Youth Director Role with SRHA
Youth Director – Join the SRHA National Board - Voluntary Role
Sexual and Reproductive Health Australia (SRHA) is inviting expressions of interest from young people aged 18 to 25 to join our Board as an Independent Youth Director.
This Youth Director role, will also be our Australian Youth Representative to International Planned Parenthood Federation.
This is a voluntary leadership role that comes with full legal and strategic responsibilities as a Company Director under Australian law. We know that many young people haven’t been on a board before — and that’s okay! If you’re passionate about sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) and ready to grow as a leader, we will support you with training, mentorship, and access to governance education to help you thrive in the role.
Why join?
As a Youth Director, you’ll:
- Bring lived experience and youth insight to national conversations about sexual and reproductive health and rights in Australia and globally.
- Work alongside a supportive group of experienced leaders, including another Youth Director.
- Represent young Australians at the national level and international level, including participation in youth networks (e.g. YSNAP) and forums of the International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF).
- Learn about how boards work, how strategic decisions are made, and how to influence real change.
About the role
You’ll be a full Director of the SRHA Board — the national peak body for sexual and reproductive health — and help guide our strategy, governance, and advocacy work. The board meets about 6 times per year (usually a mix of virtual and in-person meetings). You must be able to attend these meetings and prepare by reading board papers and engaging in discussion.
We are looking for someone who:
Is aged between 18–25 at the time of appointment
Has a strong interest in sexual and reproductive health and rights
Brings a youth perspective and is confident to share it
Is committed to learning and growing in a leadership role
Is eager to learn about governance of not-for-profits
Understands or is willing to learn about inclusive, intersectional, and rights-based approaches to health
Experience in youth leadership, advocacy, community organising, or governance is welcome — but not essential. If you have passion, potential, and are committed to developing your skills, we want to hear from you.
We especially encourage applications from young people from diverse backgrounds, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people, LGBTIQIA+ young people, people from culturally and linguistically diverse communities, people living in rural or remote areas, young people with disability, and those with lived experience of marginalisation.
Time Commitment and expectations
On average, you can expect to commit ~4-6 hours per month and on busier months, ~8-10 hours per month (when preparing for meetings or participating in youth engagement activities)
Remuneration
As with all of our Board Directors, this is an unpaid, voluntary position. While there is no financial remuneration, travel costs for in-person meetings will be covered. You will also receive access to mentoring, networks and professional development opportunities to support your contribution and growth in the role.
How to apply
Please email us the following:
A short statement (1–2 pages in writing, or you can provide a video or audio file) introducing yourself and telling us why you’re interested in the role — and how your experiences and skills match what we’re looking for.
Your current resume or a summary of your experiences (this doesn’t need to be formal — let us know what you’ve been involved in).
📧 Email your application to:
Holley Skene, Deputy Chair
E: secretariat@srha.org.au
What Happens Next?
We’ll shortlist candidates and invite selected applicants for an online interview with a small panel of current board members.
If you’re selected, we’ll ask for two referees (like a mentor, teacher, community leader or colleague).
The Board will then vote on the appointment.
If no suitable candidate is identified in this round, we may reopen applications later.
More About the Role – Youth Director Position Description
What You’ll Be Doing
Bring a youth lens to national discussions on sexual and reproductive health.
Help shape the strategic direction and advocacy priorities of SRHA.
Participate in 6 board meetings each year (mix of online and in-person).
Engage with national and international youth networks, including those run by IPPF.
Help establish and play a leadership role supporting SRHA’s Youth Committee
Contribute ideas, insights, and leadership that reflect the realities and challenges young people face today.
What Support You’ll Get
Induction, training and access to governance education.
Mentoring from experienced board members.
Ongoing guidance on legal and governance responsibilities.
What You’ll Need
Essential:
Aged between 18 and 25 at time of appointment
Based in Australia
Able to commit to 6 meetings per year, including travel for 2 face-to-face meetings in a state or territory across Australia
An open mind, time and capacity to commit to meetings, and willingness to learn
Desirable:
Interest or experience in SRHR, policy, community work, advocacy, or health promotion
Involvement in youth-led or community-based initiatives
Experience working on a committee, campaign or student body
Lived experience of marginalisation and a commitment to inclusive practice
Attributes and Values
Passion for sexual and reproductive rights, justice and equity
Willingness to learn and contribute
Integrity, good judgment, and ability to work as part of a team
Commitment to inclusive, pro-choice, evidence-based approaches
Alignment with the values of reproductive justice, bodily autonomy, and intersectionality
