Board Opportunities

Become a Board Member

External Board Members (Voluntary)

We are currently recruiting for two External Board Member positions:

  1. External Board Member (General)

  2. External Board Member (Fundraising)

About True Nature Sudbury School

True Nature Sudbury School is an alternative democratic education community where young people are trusted to direct their own learning, develop independence, and grow through freedom, responsibility, creativity, and real-life experience.

Inspired by the internationally recognised Sudbury model of education, the school is grounded in respect for children and young people as capable individuals who learn naturally through self-directed exploration, meaningful relationships, and participation in a democratic community.

As our school continues to grow, we are seeking two passionate individuals to join our voluntary Board of Management. Whether your strengths lie in governance and strategic thinking or fundraising and external partnerships, these are opportunities to make a meaningful contribution to an innovative educational model that is helping to shape the future of education in Ireland.

Both roles have an important external focus, helping to raise awareness of democratic education, strengthen relationships with stakeholders, and support the long-term sustainability of the school. As members of a community that values respect, participation and responsibility, successful applicants will also champion the school's commitment to restorative practices as the foundation for communication, relationship-building and conflict resolution.

The Roles

External Board Member (General)

The External Board Member (General) will contribute to the governance, strategic direction and long-term sustainability of the school while acting as an ambassador for True Nature Sudbury School. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys strategic thinking, advocacy, relationship-building and supporting organisational growth.

Key Responsibilities

  • Act as an ambassador for the school, promoting democratic and self-directed education.

  • Help build relationships with stakeholders, supporters and community partners.

  • Support the strategic development, sustainability and long-term growth of the school.

  • Contribute to governance, policy oversight and organisational development.

  • Attend Board meetings and participate actively in discussion and decision-making.

  • Provide professional expertise, independent thinking and constructive challenge.

  • Support good financial stewardship and organisational sustainability.

  • Ensure compliance with legal, safeguarding, governance and charity obligations.

  • Promote a culture of collaboration, inclusion, transparency, respect and restorative practices.

External Board Member (Fundraising)

The External Board Member (Fundraising) shares all of the governance responsibilities of the General Board Member while bringing an additional focus on fundraising, partnerships and financial sustainability. This role is well suited to someone with experience or an interest in fundraising, business development, philanthropy or relationship management.

Additional Responsibilities

In addition to the responsibilities listed above, the Fundraising Board Member will:

  • Support the school's fundraising strategy and fundraising initiatives.

  • Identify potential grant, sponsorship and funding opportunities.

  • Build relationships with potential donors, funding bodies and corporate partners.

  • Help expand the school's external network to support long-term sustainability.

  • Contribute ideas and connections that strengthen the school's financial future.

Person Specification

We welcome applications from people who:

  • Have a genuine interest in democratic, self-directed, alternative or child-centred education.

  • Believe young people thrive when they are trusted, respected and given meaningful responsibility.

  • Are enthusiastic advocates for educational innovation and positive social change.

  • Are confident representing an organisation publicly and acting as an ambassador for its mission and values.

  • Have strong networks or are willing to build relationships with supporters, partners, funders and stakeholders.

  • Are collaborative, thoughtful and values-led.

  • Can contribute strategic insight, independent thinking and constructive challenge.

  • Are committed to ethical governance, safeguarding, inclusion and restorative practices.

Experience in one or more of the following would be valuable:

  • Governance or Board experience

  • Fundraising and donor relations

  • Business development

  • Community engagement

  • Communications, marketing or public relations

  • Education

  • Advocacy

  • Charity or not-for-profit leadership

  • Finance or strategic planning

Previous Board or Trustee experience is welcomed but is not essential.

For the Fundraising role, experience in fundraising, philanthropy, grant funding, sponsorship, corporate partnerships or donor engagement would be particularly valuable.

Time Commitment

  • Approximately one Board meeting per month (online and/or in person).

  • Occasional additional involvement for strategic planning, fundraising activities or school events.

  • Flexible voluntary commitment.

What You Will Gain

This is an opportunity to:

  • Support a pioneering democratic education initiative in Ireland.

  • Help shape the future of alternative education.

  • Join a passionate, values-driven and innovative Board.

  • Develop governance, leadership and strategic experience.

  • Make a meaningful contribution to the sustainability and growth of a unique educational community.

  • Help create an educational environment built on trust, autonomy, wellbeing and respect.

 

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