Board Opportunities

Become a Board Member

External Board Members (Voluntary)

Join Our Board. We are currently recruiting for two voluntary External Board Member positions:

1. External Board Member (Advocacy)
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 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. Both roles will contribute to the governance, strategic direction and long-term sustainability of True Nature Sudbury School, while bringing a particular area of expertise and focus to the Board.

External Board Member (Advocacy)

The External Board Member (Advocacy) will have a particular focus on advocacy, lobbying, public relations and stakeholder engagement, helping to strengthen the voice and visibility of democratic education in Ireland.

Democratic schools currently operate outside the state-funded education system in Ireland. This creates significant challenges for schools and families choosing this educational model. We want to contribute to greater understanding, recognition and, ultimately, support for democratic and self-directed education at a national level.

Working alongside the Board and connecting with DemEd Ireland and the wider democratic education community, the Advocacy Board Member will help develop relationships with policymakers, public representatives, education stakeholders, media and other relevant organisations.

Key Areas of Focus

The Advocacy Board Member will:

  • Act as an ambassador and advocate for True Nature Sudbury School and democratic education.

  • Help develop and implement the school's advocacy and public engagement strategy.

  • Build relationships with policymakers, elected representatives, education bodies and other key stakeholders.

  • Support appropriate lobbying and engagement around greater recognition and support for democratic education in Ireland.

  • Develop and maintain connections with DemEd Ireland and the wider democratic education movement.

  • Help raise public awareness and understanding of democratic and self-directed education.

  • Support public relations, media engagement and opportunities to communicate the school's work and educational model.

  • Identify opportunities for collaboration, representation and participation in relevant education discussions, networks and events.

  • Contribute to the strategic development, sustainability and growth of the school.

Experience in advocacy, public affairs, lobbying, government relations, policy, communications, public relations, education or stakeholder engagement would be particularly valuable.

External Board Member (Fundraising)

The External Board Member (Fundraising) will share the wider governance responsibilities of the Board while bringing a particular focus to fundraising, partnerships and long-term financial sustainability.

As an independently funded democratic school, developing sustainable sources of income beyond membership dues is an important part of True Nature Sudbury School's future. The Fundraising Board Member will help us strengthen our fundraising strategy, identify opportunities and build relationships with individuals and organisations who may wish to support our work.

Key Areas of Focus

The Fundraising Board Member will:

  • Support the development and implementation of the school's fundraising strategy.

  • Identify potential grants, funding programmes and fundraising opportunities.

  • Build relationships with potential donors, funders, philanthropic organisations and corporate partners.

  • Support fundraising campaigns and initiatives.

  • Help develop external partnerships that can contribute to the school's long-term sustainability.

  • Use their experience, networks and connections to help expand the school's community of supporters.

  • Act as an ambassador for the school and help raise its public profile.

  • Contribute to the strategic development, sustainability and growth of the school.

Experience in fundraising, philanthropy, grant funding, donor relations, corporate partnerships, business development or relationship management would be particularly valuable.

Shared Board Responsibilities

Both External Board Members will be full and active members of the Board and will:

  • Attend Board meetings and contribute actively to discussions, decision-making and strategic planning.

  • Support the strategic direction and long-term sustainability of True Nature Sudbury School.

  • Contribute to governance, policy oversight and organisational development.

  • Support good financial stewardship.

  • Offer professional expertise, independent perspective and constructive challenge.

  • Support compliance with relevant legal, safeguarding, governance and charity obligations.

  • Uphold and advocate for the principles of democratic and self-directed education.

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

  • Act in the best interests of the school and its wider community.

Person Specification

We are looking for individuals 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 within their community.

  • Are collaborative, thoughtful and values-led.

  • Can contribute independent thinking, professional expertise and strategic insight.

  • Are confident building relationships and representing an organisation externally.

  • Are committed to supporting the vision, values and long-term development of True Nature Sudbury School.

  • Previous Board or Trustee experience is welcome but not essential.

Time Commitment

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

  • Occasional additional involvement in strategic planning, advocacy, fundraising activities or events.

  • These are voluntary positions, with flexibility around additional involvement.

What You Will Gain

  • Contribute to a pioneering democratic education initiative in Ireland.

  • Play a meaningful role in the future development of True Nature Sudbury School.

  • Develop valuable governance and leadership experience.

  • Contribute your professional skills and experience to a values-led organisation.

  • Build relationships within the democratic education community.

  • Help increase awareness and understanding of democratic and self-directed education.

  • Support an educational model built on trust, autonomy, responsibility and respect.

Email tnssboard@gmail.com