Our People
Deputy Chief Commissioners of Australia Vacancy
We’re recruiting for two Deputy Chief Commissioner roles in Australia! This is a fantastic opportunity to be a part of our commitment to empowering young people in decision-making. If you’re passionate about making a difference and shaping the future, we want to hear from you!
Reporting to the Chief Commissioner of Scouts Australia (CCoA), these roles are crucial in ensuring the smooth and efficient running of our organization. This initiative is part of our commitment to involving young people in all levels of decision-making. We are looking for two dynamic individuals: one open age (over 18) and another specifically under 30 years old. Successful applicants will be appointed for a term of up to three years.
The role of Deputy Chief Commissioner (DCC) is both challenging and rewarding, offering a unique opportunity to shape the future of Scouts Australia. We understand that applicants may not have previous experience applying for a senior leadership position, so we’ve provided detailed information to help you put together a compelling application.
Scouts Australia is committed to inclusivity and ensuring our leadership team is diverse and representative of our community. We encourage all interested candidates to apply. Find out more about the roles by downloading the role descriptions available below:
Submitting an Application
All applications must be submitted in writing by email to Sarah Eldridge at sarah.eldridge@scouts.com.au no later than 11:59PM on Saturday, 28th September, 2024.
Don’t leave things to the last minute! Late applications will not be accepted.
You will need to submit the following items during the application process:
- Cover Letter; maximum of one (1) A4 page
- Professional CV/Resume; maximum of two (2) A4 pages
- Scouting CV/Resume; maximum of two (2) A4 pages
- Response to the Key Selection Criteria and Personal Requirements contained in the Position Description; maximum of two (2) A4 pages
- Scouting Membership Record (contact your Branch for an extract)
- Contact details for two (2) referees, of whom at least one must be your current supervisor in Scouting
If you are shortlisted for interview the Selection Panel will also be contacting your Branch Chief Commissioner to ask for their endorsement of your application for the role. You might like to reach out to them and let them know that you’re applying.
Putting your Best Foot Forward
It is important that you follow any instructions including page limits and/or word limits as the Selection Panel may not be able to consider material beyond the specified limits. In writing your application, consider the experiences you’ve had and the things you have learned during your time in Scouting, as well as in other areas of life such as school, university, or sport. The Selection Panel are looking for you to demonstrate, through your skills, experience, and knowledge, how and why you will be successful in the role.
There are many ways to respond to selection criteria but one of the easiest and most used is the STAR method:
- Situation: describe a situation that you were faced with
- Task: describe the task that you had to complete
- Action: describe the action that you took to complete the task
- Result: describe the result of your action
Make sure that your membership details are up-to-date with your Branch. It is a requirement that you continue to hold valid membership with your Branch including the completion of any working with children checks, police checks or mandatory eLearning that may fall due during the application process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the difference between the Under 30 and the Open Age (over 18) role?
A: The Chief Commissioner of Australia is supported by two Deputy Chief Commissioners. One must be under 30 years of age, and the other can be any age (starting at 18). This helps to ensure young people are involved in our decision-making at the highest levels of the organisation. If you are under 30 years old, you may apply for either (or both) Deputy Chief Commissioner roles. If you are over 30 years old, you are only eligible for the open age position.
Q: I have a disability, can I still apply?
A: Yes you can. Scouts Australia is committed to ensuring that all young people have the opportunity to fulfil senior leadership roles in the organisation. We will discuss any reasonable adjustments that you may require if you are shortlisted for interview.
Q: I’m currently 28, can I still apply for the Under 30 year old role?
A: Yes you can, if you are over the age of 27 at the time of appointment, the term of your appointment will run until your 30th birthday rather than for a fixed period of three years. The open age role has no age restrictions, other than being over 18 years old.
Q: I work full-time, can I still apply for this role?
A: Yes you can, we have a wonderful National Support Team of paid staff who run the organisation on a day-to-day basis. Many of our senior volunteers, including the current CCoA and the current DCC Under 30 work full-time.
Q: I have a casual job and need to work on weekends, can I still apply for this role?
A: Yes you can, we have previously had people in National roles who have had casual jobs and who have been able to successfully fulfil the requirements of the role.
