Autism jobs in South Australia

Help shape the future of an organisation making a meaningful difference.

Barkuma is seeking two values-driven and experienced individuals to join our Board and help shape the future direction of our organisation.

About Barkuma

Barkuma is a leading South Australian not-for-profit organisation dedicated to empowering people with disability through a diverse range of services and supports.

For almost 60 years, we have partnered with people to create meaningful opportunities that promote choice, independence and inclusion. Barkuma is uniquely positioned, combining specialist expertise in intellectual disability and autism with supported and open employment, employer-focused recruitment and job creation, training, accommodation and personal support services.

At the heart of everything we do is our purpose of partnering with individuals on their journey towards their best life.

About the Role

As a Board Member, you will play an important role in shaping Barkuma’s strategic direction while ensuring strong governance, financial sustainability and organisational success.

Working collaboratively with fellow Board Members and the Executive Leadership Team, you will provide strategic oversight, constructive challenge and sound governance to support informed decision-making and positive outcomes for the people and communities we serve.

These are remunerated Board positions.

The appointments are to fill casual vacancies and will be presented to Barkuma’s Members for ratification at the Annual General Meeting in November 2026.

The Board generally comprises nine Board Members and currently meets at least eleven times each year. Board Members are expected to:

• Serve on at least one Board Subcommittee
• Participate in Board development activities.
• Actively contribute to stakeholder and community engagement where appropriate.
• Board meetings are preferably attended in person, with video conferencing available where required.

Skills and Experience

Barkuma is committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive and representative Board. We welcome applications from individuals with diverse backgrounds, lived experiences and perspectives, including people with disability, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and people of all ages and genders.

Following a recent Board skills assessment, we are particularly seeking candidates with expertise in one or more of the following areas, noting that one role will be selected from candidates who possess strong financial oversight and risk capabilities (such as CFO-level experience) and relevant professional qualifications.

• Marketing, Brand and Communications.
• Stakeholder Engagement, Partnerships, Donor Relations and Fundraising.
• Public Relations and Media.
• Finance or Accounting, including financial strategy, governance and risk oversight.
• Manufacturing, Commercial Operations or Industrial Operations.
• Lean Systems, Continuous Improvement or Operational Excellence.
• Lived experience of disability, either personally or as a family member, carer or advocate (highly regarded).

Key Competencies

The successful candidates will demonstrate:

• An understanding of the legal, ethical, fiduciary and financial responsibilities of a board member.
• Strategic thinking and the ability to contribute through constructive questioning and informed decision-making.
• Strong Financial literacy and the ability to interpret organisational performance.
• Knowledge of governance and compliance obligations relevant to charities, NDIS providers, employers and government-funded organisations.
• Experience overseeing organisational risk and strategic risk management.
• An understanding of contemporary leadership, workforce engagement, branding and stakeholder communication.
• Knowledge of the disability, community services or not-for-profit sectors.

Personal Attributes

You will be:

• Purpose-driven – committed to Barkuma’s vision and values.
• Collaborative and courageous – willing to contribute, question respectfully and support robust discussion.
• A person of integrity – acting ethically, independently and always in the best interests of Barkuma.
• Emotionally intelligent – demonstrating self-awareness, strong interpersonal skills and respectful communication.
• Commercially astute – bringing sound business judgement, strategic thinking and innovative problem-solving.
• An active contributor – prepared to commit the time and energy required to fulfil Board and Committee responsibilities.

Qualifications and Clearances

The following are desirable or required:

• Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD) Company Directors Course (desirable).
• Current NDIS Worker Screening Check or DHS Disability Clearance (or willingness to obtain).
• Current DHS Working with Children Check (or willingness to obtain).
• Completion of the NDIS Worker Orientation Module – Quality, Safety and You (or willingness to complete).

If you are passionate about good governance and want to help shape the future of an organisation that has been creating opportunities for people with disability for almost six decades, we encourage you to apply.

How to Apply

Please submit your application through SEEK.COM, including your Board CV and a cover letter outlining your interest in the role and the skills and experience you would bring to Barkuma’s Board.

• SEEK.COM – Board Member Job at Barkuma
• Role Description

Applications close at 5pm on Thursday 13 August 2026.

Barkuma is committed to creating an inclusive environment and encourages applications from people with diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives.

With respect, no recruitment agencies please.

Applicants must have the right to work in Australia and be residents of Greater Adelaide.

Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.