Governance, Risk & Compliance Specialist

Non-Executive • Three-year Term (Renewable) • About 20 Days Per Year • Risk & Compliance Sub-Committee

About the Opportunity

We are seeking an accomplished and independent professional to join The Montessori Kingsley School (TMSK) Board as an Independent Director with a focus on Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC). This is a meaningful opportunity to contribute strategic oversight and independent judgement to an organisation committed to operating with high standards of integrity, accountability, and service to the school community.

About the Role

The Independent Director will serve as a trusted, independent voice in the boardroom and bring specialist GRC and legal expertise to strengthen organisational resilience, uphold compliance obligations, and support sound decision-making at the highest level. The successful appointee will complement the existing Board by providing objective challenge, constructive scrutiny, and deep subject matter knowledge.

This is a volunteer position. Board and committee meetings are held in-person and via hybrid arrangements, requiring a commitment of approximately 20 days per year.

Key Responsibilities

  • Provide independent oversight of the TMSK’s governance frameworks, risk appetite, and compliance obligations.
  • Challenge and scrutinise management on enterprise risk, regulatory change, and internal control effectiveness.
  • Contribute to the development and review of board-level policies, reports, and governance documentation.
  • Actively participate in board and committee meetings, bringing informed, constructive, and independent perspectives.
  • Monitor regulatory developments and advise the board on legal and compliance risks.
  • Support a culture of ethical conduct, transparency, and continuous improvement across the organisation.

Essential Criteria

  • Demonstrated expertise in governance, risk management, and/or regulatory compliance.
  • Proven capacity to exercise independent judgement and constructively challenge.
  • Strong understanding of board duties, fiduciary responsibilities, and director obligations under applicable legislation.
  • High ethical standards, personal integrity, and a genuine commitment to the public interest.
  • Excellent communication, analytical, and stakeholder engagement skills.

Preferred Profile — Practising Legal Professional

Candidates who are currently practising legal professionals, are strongly encouraged to apply. Formal legal qualifications and admission to practice will be viewed favourably, as will experience advising boards, regulators, or government bodies on matters of governance and compliance.

Desirable Attributes

  • Prior non-executive director or board committee experience.
  • Knowledge of ASIC, APRA, or sector-specific regulatory frameworks relevant to the organisation’s industry.
  • Experience with enterprise risk management frameworks such as ISO 31000 or COSO.
  • Familiarity with ASX Corporate Governance Principles and Recommendations or equivalent codes.
  • Completion of the AICD Company Directors Course or an equivalent governance qualification.

Diversity & Independence

We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive board that reflects a breadth of perspectives, backgrounds, and lived experiences. We welcome applications from candidates of all genders, cultural backgrounds, and career pathways. Applicants must satisfy the independence criteria and must not hold material conflicts of interest with the organisation.

About the School

At The Montessori School Kingsley, we espouse and implement pure Montessori principles. We are located in Kingsley, surrounded by native bushland and overlooking Lake Goollelal. We are Australia’s longest-running Montessori school, and we cater to children aged 3 to 18 in mixed-age classrooms; from pre-primary education to the International Baccalaureate Programmes (a globally recognised tertiary entrance qualification).

Visit the link for more information about our Vision, Mission, Values, and Priorities.

How to Apply

Interested candidates are invited to submit a cover letter and curriculum vitae addressed to the Board Chair. Applications should outline relevant experience in governance, risk, compliance, and legal practice as applicable.

Confidential enquiries are welcomed prior to application. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.

Applications to: [email protected]

Closing date: TBC