PS – best of luck to the new CEO!

“With the announcement of the resignation of our highly regarded CEO Adrienne Picone, the Board of Volunteering Australia have commenced a campaign to recruit our next national leader for Australian Volunteering.’

Now this is a big statement found on Volunteering Australia’s Website. Finding the next CEO for this organisation will be challenging enough but looking for the next “national leader for Australian Volunteering” will be a mammoth task.

So, onto the site that is advertising this position and my Norton is already blocking it!

But onto Pro Bono Australia where I do find the ad

“To be considered for this role you will need to be a dynamic leader, with the ability to engage and develop lasting, positive relationships with passionate stakeholders at a national level, including partners, members, government, private organisations, community and Foundation Members (State/Territory peaks).

Your commercial and business acumen will ensure the successful delivery of key objectives whilst growing strategic partnerships that encompass revenue generation and organisational growth, to the benefit of both members and stakeholders.”

In my humble opinion this could be the template for several bland CEO positions.  Its almost a copy and paste.

“An in-depth knowledge of driving national strategy across a federated model “I mean really. This will rule out countless could be CEOs for this organisation.

I was hoping to see the following

·         In a post COVID world you will lead…

·         Your thorough experience in volunteer management excellence will equip you …

·         Your honed advocacy and activist skills will lead…

·         Your ability to rethink leadership in a new reality will…

·         Your emotional intelligence and intellectual honesty will…

·         Your demonstrated passion for volunteerism will…

Why am I writing this? No – I am not going for the role. No- I did not ever go for the role.

But I want better for volunteerism in Australia. I have criticised ads for volunteer management roles in the past.

Before we can have a national leader of volunteering enshrined in a role we need an organisation that leads with confidence and assurance and bravery in this new era.

 Volunteering does not need to kowtow to anyone.  We make an enormous difference in Australian life. We deserve more respect and it is in the interest of stakeholders to develop excellent relationships with us.

No more the poor cousin Volunteering Australia.

PS – best of luck to the new CEO!