Position Description - Independent Chair, Oysters Tasmania Board 
 
Duration:  Initially two years, subject to a successful review after one year

Renumeration:  $15,000 – 20,000 pa (based on experience) 

Contact:  Sue Grau, Chief Executive, 0458 601057 in the first instance

Who we are
Oysters Tasmania is the peak body representing members of the oyster industry in this beautiful state.  We are dedicated to enabling the sustainable growth and development of our industry, and work hard to support our growers as they supply delicious and safe produce to various customers locally, nationally and overseas. 
Oysters Tasmania is the trading name for the Tasmanian Oyster Research Council Ltd (TORC), a not-for-profit organisation registered as a company limited by guarantee and overseen by a Board of Directors.  The organisation, operating in its current structure since 2009, represents around 70 businesses in its current structure and is financed by member and research levies. 
Currently, the Oysters Tasmania Board is composed of seven directors, who are volunteers from the membership base with duties outlined in the association’s Memorandum and Articles of Association.  A principle focus of the organisation is improving governance practices, strategic planning and operations.  The industry is recovering well from the outbreak of Pacific Oyster Mortality Syndrome (POMS) but does face other environmental and regulatory challenges and is beginning to undergo consolidation at a commercial level. 

Purpose of the Position
The Independent Chair will be a strong leader of the Oysters Tasmania Board, ensuring management implements Board-approved strategic plans, identified priorities and corresponding budget.  The position will also be responsible for ensuring sound operational governance and associated reporting through an effective and collaborative working relationship with the Chief Executive (CE).

​Attributes and Experience
As Independent Chair, the successful applicant will work closely and collaboratively with the Board, the CE, executive staff of Oysters Tasmania and key stakeholders. 
The successful applicant will have:
  • Experience managing and directing a Board; 
  • Demonstrated ability to provide strategic oversight;
  • Entrepreneurial or commercial fundraising experience;
  • Demonstrated experience applying good governance, compliance and risk principles at a board level;
  • demonstrated ability to understand financial reports; and
  • the ability to publicly represent the organisation, as required.
The successful applicant must not have a pecuniary interest in the Tasmanian oyster industry, be an employee of a Tasmanian shellfish farming enterprise, or have a conflict of interest with other peak industry bodies. 
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Accountabilities
The successful applicant will be required to fulfill the role of Independent Chair of the Oysters Tasmania Board of Directors.  Accountabilities for the first year of appointment will include:
  1. Completion of a strategic plan delivering the Objects stated in the Articles of Association with a vision and mission endorsed by the members;
  2. Adherence to the TORC Memorandum and Articles of Association and fulfillment of its Objects and Functions within the powers granted by Memorandum and Articles of Association;
  3. Ensure the Board and staff operate with the highest standards of corporate governance, ethics and transparency, including sound financial management; 
  4. Preparation of an annual workplan in collaboration with the CE reflecting the strategic priorities identified by the Board. 
  5. Active participation as Chair in formal Board meetings, the AGM and special meetings, including adequate preparation in conjunction with the CE;
  6. Overseeing the negotiations for employment and evaluating the performance of the Oysters Tasmania CE including a formal annual review;
  7. Representing Oysters Tasmania as a spokesperson and advocate, as appropriate; and
  8. Identifying opportunistic funding and business development strategies for Oysters Tasmania

Time Commitment and Remuneration
The Independent Chair is a paid position with remuneration between $15k - $20k dependent upon experience and attributes. 
The Board conducts between four to seven face-to-face meetings including the occasional teleconferences for out of session issues.  It is expected the Independent Chair will attend each of these meetings with approximately 2 – 3 days preparation and post meeting briefing with the CE. 
The role will require a varying commitment of time due to the seasonal nature of our industry and subsequent fluctuating workloads.  It is expected the Independent Chair will actively manage their own time and workload to ensure all responsibilities are met in a timely manner. 

Applications including a cover letter, resume and claim to the position (maximum 2 pages) to be submitted to Sue Grau, Chief Executive, Oysters Tasmania sue@oysterstasmania.org by 5pm Friday 26 July 2019.