Applicants for Expert Committee and NTAV Board of Directors

 
 
The National Trust of Australia (Victoria) (NTAV) is Victoria’s premier heritage and conservation organisation, responsible for preserving, interpreting, and advocating for the state’s natural, cultural, built and Indigenous heritage. NTAV is governed by a Board of Directors supported by several specialised Expert Committees. 
 
Board Directors and Expert Committee Members contribute to NTAV’s mission by providing strategic leadership, oversight, and subject‑matter expertise. They ensure that the organisation fulfills its purpose, complies with governance obligations, and advances its heritage conservation objectives.  This aligns with the governance responsibilities expected of Victorian board directors generally. 
 
Key Responsibilities
 
A. Responsibilities of an NTAV Board Director
Board Directors govern the organisation and are responsible for high‑level oversight, including:
Governance and Strategic Direction
  • Establish and monitor NTAV’s governance framework, ensuring compliance with obligations and policies. 
  • Set strategic direction to help NTAV achieve its heritage conservation mission. 
  • Oversee NTAV’s financial sustainability, audit processes, and resource management. 
Risk, Integrity and Accountability
  • Oversee risk management strategy and organisational performance. 
  • Uphold integrity, modelling public‑sector‑aligned values, transparency, and ethical behaviour. 
  • Ensure NTAV operates within its statutory powers and governance policies. 
Board Operations
  • Attend and contribute effectively to Board meetings.
  • Adhere to policies, procedures, record‑keeping and decision‑making requirements for boards. 
Legal Duties
Board Directors must act:
  • Honestly and in good faith
  • In the best interests of the organisation
  • With care, diligence, and skill
  • In accordance with the governing legislation and NTAV Constitution
These expectations are consistent with national not‑for‑profit governance standards. 
B. Responsibilities of an NTAV Expert Committee Member
NTAV’s Expert Committees provide strategic advice and make recommendations to the Board in specialised areas. Each committee has distinct responsibilities:
1. Aboriginal Advisory Committee
  • Review NTAV policies relating to Aboriginal Cultural Heritage, including interpretation, access, and inclusion.
  • Assist the Board in setting strategic directions for Aboriginal community involvement.
  • Review implementation of NTAV’s Reconciliation Action Plan.
2. Collections & Programming Committee
  • Advise the Board on development and implementation of collections and programming policy.
  • Make recommendations regarding acquisitions and deaccessioning.
  • Review Statements of Significance, Interpretation Plans, and education and social inclusion policies.
  • Serve as expert curatorial and collections management advisors.
3. Governance & Risk Committee
  • Advise Directors and Senior Management on governance best practice.
  • Recommend Board and committee appointments to ensure appropriate skill and diversity balance.
  • Support Directors in fulfilling statutory responsibilities and identifying governance risks.
Skills, Experience and Attributes
Core Skills Needed for Board Directors
  • Governance, legal, financial, or executive leadership experience.
  • Strategic thinking and ability to provide oversight rather than operational management.
  • Skills aligned to heritage, conservation, law, finance, property, culture, community engagement, or public policy,  all reflected in the experience profiles of current NTAV Directors.
Skills Needed for Expert Committee Members
  • Subject‑matter expertise aligned to the committee’s focus area (e.g., heritage interpretation, museum practice, Indigenous heritage, risk and governance).
  • Ability to assess policy, contribute expert advice, and collaborate within a multidisciplinary group.
Personal Attributes
  • Integrity, impartiality, and sound judgement.
  • Commitment to heritage protection and the values of NTAV.
  • Willingness to engage respectfully with diverse communities, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
  • Commitment to transparency, accountability, and high ethical standards.
These attributes align with recognised national expectations for responsible persons in the charity and not‑for‑profit sector. 
 Time Commitment
  • Board Directors: Regular Board meetings (typically monthly or bi‑monthly), subcommittee participation, reading of board papers, and attendance at key NTAV events.
  • Committee Members: Participation in scheduled committee meetings and preparation/ review of documents relevant to committee work.
Term of Appointment
Appointments generally follow NTAV constitutional requirements and committee‑specific frameworks, with terms determined by Board resolutions or committee charters (as referenced in Governance & Risk Committee responsibilities). 
Benefits of Serving
  • Opportunity to make a significant impact on Victoria’s heritage conservation.
  • Collaboration with experienced leaders across law, heritage, culture, public policy, and community engagement.
  • Professional development in governance, strategic planning, and heritage management.
  • Contributing to an organisation with a long-standing legacy and a strong community base. [nationaltrust.org.au]

How to Apply

Expressions of interest typically require:
  • A LinkedIn profile link or résumé outlining professional experience and qualifications
  • A brief statement addressing suitability for the Board or the specific Expert Committee
    (Appointment processes are guided by the Governance & Risk Committee.) 
  • An completed application via My Impact

 

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