Board Member (General) 3 Roles

External Board Members (3 Voluntary Positions)

True Nature Sudbury School | Board of Management

Location: North Dublin / Meath Border, Ireland
Position: Voluntary, Non-Executive Board Member
Vacancies: 3 External Board Members
Commitment: Approximately one Board meeting per month (online), plus occasional additional involvement

About True Nature Sudbury School

True Nature Sudbury School is an alternative democratic education community where young people aged 5–18 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 an independently funded, not-for-profit school, we are committed to creating a sustainable educational environment where young people are respected, trusted and supported to thrive as the unique individuals they are.

We are also passionate about raising awareness and building greater recognition and support for democratic education in Ireland.

About the Opportunity

We are currently seeking three External Board Members to join our Board of Management and contribute to the strategic direction, governance and long-term sustainability of True Nature Sudbury School.

We welcome applications from individuals with diverse professional backgrounds who share an interest in democratic education and can bring independent perspectives, professional expertise, fresh ideas and valuable networks to our Board.

We are particularly interested in candidates who have experience in one or more of the following areas:

• Advocacy, Public Affairs & Stakeholder Engagement – Helping to raise awareness and recognition of democratic education in Ireland, building relationships with policymakers, public representatives, education bodies and other key stakeholders.
• Fundraising, Philanthropy & Partnerships – Supporting fundraising strategies, identifying funding opportunities and developing relationships with donors, corporate partners, philanthropic organisations and grant-making bodies.
• Charity Governance & Organisational Development – Bringing experience in charity registration, regulatory compliance, not-for-profit governance, organisational structures and strategic development.

While these skills would be particularly valuable, we also welcome applications from individuals with broader business, leadership, education, financial, legal, communications or governance experience.

These are general Board positions rather than three separately defined specialist roles. Successful candidates will contribute to the wider responsibilities of the Board while having opportunities to support particular areas aligned with their experience and interests.

Key Responsibilities

As an External Board Member, you will:

• Contribute to the governance, strategic direction and long-term sustainability of True Nature Sudbury School.
• Attend Board meetings and participate actively in discussions, decision-making and strategic planning.
• Provide independent thinking, professional expertise and constructive challenge.
• Support organisational development, governance structures and policy oversight.
• Help ensure the school operates ethically, responsibly and in alignment with its mission and values.
• Support good financial stewardship and sustainable organisational growth.
• Contribute to compliance with relevant legal, safeguarding and governance obligations.
• Act as an ambassador for the school, helping to raise awareness of democratic and self-directed education.
• Support the development of relationships with relevant stakeholders, partners, supporters and community organisations.
• Contribute to advocacy, fundraising, charity development or other strategic initiatives where relevant to your expertise.
• Promote a culture of collaboration, inclusion, transparency, respect and restorative practice.

Person Specification

We are looking for individuals who:

• Have a genuine interest in democratic, self-directed or alternative education.
• Believe young people thrive when they are trusted, respected and given meaningful responsibility within their community.
• Bring professional expertise, strategic thinking and an independent perspective.
• Are collaborative, thoughtful, proactive and values-led.
• Are comfortable contributing to strategic discussions and organisational decision-making.
• Have strong networks or are willing to help develop relationships with relevant stakeholders and supporters.
• Are committed to ethical governance, accountability and organisational sustainability.
• Have an interest in supporting educational innovation and positive social change.
• Can commit the necessary time and energy to make a meaningful contribution to the Board.

Desirable Experience

Experience in one or more of the following areas would be particularly welcome:

• Advocacy, lobbying, public affairs or government relations
• Fundraising, philanthropy, grants or donor engagement
• Charity registration, charity governance or regulatory compliance
• Strategic planning and organisational development
• Finance, legal or corporate governance
• Communications, marketing or public relations
• Business development and corporate partnerships
• Education policy or educational innovation
• Community engagement and not-for-profit leadership

Previous Board or Trustee experience is welcome but not essential. We value diverse professional backgrounds and are particularly interested in individuals who can bring new perspectives, relevant experience and a genuine commitment to our mission.

Time Commitment

• Approximately one Board meeting per month, held online and/or in person.
• Occasional additional involvement in strategic planning, projects, fundraising, advocacy or school events.
• A flexible voluntary commitment, with additional involvement depending on availability, expertise and areas of interest.

What You Will Gain

Joining the Board of True Nature Sudbury School offers an opportunity to:

• Support a pioneering democratic education initiative in Ireland.
• Contribute to the future development and sustainability of an innovative educational community.
• Help strengthen awareness, understanding and recognition of democratic education.
• Apply your professional skills and experience to a meaningful, values-driven organisation.
• Develop and strengthen your governance, leadership and strategic experience.
• Build relationships with people and organisations across education, business, philanthropy and the not-for-profit sector.
• Be part of a collaborative Board committed to positive social change.
• Make a lasting contribution to an educational environment built on trust, autonomy, responsibility, respect and wellbeing.

How to Apply

If you are interested in contributing your skills, experience and perspective to the future of True Nature Sudbury School, we would love to hear from you.

We welcome expressions of interest from individuals with a broad range of professional backgrounds, particularly those with experience in advocacy, fundraising or charity governance.

Please send a brief introduction outlining your background, relevant experience and interest in joining our Board to:

Email: tnssboard@gmail.com
Website: www.truenaturesudburyschool.ie

Help us strengthen the future of True Nature Sudbury School and contribute to greater recognition and support for democratic education in Ireland.