Executive Officer, SEARCH Foundation

Background Information

The attached role statement and selection criteria summarise the broad functions and responsibilities of the position and the preferred attributes of the successful candidate. The following provides some background and a wider context to the appointment.

The SEARCH Foundation was established in 1990. It was originally formed as the entity to manage the assets of the Communist Party of Australia (CPA) when it ceased operating as a political party, with objects including the promotion of “greater understanding in the community of the main factors affecting social life, influencing social development and advancing social wellbeing.”

Over the last 27 years, the Foundation has evolved and now undertakes a range of activities to promote its goal of democratic, ecological socialism and to work for cooperation and among left and progressive movements for democracy, economic and social justice and equality, environmental sustainability, human rights, and international peace and cooperation.

The SEARCH Foundation is a national membership-based organisation comprising several hundred members, many now being drawn from a wide range of organisations and political parties on the Australian left. The Foundation’s office is based in the Unions NSW complex in Sussex Street, , including access to a broad range of associated organisations and excellent facilities for meetings and other activities.

The Foundation is constituted as a company limited by guarantee and is governed by an elected Committee of 10 members, comprising three officers (President, Vice-President, and Honorary Treasurer) and seven other Committee members. The elected Committee appoints a Company Secretary who, if a SEARCH member and not already a Committee member, becomes a member of the Committee.

In the past the Company Secretary role has been incorporated into the responsibilities of the Executive Officer role, but there is the option to separate the two functions. Should that be considered appropriate, the Executive Officer would oversee and administer the day-to-day business and political functions of the Foundation, with the support of a part-time administrative officer and a part-time Company Secretary.

After 27 years of activity, the Foundation has undergone a rethink of its broad strategy and purpose through a wide-ranging SEARCH Review leading up to a National Forum open to all members last year (2017). This process also incorporates a Review of the Foundation’s constitution, currently being undertaken and due to conclude in late July.

The Foundation is now seeking an Executive Officer to work with the Committee and members to implement the outcomes of this process. The successful applicant will be expected to actively contribute to devising and implementing a realistic program to address the significant opportunities and challenges currently facing the Foundation.

The broadly agreed opportunities of the role include:

● Raising the profile and the positive influence of the Foundation within Australian and world politics. ● Casting the Foundation as a nationally aware, safe, inclusive space for members and supporters to debate and develop progressive and effective policies, programs and actions. ● Stewarding, growing and diversifying SEARCH membership, particularly among young activists, including a range of developmental programs addressing their needs. ● Developing synergies with other compatible organisations and acting as an honest broker in promoting greater unity of purpose and action across the Australian left. ● Progressing politically productive relations with selected international organisations.

To achieve these goals, major challenges and tasks for the Foundation include:

● Clarifying and committing to a set of values and achievable strategies. ● Markedly improving the quality of communication and education of members and partners through publications and the utilisation of the full range of media technologies. ● Promoting a culture of effective collaboration across the organisation and the broad left. ● Ensuring that the Foundation’s assets are sustainably and ethically managed to generate income to fund its work. ● Further developing processes of sound administration and management within the Foundation. ● Building and supporting membership involvement.

Further information may be obtained about the SEARCH Foundation and the Executive Officer position, by visiting the Foundation’s website at search.org.au or by calling:

The President, Dr Jacquie Widin, on 0425 371 973 (+61 425 371 973 from overseas) The Vice President, Matt Kunkel, on 0405 748 242 The Treasurer, Adrian Graves, on 0499 149 879

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