion, and supporting justice, equity and meaningful engagement with First Nations peoples and communities. 
• Purposeful Joy: Contributing to a positive, connected and respectful workplace, supporting wellbeing and bringing enthusiasm, curiosity and optimism to work. 

How to Apply 

• To express your interest in one of the Non-Executive Board Positions with EDO please e-mail Tracy Stubbs, Board Secretariat: [email protected] 
• To review the position overview/s please see this link:  
• Non-Executive Director: https://www.edo.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/EDO-Position-Overview-General-Board-Member_2026.pdf  
• Non-Executive Director & Chair of People, Culture & Remuneration Committee: https://www.edo.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/EDO-Position-Overview-PCR-Board-Member_2026.pdf 

If you have queries regarding this advertisement, please contact Tracy Stubbs, Board Secretariat.  

EOI’s will close at 9:00AM AEST on 14 October 2026. 

Expressions of Interest must include a CV and a letter that clearly addresses each of the key selection criteria. 

If you have any accessibility needs for the selection process, please let us know in your EOI or by e-mailing Tracy Stubbs on the email above.