Wheelchair Rugby Australia Ltd (WRA) is actively recruiting for up to three (3) Board Directors.

Expressions of Interest are invited from suitably qualified individuals who are interested in an opportunity to join the Board of Directors of Wheelchair Rugby Australia. This is an excellent opportunity to lead and guide the development and expansion of wheelchair rugby in Australia.

Vision: Wheelchair rugby is Australia’s premier para-sport.

Mission: To be a collaborative and aligned governing body committed to driving positive outcomes for all wheelchair rugby stakeholders in Australia from grassroots to international level.

WRA is the governing body for the sport of wheelchair rugby nationally responsible for the growth and development of the sport at every level. WRA is a not-for-profit member-based organisation and a recognised charity via the ACNC.

Role: General Board Member

Areas of Expertise Being Sought: One or more of the following:

• Government Relations;
• Media / PR / Corporate Relations;
• Marketing (experience particularly in: enhance targeting, predictive analytics, digital, online, AI-based / machine learning)

Targeting: Anyone may apply, provided they meet the Key Selection Criteria and the Time Demands.

Payment: WRA Director positions and membership of Board Committees are voluntary. Reimbursement of travel and accommodation expenses incurred in the course of WRA activities are reimbursed at cost.

Board Meetings: Board Meetings occur up to ten (10) times per year with up to two (2) meetings being face-to-face (location to be advised). Board Meetings are held on weekdays generally after business hours.  

Strategic Priorities: WRA’s strategic priorities include:

• Governance
• Pathways & Participation
• Coaches, Officials and Classification
• High Performance
• Commercial

Time Demands (approx.)

• Attend and actively participate in at least 90% of WRA’s Board Meetings (approx. two (2) hours duration)
• Attend and actively participate in annual planning
• Attend and actively participate in the Annual General Meeting        
• Attend special events such as key WRA events, fundraisers and engagement events
• Meet with potential donors/funders and make a case for funding the organisation

Board Responsibilities

As a Director of WRA, you will bear responsibility, with your fellow Directors, for the overall successful operations of WRA. Your general responsibilities include:

• Formulating and provision of strategic direction and goals of WRA;
• The financial operations and solvency of WRA, including adoption of an annual budget and fiscal oversight;
• Recruiting, orientating and developing board members;
• Appointing and managing the performance of the CEO;
• Evaluating the Board’s performance and overall performance of WRA in achieving its mission;
• Ensuring compliance with legal requirements including adopting policies for the effective governance and management of WRA;
• All major policy issues; and
• All matters as prescribed by law.

Specific expanded Board responsibilities can be found in Appendix A.

As a Director, you must comply strictly with your legal, statutory and equitable duties as an officer of WRA in all capacities. Broadly, these duties are to:

• Subject to the Corporations Act, act in good faith act in the best interests of WRA; 
• Act with due care and diligence;
• Act for a proper purpose;
• Avoid conflicts of interest or duty; and
• Refrain from making improper use of information gained through your office or taking improper advantage of your office.

As a Director, you have an overriding obligation to comply with the duties imposed on officers and Directors under the Corporations Act.

You must also take all steps reasonably necessary to ensure that WRA complies with the Corporations Act and general law (including fiduciary duties as trustee).

As a Director, you are expected to:

• Have fully read all papers relating to agenda items;
• Apply your mind to the matters before you and bring your own special skills and experience to your position;
• Give adequate consideration to any matters for decision;
• Raise questions and make enquiries when you need more information;
• Make sure that you have been provided with accurate, relevant and timely information to reach any decision that will affect WRA. You should not make a decision, and may refuse to consider any matter, until appropriate information has been provided to you.

You will be expected to serve on at least one WRA Board Committee as required. You will be expected to perform any other additional or special duties the Board may assign to you from time to time (such as acting as Chair of a Committee).

WRA is seeking to appoint Directors with a range of skills and backgrounds with a focus on the skills gaps of the existing Directors. Experience in sports governance and an understanding of the Australian sporting landscape is ideal but not mandatory. An interest or experience in working with and for people with a disability is advantageous. Applicants must be permanent residents of, and living in, Australia.

Demonstrated experience in one or more of the following disciplines is very desirable:

• Government Relations;
• Media / PR / Corporate Relations;
• Marketing (experience particularly in: enhance targeting, predictive analytics, digital, online, AI-based / machine learning)