Become a Board Observer at Eastern Riverina Arts!

19 June

Eastern Riverina Arts (ERA) is seeking Expressions of Interest (EOI) from individuals interested in gaining skills and experience in governance through participation as a Board Observer.

Serving as a Board Observer provides an opportunity to build the knowledge, confidence and practical experience needed to pursue future Board Director roles, whether with Eastern Riverina Arts or other organisations.

The role offers valuable insight into the responsibilities of a Board Director and the governance processes that underpin effective organisational leadership. It is also designed to help individuals determine whether board service is a pathway they would like to pursue.

Board Observers are invited to attend ERA Board meetings in a non-voting capacity. While participation in the program does not guarantee appointment or election to the ERA Board of Directors, it provides a unique opportunity to observe board operations, strategic discussions and decision-making processes firsthand.

Eastern Riverina Arts particularly encourages applications from practicing artists and First Nations people.

Term

The maximum term of a Board Observer is 2 years.

Participation

Previous board experience is not required.

Board Observer positions are voluntary – there is no remuneration. The Board of Directors meets four times a year, usually from 10am-12pm on the last Friday of February, May, August, and November. The Annual General Meeting is held in May and various sub-committee meetings are held at different intervals throughout the year.

Board Observers are expected to attend Board meetings and participate in discussions but do not have voting rights and are not Directors of the organisation.

Board Observers are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that supports effective governance, respects confidentiality, and protects the interests and reputation of the organisation and must comply with the ERA Behavioural Standards and Code of Ethics and any relevant ERA governance policies.

Duties of Board Observers

Prepare for, attend, and actively contribute to Board meetings, and relevant sub-committee meetings.
Work collaboratively with members of the Board and the Executive Director to keep the organisation’s mission and values at the forefront of decision making.
Contribute to Strategic Planning processes, and review forward plans, budgets and project proposals.
Utilise own skills, experiences, and knowledge to contribute to the growth and success of Eastern Riverina Arts.
Assist in communicating Eastern Riverina Arts’ purpose and services to the community and with potential stakeholders, partners and donors.
Build an understanding of the context in which Eastern Riverina Arts operates including, but not limited to, National, State, and regional environments.
Members of the Board of Directors, including Board Observers, are ambassadors for ERA; their positive representation of the organisation is an important component of the many critical relationships ERA has in this region and beyond.

About our Board of Directors

The Eastern Riverina Arts Board of Directors provides governance and strategic leadership to the organisation and is made up of people with a wide range of skills and backgrounds. The Board works closely with Eastern Riverina Arts’ Executive Director and staff to ensure the organisation continues to enrich, inspire and connect our region by advancing arts, culture, creative industry and community.

According to the Constitution of Eastern Riverina Arts, the Board comprises 5 elected Board members and a further 2 board members from the Regional Advisory Committee, which is comprised of delegates representing ERA’s member Councils.

About Eastern Riverina Arts

Eastern Riverina Arts supports creative practitioners, stimulates creative activity and enterprise, and increases participation in the arts. We work in collaboration with the eight Councils of Bland, Coolamon, Cootamundra-Gundagai, Lockhart, Junee, Snowy Valleys, Temora and Wagga Wagga, and receive our core funding from the NSW Government through CreateNSW.

We believe that arts and culture contribute to the vibrancy, prosperity and wellbeing of communities across our region. With the establishment of The Station Creative Workspace in Wagga, and key strategic projects in development, Eastern Riverina Arts is an effective, gorwing organisation that delivers with impact.

How to Apply

Previous Board experience is not a requirement. Our board currently includes members with a variety of experiences, backgrounds and perspectives, and this is encouraged.

You can read our Strategic Plan, and view past Annual and Financial reports to get a deeper understanding of the work and mission of Eastern Riverina Arts.

To apply, submit an Expression of Interest form using the link below.

Applications will be assessed by the Board against identified succession planning priorities and desired skills mix. The Board will determine successful candidate(s).

Following appointment, Board Observers will be provided with a Board induction pack, including the ERA Constitution, Behavioural Standards and Code of Ethics and information about the organisation’s role, operations and strategic priorities.