About This Opportunity

Following a transformational year that saw the successful merger with TaskForce Community Agency, Windana is seeking exceptional Board Directors to join us at an exciting inflection point. With revenue growth of 41% to $32.5 million, 250 dedicated staff, and expanded services now reaching more Victorians than ever before, we're perfectly positioned for our next chapter of growth and impact.

This is your opportunity to:

• Shape Windana's next Strategic Plan (current plan concludes June 2026)
• Govern an organisation delivering measurable, life-changing outcomes for vulnerable Victorians
• Contribute to a board culture that values rigorous governance and collaborative decision-making
• Influence policy and practice across the alcohol and other drugs, mental health, and family violence sectors

 About Windana

Windana provides evidence-based services across Victoria for adults and young people experiencing alcohol and other drug harms, family violence, mental health challenges, and social disadvantage. Our mission is simple yet profound: helping people to rebuild their lives.

The Role

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide strategic leadership and guidance to Windana
• Ensure highest standards of governance and regulatory compliance
• Active participation in board meetings (7 per year, face-to-face) and subcommittee work
• Support CEO and senior leadership team in their roles
• Assist with fundraising and strategic initiatives as needed
• Contribute to development of 2026+ Strategic Plan

What We're Seeking

The external landscape presents both challenges and opportunities. Increasing competition for limited funding requires strong advocacy and strategic positioning. Windana's expanded scale and influence positions us to be a genuine voice for change in Victorian policy development. We're looking for directors who bring both strategic acumen and genuine commitment to our mission. With our current Strategic Plan concluding in June 2026, this is the perfect time for experienced Board Directors to join us in shaping Windana's future direction and ensuring we continue changing lives for decades to come. You'll have:

Essential Experience

• Board/governance experience - (minimum 3 years) with demonstrated understanding of directorship responsibilities
• Strategic leadership in organisational transformation, ideally including merger or significant change management
• Financial literacy and ability to interpret financial statements and oversee organisational financial health
• Unwavering commitment to Windana's purpose and values
• Collaborative leadership style that fosters inclusive, productive team culture

Highly Valued Experience 

We're particularly interested in candidates with one or more of these backgrounds:

• Deep sector knowledge in alcohol and other drugs, mental health, or related fields
• Higher education/academic leadership with research credentials in relevant areas
• Lived experience and/or practice experience in AOD, mental health, or family violence
• Private sector leadership with entrepreneurial/innovative thinking
• Financial management expertise in medium to large organisations
• Clinical governance experience or strong willingness to develop expertise

Personal Competencies

• Strength and clarity of purpose with excellent communication skills
• Ability to constructively challenge and encourage robust discussion
• Tact, diplomacy, and sensitivity in complex situations
• Power to influence and get the best from team members

 Diversity & Inclusion

We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, particularly those who would enhance our board's diversity across age, gender, cultural background, disability, and lived experience. We're committed to supporting directors with lived experience through governance training and development opportunities.

Board Culture:

Our board operates with openness, transparency, and respect for divergent views. We're committed to maintaining collaborative relationships with our executive team whilst elevating governance standards. Recent board refresh provides excellent opportunity for new voices and perspectives.

Ready to Make a Difference?

If you're passionate about social justice, committed to evidence-based practice, and ready to contribute your expertise to an organisation that's genuinely changing lives, we'd love to hear from you.

Download an Information Pack by entering your details below and pressing the 'Submit' button. The pack will then load in your web browser for you to download.

Applications close: midnight on Friday the 13th of June.

For a confidential discussion and any questions call Michael Holdway, Managing Director, Searchlight Group on 0400 006 513.

e: michael@searchlightgroup.com.au 

Windana is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating an inclusive environment where all board members can contribute their best work. We celebrate diversity in all its forms and encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, LGBTIQA+ individuals, and people with disability.