The Role

Our current Chair will stand down at the end of 2025 after more than two years in the role to make space to complete her PhD.

As Chair of Writers SA your duties would include: 

• Leading the board
• Ensuring smooth running of board meetings
• Promoting good governance among fellow charity trustees
• Providing supervision and support to the CEO
• Acting as a figurehead or spokesperson where required

In charities with a CEO and employees it is very easy for the board to get drawn into the operational side of things. It is the role of the chairperson to be clear in their own mind about the boundaries between governance, management and operations and to ensure that the board fulfils its governance role and doesn’t stray into areas of management or operations, which are primarily carried out by employees or other volunteers.

We are seeking a chair with strong networks and connections in South Australia government, business, and/or the sector. The Chair will be responsible for ensuring that the board delivers its commitments to the organisation, working with the CEO to set up appropriate sub-committees or working groups to support the employees to deliver the agreed vision and strategy. For the next couple of years fundraising both through grants and philanthropy will be key to the success of the organisation. It is expected that the chair will make a contribution in this area.

We are looking for someone with

• A personal commitment ot the organisation’s mission
• An ability to work cooperatively
• An ability and willingness to contribute their expertise, contacts and influence
• A commitment to fundraising and advocacy
• A sense of humour

Board membership, and in particular that of Chair, requires a time commitment –

In 2026 we have four ordinary board meetings planned.

24 February

26 May (& AGM)

25 August

24 November

In addition we are anticipating a Strategic Planning day which brings together the board and the employees, date TBC.

Outside of this sub-committees and working groups are to be confirmed. The chairperson’s contribution to these is to be determined depending on the role holder. They will also be called upon to supervise and support the CEO on a one to one basis.

Is This For Me?

Questions for you to consider

• Why are you interested in Writers SA?
• How much time can you contribute?
• What skills, experience or contacts can you offer?
• How do you see yourself contributing to our fundraising efforts?
• What support will you need if you become a board member?
• What do you want out of your board service?
• Can you envisage any conflicts of interest that may arise?
• Do you have any previous experience serving on a board, or in other leadership positions?

For an informal conversation you can speak to

Our current Chair, our Deputy Chair or our CEO please email Katherine Woehlert on [email protected] to arrange a meeting or a phone conversation.