Non-Executive Board Member - EOI - global search - remote with annual in-person event in Australia

The Future Evidence Foundation exists to dramatically improve lives by transforming the way the world creates and uses trustworthy knowledge. For more than a decade, we have been at the forefront of global efforts to strengthen systems for evidence‑informed action and policy.

In an era of AI‑driven disruption, rising misinformation, and increasingly fragmented public discourse, we build solutions that help societies understand, align and act on the world's most pressing challenges. Our work is grounded in three core values: One Team, Find A Way, and Honour Knowledge.

We are a rapidly growing global non‑profit with more than 60 team members across multiple regions. Our headquarters are in Melbourne, Australia, with the Alliance for Living Evidence (Alive) led from Johannesburg, South Africa. We are supported by philanthropic partners and software subscriptions from leading institutions worldwide.

Our current board includes:

• Lisa Boothby (Chair) – Social enterprise strategy (Social Traders, Accenture)
• Julian Elliott (Co‑founder, CEO, Director) – Evidence technology & innovation (Cochrane, Monash, Cambodian Govt)
• Russell Gruen (Co‑founder, Director) – Medical research & education leadership (HKUST, ANU, NTU)
• Simon Lusted (Director) – Technology strategy & leadership (Seek, Jora, Telstra)

The organisation's executive leadership includes Julian Elliott, CEO, and:

• Ruth Stewart, Director, Alliance for Living Evidence (Alive)
• Richard Jeremiah, Director, Covidence
• Matthew Deeble, Director, Strategy and Operations

Our Work

Covidence - Our cornerstone product, Covidence, is a global software platform that accelerates systematic reviews — the gold standard for synthesising research evidence. Used by more than 600,000 researchers across thousands of institutions, Covidence enables teams to rapidly uncover actionable insights from the world's research.

Alliance for Living Evidence (Alive) - We pioneered the Living Evidence approach, enabling systematic reviews to be continuously updated as new research emerges. Alive tests and scales this approach in partnership with global philanthropic partners who are equally committed to making a difference across health and climate sectors.

Global Evidence Data System - We are leading the development of a shared, open global evidence data system — a data and AI infrastructure that enables organisations to enhance, connect and use evidence from around the world.

Why Consider the Future Evidence Foundation Board

Serving as a Non‑Executive Director with the Foundation offers a rare opportunity to shape global systems at the root of how societies make decisions.

1. Lead an organisation with a meaningful, globally relevant mission

We work at the intersection of evidence, technology and public good. Our mission — to change the way the world creates and uses trustworthy knowledge — has a direct impact on health, climate, education and other domains where knowledge quality determines real‑world outcomes.

2. Contribute at a genuinely strategic level

Our Board focuses on strategic direction, long‑range stewardship and organisational coherence. Directors work with a highly capable executive team and engage in forward‑looking governance rather than operational oversight.

3. Gain global exposure and shape diverse, inclusive impact

Our work spans Africa, Asia, Europe, Australia and the Americas. Directors contribute to — and learn from — a board and leadership group that values diverse expertise, lived experience and cultural perspectives.

4. Influence systems‑level change with world‑scale impact

We work upstream, improving how evidence is generated, synthesised and used. This creates multiplier effects across entire sectors, enabling better decisions for millions of people.

5. Join a collaborative, values‑driven leadership community

Our culture is low‑ego, solutions‑oriented and grounded in respect for expertise. Directors join a board that works as one team, finds a way through complexity, and honours knowledge in every decision.

Key Responsibilities

As a Non‑Executive Director, you will:

• Provide strategic guidance and oversight of the Foundation's mission, programs and impact
• Ensure high standards of governance, risk management and regulatory compliance
• Oversee financial sustainability, including budgets, funding strategies and major investments
• Support and constructively challenge the executive team on key decisions
• Act as an ambassador for the Foundation, leveraging networks to advance our mission
• Participate actively in Board and committee meetings
• Serve on at least one Board subcommittee (to be established in the next 12 months)

Time commitment

• 5–7 Board meetings per year (2 hours each + 2–4 hours preparation)
• Quarterly subcommittee meetings
• One annual in‑person meeting in Melbourne (travel support provided)

Term

• 3‑year appointment, renewable up to a maximum of 3 terms

Required & Preferred Skills

We are seeking individuals who bring:

• Passion for improving societal outcomes through evidence‑based decision‑making
• Ability to work effectively in a diverse, global, remote board environment
• High ethical standards and personal integrity
• Prior board experience in non‑profit, academic or technology sectors
• Strong strategic thinking and comfort with complexity and ambiguity
• Experience with governance, risk and compliance frameworks
• Financial literacy and ability to oversee complex organisational finances
• Networks in research, health, education, climate or technology sectors
• Commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion

Priority Skill Domains

We are particularly seeking expertise in one or more of the following:

1. AI & Data Strategy

• Experience leading development and growth of AI‑ or data‑focused products
• Understanding of emerging AI capabilities, opportunities and risks

2. Finance, Legal & Risk

• Chartered Accountant or CPA qualifications
• Ability to chair the Finance, Audit & Risk Subcommittee
• Experience with organisational growth, partnerships and structural change

3. Evidence‑Informed Decision‑Making

• Experience working with governments, multilaterals, professional groups or practitioners
• Understanding of how evidence is used to support decisions in complex systems

Our Ways of Working

Our Board is committed to modelling and reinforcing our values:

• One Team - strengthens cohesion, aligns behind shared decisions and collaborates with fellow directors and management.
• Find A Way - brings a solutions‑oriented mindset, removes barriers and helps the organisation progress with clarity and pragmatism.
• Honour Knowledge - Uses evidence‑based judgement, respects expertise and fosters thoughtful, informed governance.

Express Your Interest

We welcome expressions of interest from individuals who share our mission and bring the expertise to guide the next phase of our global impact.

To confidentially express interest, please apply via this posting. We will shortly review your interest and, where suitable, connect to discuss the opportunity.