The Australian Rural Leadership Foundation (ARLF) is seeking up to three new Directors (including an experienced Chair) to join our Board and help steer the next chapter of our work. This is a unique opportunity to contribute your leadership, insights and experience to an organisation that has championed the impact of leadership since 1992.
Who we are
The ARLF is a national leadership hub for rural, regional and remote Australia. Since 1992, ARLF has supported more than 5,000 people to grow their leadership through immersive programs, workshops and networks grounded in place, community and purpose.
We create space for people to lead where they are, with what they have, and for the future they want to shape. Leadership isn’t defined by position. It’s about action across communities, industries and sectors.
Our work builds capacity, connection and courage. We deliver place-based and national programs, support First Nations leadership guided by self-determination, and offer experiential learning that challenges people to lead with integrity, navigate complexity and back their own potential. Alongside this, we support organisations and groups leading through transition and change.
ARLF is also home to a growing leadership knowledge centre, impact research and a national network that activates leadership after programs end.
We are a not-for-profit, attracting diverse investment and offering scalable leadership services and partnerships across government, philanthropy and business.
We don’t just deliver programs – we measure leadership’s ripple effects and increasingly seek use insights to contribute to policy, investment and practice.
At ARLF, we walk alongside people and places through their leadership journey sometimes guiding, sometimes learning, always focused on building systems that support lasting leadership. Our goal is to strengthen regional resilience and adaptability, deepen social cohesion and advance self-determination, wherever leadership is needed most.
The opportunity
We’re inviting expressions of interest from individuals keen to:
- Champion ARLF’s mission and extend our reach and impact as Australia’s rural leadership hub
- Contribute to the strategic direction, governance and sustainability of the organisation
- Engage meaningfully with alumni, funders, program participants and partners across rural Australia
Directors are appointed on a voluntary basis to fill casual vacancies and will serve until the next AGM (where they may be considered for election). The Board meets five times per year (three online and two in person), with one strategy day and one AGM held in conjunction with in-person meetings. Directors are also expected to serve on at least one Board Committee. Travel and accommodation is arranged by the company or expenses are reimbursed.
Who we’re looking for
We’re seeking individuals who:
- Are aligned with ARLF’s purpose, values and vision
- Have a deep commitment to thriving rural, regional and remote communities
- Understand Directors’ duties and bring core governance capabilities to the board
- Think strategically and work constructively with others
- Are curious, courageous, and collaborative in their leadership
Chair role
ARLF is seeking our next Chair of the Board. The Chair designate will be:
- An experienced leader and strategic thinker
- Able to leverage previous experience in a Chair role
- A connector and communicator who is able to maintain a positive, inclusive and progressive board environment.
Ideally the Chair will also have quality connections within rural, regional and remote Australia, have applied financial literacy skills and strong corporate governance knowledge.
Desired areas of expertise from Directors
To complement our existing Board composition mix, we are looking for persons with knowledge and experience in one or more of the following focus areas:
- Financial literacy/acumen
- Strategy oversight
- Experience in corporate leadership/executive roles
- Corporate sponsorship, marketing and/or grant management
- Cybersecurity, artificial intelligence and IT governance
- Education governance (particularly in leadership development and impact)
We strongly encourage applications from individuals of diverse cultural backgrounds and lived experiences who meet the core competencies. ARLF will consider the capability and diversity mix on the board when making appointments.
Expressions of interest close Friday 22 August 2025. A nominations form is available to support your application.
Enquires to be made to: Matt Linnegar, Chief Executive via MattL@rural-leaders.org.au
Request a copy of the nomination form and/or send completed nominations in confidence to: Gabrielle Price, Manager Governance and HR gabriellep@rural-leaders.org.au
