Young Director (Development Program Participant)

Better decisions happen when more voices are heard.

The Y NSW believes young people should play a meaningful role in shaping the decisions that impact their communities and futures. We are committed to creating a governance pipeline that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve.

The Young Directors Development Program is a unique governance and leadership pathway designed to support emerging young leaders to develop the knowledge, skills, and confidence required to contribute effectively at board level.

Through formal governance education, mentoring, leadership development, and real-world governance experience, participants will gain insight into how organisations are governed and how strategic decisions are made.

The program has been established to create a supported and equitable pathway for young people to develop as future directors, while bringing diverse perspectives and lived experiences into organisational leadership.

Successful participants will complete a structured development journey and may be considered for appointment to the Y NSW Board upon completion of the program.

Participants in the Young Directors Development Program will have the opportunity to:

• Complete accredited governance training through the Institute of Community Directors Australia (ICDA).
• Learn about board governance, strategy, risk management, finance, and directors' responsibilities.
• Participate in leadership and governance development workshops.
• Be paired with an experienced Y NSW Board Director through a Board Buddy mentoring program.
• Observe and participate in Shadow Board activities.
• Contribute youth perspectives to strategic discussions and organisational decision-making.
• Build professional networks with directors, executives, and sector leaders.
• Receive ongoing reflection, supervision, and pastoral support throughout the program.
• Be considered for future appointment to the Y NSW Board following successful completion of the program. 

As a participant in the Young Directors Development Program, you will:

• Attend and actively engage in all scheduled training and development opportunities.
• Participate in Shadow Board meetings and governance discussions.
• Prepare for meetings and review relevant materials in advance.
• Engage in mentoring and coaching sessions with your Board Buddy.
• Contribute insights and perspectives informed by your experience as a young person.
• Participate in youth consultation and engagement activities, where relevant.
• Complete agreed learning activities, projects, and reflective practice tasks (including completion of self-paced ICDA training).
• Maintain confidentiality and professionalism when engaging with governance matters.
• Uphold the values, policies, and Code of Conduct of the Y NSW. 

Applicants must:

• Be aged between 18 and 25 years at the commencement of the program.
• Demonstrate commitment to youth voice, community leadership, or creating positive change.
• Be willing to learn and participate in governance and strategic leadership processes.
• Show strong commitment to collaboration, integrity, and respectful engagement.
• Be committed to learning and engaging with governance processes.
• Be able to commit to participation in the program over a 12-month period.
• Demonstrate alignment with the values and vision of the Y NSW.
• You can read more about the Y NSW Values here.
• Have a valid WWCC (Volunteer or Paid) and pass a National Police Check before commencement.

• Experience participating in youth advisory groups, committees, advocacy initiatives, volunteering, or community leadership activities.
• Interest in governance, organisational leadership, public policy, strategy, or board service.
• Previous engagement or involvement in Y NSW programs.
• Lived experience that reflects the diversity of communities served by the Y NSW.

The selection process will involve:

1. Submission of an Expression of Interest (EOI).
2. Shortlisting against the selection criteria.
3. Participation in a group workshop and interview (Week of August 31).
4. Final selection and commencement in October 2026.

If you are passionate about creating positive impact, interested in learning how boards operate, and ready to develop your leadership and governance skills, we encourage you to apply for the Young Directors Development Program and help shape the future of the Y NSW.

Submit an expression of interest here, by Wednesday 26 August.

Please ensure you provide the following information in your expression of interest.

1. Upload your current resume
2. Upload a Cover Letter (1-2 pages) addressing:
3. About you
4. Why the program interests you
5. What you would bring to the Board environment
6. Answer the application questions.
7. Upload a letter of reference/recommendation, if you are able to.

Any further questions about the program can be directed to our Youth and Child Voice Manager, Faith Moavenzadeh: Faith.Moavenzadeh@ymcansw.org.au

The Y NSW is committed to creating an inclusive and representative leadership pipeline. We strongly encourage applications from young people of diverse backgrounds, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disability, culturally and linguistically diverse communities, LGBTQIA+ young people, and others whose voices are often underrepresented in governance and leadership settings.