Expressions of Interest: ILBIJERRI Board of Directors

We are recruiting for the following Board positions for the next term: Chair, Deputy Chair, Treasurer, Secretary and Board Directors.

Join ILBIJERRI’s Board ILBIJERRI Theatre Company is the longest-established First Peoples’ theatre company in Australia, celebrating 35 years strong this year. Under the leadership of Artistic Director & CEO Andrea James, ILBIJERRI is in an exciting stage of transition and growth and recently joined the National Performing Arts Partnership Framework (NPAPF). 

ILBIJERRI is seeking passionate, skilled Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to join our Board of Directors in 2026 onwards. We are recruiting for key roles of Chair, Deputy Chair, Secretary and Treasurer, as well as additional Board Directors, to guide ILBIJERRI through its next chapter of growth. 

We are particularly interested in candidates with experience in finance, law, governance, human resources, fundraising and philanthropy, marketing and communications, or the performing arts, though all backgrounds and skill sets are welcome and encouraged to apply. 

Our Vision First Peoples voices are powerful in determining the future of Australia. We create impact by and for First Peoples through sharing our stories, our way. 

Our Purpose ILBIJERRI Theatre Company exists to: 

• Create impactful theatre by First Peoples that tells our stories our way, embedding creative sovereignty in all our work and continuing our Songlines.
• Meet our responsibilities to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, including aspirations of voice and truth-telling, uplift, healing, opportunity, and access.
• Inform and encourage accomplices in the fight to eradicate racism. 

Our Values Board directors are expected to model and uphold ILBIJERRI’s organisational values, namely: 

• The power of First Peoples’ values
• First Peoples’ protocols and ways of working
• Self-determination
• Respect
• Diversity of First Peoples 

The Positions We are recruiting for the following Board positions for the next term: 

Chair: Provides leadership to the Board, oversees effective governance, and supports a strong, respectful partnership between the Board and CEO. 

Deputy Chair: Supports the Chair and steps into the Chair’s responsibilities when required, ensuring leadership continuity and Board effectiveness. 

Secretary: Ensures sound governance administration, regulatory compliance and effective Board operations. 

Treasurer: Oversees the financial governance of the organisation, chairs the Finance Subcommittee, and ensures strong financial stewardship and compliance. 

Board Director(s): Contributes broad governance oversight and strategic guidance, helping ILBIJERRI fulfil its mission, manage risk, and grow sustainably. 

Full position descriptions, detailing the specific responsibilities of each role in addition to the general Board Director duties, are available on request and will be provided to all candidates invited to a conversation. 

Engagement: Voluntary Term: 3 years (subject to renewal) Eligibility: These roles are only available to Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander individuals. 

Director Responsibilities The ILBIJERRI board is responsible for the effective governance and oversight of the organisation. The board is governed by the Constitution and statutory directors’ duties (summarised below). In response to a recent Governance Review, the Board is planning to develop a Board Charter, update the Constitution and establish Terms of Reference for subcommittees. 

Directors are expected to act in the best interests of ILBIJERRI at all times, ensuring that the company’s mission and values are embedded in governance and decision-making. 

Board administration and participation 

• Respond to board correspondence, meeting requests and administrative communications in a considered and timely manner.
• Prepare for, attend and actively participate in all board meetings and relevant subcommittee meetings. This includes reviewing board papers in detail.
• Attend and, where appropriate, represent the organisation at company events such as Opening Nights, NAIDOC Week celebrations and stakeholder events.
• Maintain the confidentiality of board and board-related correspondence, materials and deliberations.
• Declare and take responsibility for managing any actual or perceived conflicts of interest.
• Contribute to a board culture that is respectful, collaborative, rigorous and values diverse perspectives.
• All directors agree to be listed as Responsible Persons on the ACNC Register. 

Strategic leadership 

• Set, approve and regularly review ILBIJERRI’s strategic priorities and long-term goals.
• Ensure that strategic decisions balance financial and operational viability with the organisation’s mission and values.
• Ensure that ILBIJERRI has the appropriate financial, human and cultural resources to fulfil its strategic goals.
• Monitor progress against the Strategic Plan and support course-correction and/or change management where required. 

Risk and compliance 

• Establish and maintain a robust governance and compliance framework that ensures that ILBIJERRI meets its legal and regulatory obligations.
• Oversee the financial performance and sustainability of the organisation. This includes approving the annual organisational budget, and monitoring of regular financial reporting.
• Ensure there are appropriate systems for risk identification, assessment and management including cultural, operational, financial, psychosocial and reputational risks.
• Satisfy themselves as to the adequacy and integrity of financial and other reporting to the board and Finance Subcommittee, and the effectiveness of internal controls.
• Review and approve key organisational policies.
• Model and promote a culture of accountability and integrity, consistent with ILBIJERRI’s values, cultural protocols and community standards.
• Oversee occupational health and safety matters, including the wellbeing of artists, staff, contractors and volunteers. 

Executive management 

• Oversee the employment, performance and remuneration of the CEO. This includes appointing the CEO, setting role descriptions, and conducting regular (at least biennial) performance reviews.
• Provide guidance and support to the CEO in the development and delivery of ILBIJERRI’s strategic objectives.
• Monitor organisational performance against agreed goals, priorities and key performance indicators (KPIs).
• Maintain a clear distinction between governance and management, avoiding operational interference while remaining appropriately informed.
• Seek to continuously improve governance practice. This could include training, development, and internal and/or external reviews of Board performance and processes. 

How to Apply This role is only available to Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander individuals. Please apply directly through Ethical Jobs, Arts Hub, LinkedIn or the ILBIJERRI website. The advert on Artshub will close on Tuesday 30th but it will remain open on the other platforms until 20th July if you require more time to apply. 

In your expression of interest, please indicate: 

• Which position(s) you are interested in, Chair, Deputy Chair, Secretary, Treasurer, and/or Board Director.
• Any actual or perceived conflicts of interest you may have with ILBIJERRI, its staff, artists, or affiliated organisations, so these can be appropriately managed.
• Your language group and Country. You are welcome to include any additional family details you would like the Board to know.
• Any limitations on your capacity and/or ability to meet Board responsibilities and expectations. 

If you have any questions or would like to arrange a conversation, please email CEO & Artistic Director Andrea James ([email protected]) or Jessica Bilston-Gourley ([email protected]).