Board Directors – Spirituality Ministry of the Sisters of Saint Joseph

About The Spirituality Ministry of the Sisters of Saint Joseph

The Spirituality Ministry of the Sisters of St Joseph is a company limited by guarantee, established by the Sisters of Saint Joseph of the Sacred Heart (SOSJ). It is a registered charity.

SOSJ continue God’s mission by immersing themselves in the midst of life to empower others and bring hope. Education, in its broadest sense, remains their main work. Founded in 1866, the organisation operates as a registered charity with central offices in Sydney, Regions in Australia, New Zealand, Ireland and a presence in some other countries.

SOSJ has defined the Mission Statement for the Spirituality Ministry as follows: “In the spirit of Saint Mary MacKillop the Spirituality Ministry of the Sisters of Saint Joseph serves groups and individuals seeking a place that nourishes “spirit” offering spiritual refreshment, renewal, quiet, beauty, peace, relaxation”.

The Constitution specifically recognises that the Spirituality Ministry is to conduct the management of the SOSJ Spirituality Centres located at Baulkham Hills and Kincumber South and envisages that the company will take over the conduct and management of other SOSJ Spirituality Centres.

The Spirituality Ministry gives expression to the mission of the Catholic Church. SOSJ retains canonical stewardship of this ministry, holding ownership of property assets and a number of reserved powers under the Constitution of the Spirituality Ministry.

Current Context

SOSJ has undertaken a review of its Spirituality Centres in terms of ministry as well as physical property. This included those Spirituality Centres run by SOSJ across Australia, as well as the two Centres run by the Spiritualty Ministry.

SOSJ has determined that its future spirituality ministry will be guided by a ‘whole of ministry’ approach, involving a consolidation of ministry strategy and direction, as well as consolidation of the management of Centres that deliver programs.

Initially, the determination of ministry strategy and direction will be undertaken by SOSJ. The Spirituality Ministry will be tasked with transitioning all Australian SOSJ Spirituality Centres (with the exception of Mary MacKillop Place in North Sydney) into the company, with a particular focus on improving operational efficiency and sustainability. The goal is to transition the Centres into the Spirituality Ministry by the end of 2024.

Role of the Board Directors

The Board has a pivotal role at this important time of growth and transition for the Spirituality Ministry. The Members are seeking to appoint a new Board. Support for the Board is currently provided by a Minute Secretary, Company Secretary, Centre Managers and a Finance Manager.

The Directors have ultimate responsibility for the overall successful operations of the Spirituality Ministry. Duties relate to:

• the strategic direction of the Spirituality Ministry (in collaboration with SOSJ)
• financial operations and solvency
• all matters prescribed by law, including but not limited to, safety
• all major policy issues including, but not limited to, industrial relations and quality assurance.

As an incorporated work of the Sisters of Saint Joseph, Directors are expected to discharge their responsibilities in this context, which includes making decisions guided by Catholic Social Teaching.

A full position outline will be provided as we move through this appointment process.

Commitment Expectations

Appointment is for up to a three year period and is a non-remunerated position. As part of this process, the SOSJ are also looking to appoint a Board Chair.

The Board currently meets once per month for around two hours (currently at North Sydney and online). There are no separate committees established at this time.

As the company is in a time of transition, the expectations on Directors may be higher than a typical board commitment. Directors may be required to undertake extensive out-of-meetings work to assist in the successful transition.

Directors are expected to lead and participate in, personal and Board formation activities in accordance with the SOSJ Formation for Mission Framework.

Commencement

It is anticipated the new Board members will be appointed by the start of 2024.

Location

While the SOSJ central offices are in Sydney, we will consider appointing Directors from other parts of NSW and Australia.

Key Competencies and Qualities We Seek

In seeking to establish a new Board, the SOSJ invite expressions of interest from people who align with the following expectations:

• The ability to uphold, through word and deed, the ethos and mission of the Spirituality Ministry and the Congregation of the Sisters of Saint Joseph. People are not required to be of the Catholic faith but must have alignment to its values.
• Completion of (or willingness to complete) the Australian Institute of Company Directors Course, or equivalent course or relevant experience.
• An understanding of the role of Director and its legal, ethical, fiduciary and financial responsibilities.
• An ability to review strategy through constructive questioning and suggestion and thereby contribute to effective decision making.
• An openness to ongoing personal and professional learning and formation, with a willingness to identify their own personal response to stewardship and leadership in a Josephite context.

The Spirituality Ministry values, respects and is committed to the safety of all people. The company has a zero tolerance for adult and child abuse or mistreatment. All Board appointees have a responsibility to commit to a culture of safeguarding. This includes completing safeguarding induction training and possibly ongoing safeguarding training.

Probity Checks

To be eligible for appointment, people must hold, obtain, or consent to:

• a Director ID.
• a current National Criminal History Check.
• ASIC and ACNC register searches.
• sign a general Code of Conduct, Safeguarding Code of Conduct and complete a Register of Interests.

Are You Interested?

If you are interested in this role, please use the ‘Express Your Interest’ panel on this webpage; or email jobs@traksearch.com quoting ref number TS1530. All we require at the outset is a resume, email address and mobile telephone number. No other documentation is required from you to express your interest. All emails and resumes are acknowledged within 48 hours. Please contact us again if this does not occur.

Questions can be directed to John Chesher (0417 068 220) or by email to jobs@traksearch.com

If you are NOT interested in this role but would like to be advised of future leadership opportunities, click here to register for our weekly email alerts.

The Appointment Process

The timeline for this project is as follows:

We have been instructed to provide a process that is transparent and welcoming.

• We are available for your confidential enquiries. We will also provide additional information to allow you to explore how the role aligns with your expectations and interests.
• Closing is 5.00pm on the date shown above. However, a late application could be accepted, providing it does not adversely impact other applications or the SOSJ schedule.
• We expect to complete a work-related reference prior to shortlisting. We anticipate speaking with another work-related referee between shortlisting and your meeting with the SOSJ.
• The SOSJ will provide an option of a video interview in circumstances where a person is unable to attend for a face-to-face meeting.
• Please be aware our standard practice, for all roles, utilises the services of an external specialist in pre-employment screening. This service includes National Police Check; and academic qualifications and professional memberships verification.
• All information provided to Trak Search will be made available, in confidence, to the SOSJ Leadership unless you instruct Trak Search otherwise.
• For more information on our process click here to access the ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.
• Only people with the unrestricted right to work in Australia may apply for this role.
• Please note: people are contacted and discussions commence soon after applications are received. We do not wait until the close date. There are advantages in applying immediately.

Trak Search strongly supports the principles of equal employment opportunities in the workplace. We support our clients in recruiting a diverse range of people and a diverse range of talents.

Trak Search is committed to working with client organisations in the safeguarding of children and young people. Applicants should be aware that in addition to the Working with Children and National Police History Checks required by our client, Trak Search screening processes, interview questions and reference checking will also reflect this commitment.

You are also encouraged to view our Collection Statement which provides details on the manner in which we collect and use information obtained from you during your engagement with Trak Search.

Further Information

Additional information of the SOSJ can be accessed by visiting their website located at:-  https://www.sosj.org.au/

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