Board Member

About You Matter

You Matter is a charitable organisation dedicated to supporting women and children experiencing family violence by creating fully fitted and functioning homes (“Havens”), when women and their children are relocating to new premises to begin their lives free from family violence.

A fully functional Haven is a deliberate strategy to help prevent women from falling back into the cycle of family violence and abuse. When You Matter sets up a Haven, all a woman and her children need to do is arrive and begin living in a home filled by the love and support of their community.

Founded in early 2019 in Melbourne's eastern suburbs, You Matter grew from a single act of community generosity into a structured and growing organisation. The organisation's strategic goal is that every eligible woman can access its service across the Melbourne metropolitan and in some cases, regional areas.

The Opportunity

Due to retirement and expansion, You Matter is seeking two passionate and well-connected Board Members to help drive the next phase of growth. This is an exceptional opportunity to apply your professional networks and fundraising experience to create tangible, life-changing impact for women and children rebuilding their lives.

Key Responsibilities

Fundraising & Revenue Growth

• Champion and lead fundraising strategy, identifying and pursuing new revenue streams including major gifts, corporate partnerships, events, and philanthropic grants

• Personally leverage your professional network to open doors with potential corporate donors, major gift prospects, and foundation funders

• Support the development and stewardship of donor relationships, ensuring long-term giving commitments

• Provide oversight and guidance on grant strategy and application priorities

Industry Connections & Partnerships

• Actively introduce You Matter to relevant businesses, industry bodies, and community organisations capable of providing financial support, in-kind donations, or pro bono services

• Act as an ambassador for You Matter within your professional sphere, raising awareness and cultivating goodwill

• Identify and broker partnerships with furniture, retail, logistics, property, or related industries that align with You Matter's Haven model

Governance & Strategic Direction

• Contribute to Board discussions with commercial acumen, strategic insight, and a genuine commitment to You Matter's mission

• Support the CEO and leadership team in achieving strategic objectives, including the expansion of services across greater Melbourne

• Ensure the organisation meets its legal, financial, and ethical obligations as a charitable entity

• One of these suitably qualified Directors, will also take on the role of Board Secretary.

Other Requirements

• Attendance at Board meetings (approx. 2hrs each) with time dedicated to reading board papers.

• The Board meets at least 7 times per year on the third Monday of the month, with meetings held predominantly in person in Abbotsford in person and occasionally held online.

• Directors are also expected to serve on Board subcommittees and participate in annual strategic planning and celebratory events

What We're Looking For

Essential

• Demonstrated track record in fundraising, philanthropy, or corporate partnerships — ideally within a not-for-profit context

• Strong, active networks across Melbourne's corporate, philanthropic, or community sectors that can be leveraged for You Matter's benefit

• Genuine passion for ending family violence and empowering women and children

• Willingness to go beyond boardroom attendance — to open doors, make introductions, and actively champion the cause

Highly Regarded

• Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (GAICD) or equivalent governance qualification

• Experience in industries with natural alignment to You Matter's work: property, retail, furniture/homewares, logistics, financial services, or professional services

• Prior board or senior leadership experience in the for-purpose sector

• Connections to Melbourne's major gift, foundation, or philanthropic communities

• Understanding of Victorian government funding landscapes and social services sector

Why Join the Board?

You Matter is reliant on the goodwill of the community — through the provision of household items, funds, and volunteer labour — making this Board role genuinely critical to the organisation's reach and sustainability. You will be joining a dedicated, values-driven team at a pivotal moment of growth, with a real opportunity to shape how far and how fast this vital service expands.

How to Apply

Jackie Cook, Chair — You Matter

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Please outline your relevant experience and the networks you would bring to the role.

You Matter is committed to diversity on its Board and strongly encourages applications from people with lived experience of family violence, First Nations peoples, and candidates from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.