Inaugural volunteer Chairperson for SMART Recovery International
One of the fastest-growing global addiction treatment programs seeks a dynamic, compassionate, highly-networked leader to become the inaugural chairperson of an overarching international non-profit organisation: SMART Recovery International (SRI). The purpose of SRI is to provide worldwide oversight and support to SMART Recovery operations in all current member countries, and to foster the development of operations in new locations to grow SMART Recovery programs where they are most needed.
National representatives of the SMART Recovery International Board have identified the following skills sets as remaining to be filled in order to ensure the success of this important new organization:
- international commercial or not-for-profit leadership,
- global information technology & digital strategy, and
- fundraising, entrepreneurship & mentoring.
It is expected that the independent Chairperson will possess one or more of these competencies.
This voluntary role is ideal for a passionate advocate. If you’re inspired and driven to make a tangible difference in the lives of people battling addiction, helping to eliminate stigma and encourage vulnerable people to seek help, we’d love to speak with you. SMART Recovery aims to give people the tools they need to help themselves and each other to overcome their harmful behaviour and embark upon stronger, more fulfilling lives.
About SMART Recovery
SMART (Self Management and Recovery Training) Recovery is a cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and motivational interviewing based program for people dealing with problematic behaviour around addiction. It is delivered in a mutual aid group setting. SMART Recovery groups are facilitated by both professionals and peers (people recovering from their problematic behaviour). The 4-Point Program consists of: 1) Building and Maintaining Motivation; 2) Coping with Urges; 3) Managing Thoughts, Feelings and Behaviours; and 4) Living a balanced Life. Using tools for each of the
4-Points has allowed many individuals to find recovery and a rewarding life. Witnessing people recover is a benefit board member will observe during service to the organisation.
History of SMART Recovery
SMART Recovery commenced in the United States of America in 1994. Today, registered SMART national organisations operate in the United Kingdom and Australia. SMART Recovery also has a growing presence in Canada, the Republic of Ireland, and Denmark. Currently, over 2,500 support meetings (face-to-face and online) take place across 22 different countries. This remarkable rate of expansion necessitates the establishment a new worldwide body - SMART Recovery International - to govern the expanding number of countries representing the program at a national level.
With the rapid growth of SMART globally, it was determined necessary to establish SMART Recovery International (SRI). National representatives to the SRI Board developed a ‘Strategic Plan for the Establishment of SMART Recovery International’. SRI is currently being registered in the state of Delaware in the United States of America. There will be three independent non-executive Directors appointed to the SRI Board, and if you possess one or more of the skill-sets mentioned above, we desire to hear from you.
Current representatives to the SMART Recovery International Board
USA reps.
● Bill Greer, Communications specialist / SMART Recovery Non-Executive Director / SMART Recovery facilitator
● Brett Saarela, Psychotherapist / SMART Recovery Vice President / UK SMART Recovery Non-Executive Director
● Claire Saenz, Attorney / SMART Recovery facilitator
● Shari Allwood, SMART Recovery Australia Executive Director (ex-officio)
AUS reps.
● Jennifer Johannesen, Senior Associate, MARQUE Lawyers / SMART Recovery Australia Non-Executive Director
● Tony Wales, Businessman and Philanthropist / SMART Recovery Australia Chairperson / SMART Recovery Non-Executive Director
● Ryan McGlaughlin, SMART Recovery Australia Executive Director (ex-officio)
UK reps.
● Marcantonio Spada, Professor of Psychology and Editor-in-Chief Addictive Behaviors (Elect)
● Shiv Sharma, Engagement and Recovery worker
● Angie King, UK SMART Recovery Executive Director (ex-officio)
COMMITMENT INVOLVED
This is a volunteer role. This is a newly formed ‘working’ Board without any current employees, but will be supported by the above-noted Executive Directors.
Board meetings will take place online every other month, for no more two hours in duration. There would be at least one face-to-face meeting every second year, annually if revenues allow. You would also be expected to join working groups relevant to your skills.
The SMART Recovery office is in Mentor, Ohio. UK SMART Recovery office is in Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire. SMART Recovery Australia is in Woolloomooloo, Sydney.
For more information:
Contact: Ryan McGlaughlin Email:
Phone: 02-9373-5100 Website:
Application close on: January 29, 2018.
To apply, email your CV and cover letter to Ryan McGlaughlin, SMART Recovery Australia Executive Director:
.