The organisation
Vision Australia is a leading national organisation with a proud 150-year legacy. We’re passionately pursuing our mission to empower people who are blind or have low vision to live the life they choose. Our dedicated team of around 850 employees and more than 2,000 volunteers delivers vital services across education, employment, independence and social inclusion – from specialist allied health and employment support to assistive technology and Seeing Eye Dogs.
The opportunity
Vision Australia is seeking an experienced and values driven Board Chair to provide leadership to the Board during a period of organisational renewal, transformation and strengthened governance. Acting as first among equals, the Chair works closely with the Board and Chief Executive Officer to ensure Vision Australia is governed effectively, ethically and in alignment with its purpose, values and strategic direction.
Reporting to the Board and partnering with the CEO, the Chair is responsible for guiding high quality governance, strategic oversight and financial sustainability, while supporting the organisation to navigate cultural, strategic and governance renewal. The role plays a critical leadership function in setting the tone for Board culture, encouraging constructive challenge and ensuring collective accountability and performance.
As the principal governance leader, the Chair represents Vision Australia externally alongside the CEO where appropriate and plays an important role in building trust and confidence with stakeholders, including clients, partners, donors and the blind and low vision community. Central to the role is ensuring the voices, needs and expectations of the community are understood and reflected in Board decision making.
About you
You are an experienced Board Chair or Senior Director with a strong track record of leading effective governance in complex, purpose led or community focused organisations. You bring contemporary governance capability, strategic judgement and the confidence to lead through significant organisational, cultural and governance change.
You are recognised as a collaborative and unifying leader who fosters trust, open dialogue and respectful challenge, and who builds strong, productive relationships with Chief Executives and executive leadership teams. You bring high levels of integrity, emotional intelligence and credibility, and model values driven leadership in all aspects of your work.
Lived experience of blindness or low vision is essential, bringing insight, authenticity and connection to the community Vision Australia serves. You are trusted by, and credible with, the blind and low vision community and are motivated by the opportunity to contribute to the organisation’s long-term sustainability, impact and renewal.
What’s on offer
Opportunity to lead governance renewal at a national organisation with significant community impact.
Influence the future direction and sustainability of blindness and low vision services in Australia.
Work closely with an experienced Board and executive leadership team.
Annual honorarium in recognition of the role and commitment.
Vision Australia is committed to inclusive governance practices and support any access requirements to enable all directors to meaningfully contribute.
They are at a pivotal phase of significant renewal/transformation to further emphasise where they are at.
Vision Australia offers a high degree of flexibility. This role may be based in Melbourne or another major Australian city, with interstate travel required for Board and organisational commitments.
How to apply
If you are an experienced Board Chair ready to make a national impact, we invite you to apply.
For a confidential discussion or role-related questions, please contact Adam Dent
or Grace McDonnell
at The Orchard Talent Group via email at visionCPO@orchardtalent.com.au. To apply, please submit your CV and a cover letter outlining your suitability via email or at orchardtalent.com.au.
Applications close 1 March 2026 at 11:55pm.
Employment is subject to satisfactory National Police Record Check and relevant Working with Children Checks. Vision Australia is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants must have a legal right to work in Australia.
The Orchard Talent Group acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we work. We pay our respect to their Elders past, present and emerging, for they hold the memories, traditions, culture and hopes of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Board Chair
Contract Type:
Part Time
Location:
Melbourne
Industry:
Board Appointments
Contact Name:
Grace McDonnell
Contact Email:
grace.mcdonnell@orchardtalent.com.au
Contact Phone:
02 9157 6222
Date Published:
30.01.2026