BOARD RECRUITMENT FOR AUSTRALIAN NOT FOR PROFITS
Building an effective board isn’t just about filling seats — it’s about finding people who genuinely strengthen governance, bring diverse thinking, and care deeply about your mission. For many not-for-profits, that’s easier said than done.
Common challenges organisations face
Narrow reach : Board recruitment often relies on existing connections. While trusted networks matter, they can limit diversity of thought and make it harder to access new, highly capable candidates.
Alignment beyond the CV : Technical skills alone aren’t enough. The real challenge is identifying individuals who connect with your purpose and will contribute meaningfully — not those simply looking to step into a more prominent board role elsewhere.
Competing priorities : Board members and executives are already stretched. Running a thorough and considered recruitment process can quickly fall down the priority list.
Visibility of opportunities : Many strong potential candidates never apply simply because they’re unaware the opportunity exists or don’t realise their experience is relevant.
A more thoughtful approach to board recruitment
With deep experience across the Australian and global not-for-profit landscape, Social Impact Careers partners with organisations to identify board members who bring both capability and commitment. We focus on more than qualifications — we look for people who will actively contribute to your organisation’s long-term success.
What sets us apart
Broad and active networks : We engage with a wide community of experienced professionals who are actively interested in contributing to the not-for-profit sector.
Sector insight : Our understanding of the NFP environment allows us to identify candidates who align with your purpose, governance needs, and strategic direction.
A considered search process : We take the time to understand your organisation properly, then run a targeted and deliberate search rather than relying on passive approaches.
Quality over volume : Every candidate we present is carefully assessed for both capability and genuine motivation to contribute.
Our approach
Defining the brief : We work alongside you to clarify the skills, experience, and perspectives your board needs.
Market mapping and outreach : We proactively identify and approach individuals who may not be actively looking but are well suited to your organisation.
Assessment and evaluation : Candidates are carefully reviewed for their governance experience, values alignment, and ability to contribute effectively.
Shortlist and decision support : We present a focused shortlist and support you through interviews and final selection.
Strengthening your board for the future
Strong governance starts with the right people around the table. A well-composed board can shape strategy, support leadership, and ultimately amplify your impact. If you’re looking to build or strengthen your board, we’d welcome a conversation about how we can support you.
About the author
Lisa Morell is a trusted advisor, founder and people strategist with deep experience helping organisations make better hiring decisions — especially where the cost of a wrong hire is high.
Lisa has worked closely with boards, executives and purpose-driven organisations to design recruitment processes that go beyond CVs and gut instinct, focusing instead on values alignment, cultural fit and real-world capability. She’s known for her practical, no-nonsense approach to interviewing — and for asking the questions others often don’t.
Lisa brings clarity, rigour and humanity to the hiring process, helping organisations find people who don’t just look good on paper, but genuinely belong in the role.
Get in touch
If you’d like support with recruitment strategy, executive hiring, interview design or related questions, Lisa would love to hear from you.
Lisa Morell
Director, Social Impact Careers
lisa@socialimpactcareers.com.au
0431 874 400
Common challenges organisations face
Narrow reach : Board recruitment often relies on existing connections. While trusted networks matter, they can limit diversity of thought and make it harder to access new, highly capable candidates.
Alignment beyond the CV : Technical skills alone aren’t enough. The real challenge is identifying individuals who connect with your purpose and will contribute meaningfully — not those simply looking to step into a more prominent board role elsewhere.
Competing priorities : Board members and executives are already stretched. Running a thorough and considered recruitment process can quickly fall down the priority list.
Visibility of opportunities : Many strong potential candidates never apply simply because they’re unaware the opportunity exists or don’t realise their experience is relevant.
A more thoughtful approach to board recruitment
With deep experience across the Australian and global not-for-profit landscape, Social Impact Careers partners with organisations to identify board members who bring both capability and commitment. We focus on more than qualifications — we look for people who will actively contribute to your organisation’s long-term success.
What sets us apart
Broad and active networks : We engage with a wide community of experienced professionals who are actively interested in contributing to the not-for-profit sector.
Sector insight : Our understanding of the NFP environment allows us to identify candidates who align with your purpose, governance needs, and strategic direction.
A considered search process : We take the time to understand your organisation properly, then run a targeted and deliberate search rather than relying on passive approaches.
Quality over volume : Every candidate we present is carefully assessed for both capability and genuine motivation to contribute.
Our approach
Defining the brief : We work alongside you to clarify the skills, experience, and perspectives your board needs.
Market mapping and outreach : We proactively identify and approach individuals who may not be actively looking but are well suited to your organisation.
Assessment and evaluation : Candidates are carefully reviewed for their governance experience, values alignment, and ability to contribute effectively.
Shortlist and decision support : We present a focused shortlist and support you through interviews and final selection.
Strengthening your board for the future
Strong governance starts with the right people around the table. A well-composed board can shape strategy, support leadership, and ultimately amplify your impact. If you’re looking to build or strengthen your board, we’d welcome a conversation about how we can support you.
About the author
Lisa Morell is a trusted advisor, founder and people strategist with deep experience helping organisations make better hiring decisions — especially where the cost of a wrong hire is high.
Lisa has worked closely with boards, executives and purpose-driven organisations to design recruitment processes that go beyond CVs and gut instinct, focusing instead on values alignment, cultural fit and real-world capability. She’s known for her practical, no-nonsense approach to interviewing — and for asking the questions others often don’t.
Lisa brings clarity, rigour and humanity to the hiring process, helping organisations find people who don’t just look good on paper, but genuinely belong in the role.
Get in touch
If you’d like support with recruitment strategy, executive hiring, interview design or related questions, Lisa would love to hear from you.
Lisa Morell
Director, Social Impact Careers
lisa@socialimpactcareers.com.au
0431 874 400
PROUD TO HAVE PARTNERED WITH THESE LEADING
ORGANISATIONS TO DELIVER RESULTS
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
