Board Member (Fundraising)

External Board Member (Fundraising) - True Nature Sudbury School

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.

We are seeking to appoint an External Board Member (Fundraising) who is passionate about self-directed and democratic education and who wishes to contribute to the growth, sustainability, and public profile of an innovative educational model in Ireland. This role has a strong external focus and offers an opportunity to advocate for democratic education, build relationships with key stakeholders, support fundraising initiatives, and help connect the school with potential funding partners and supporters. As part of a community that values respect, participation, and responsibility, the successful candidate will also support the school's commitment to restorative practices as a core approach to communication, relationship-building, and conflict resolution. 

Role Description

The External Board Member (Fundraising) will support the governance, strategic direction, sustainability, and external development of True Nature Sudbury School. This voluntary role is suited to someone who values self-directed and democratic education and wishes to contribute their skills, experience, networks, and advocacy to support the school's growth and fundraising strategic direction.

In addition to governance responsibilities, the board member will act as an ambassador for the school, helping to raise its public profile, build relationships with stakeholders, support fundraising initiatives, and identify potential funding opportunities.

The Board works collaboratively to ensure the school operates ethically, sustainably, and in alignment with its core values, including a commitment to restorative practices as a foundation for communication and relationship-building.

The External Board Member (Fundraising) will:

• Act as an ambassador for the school, helping to raise its public profile and awareness of democratic education.
• Build and strengthen relationships with key stakeholders, supporters, and community partners.
• Support fundraising initiatives, help identify potential funding and build external partnership opportunities.
• Support the strategic development, sustainability, and growth of the school.
• Uphold and advocate for the principles of democratic and self-directed education.
• Attend board meetings and contribute actively to discussions, decision-making, and strategic planning.
• Assist with governance, policy oversight, and organisational development.
• Support good financial stewardship and the long-term sustainability of the organisation
• Offer professional expertise, independent perspective, and constructive challenge.
• Support compliance with relevant legal, safeguarding, governance, and charity obligations.
• Promote a culture of collaboration, respect, inclusion, transparency, and restorative practices.

Person Specification

We are particularly interested in individuals who:

• Have strong networks or are willing to help build relationships with supporters, partners, funders, and stakeholders.
• Are confident representing an organisation publicly and acting as an ambassador for its mission and values.
• Have a genuine interest in democratic, self-directed, alternative, or child-centred education.
• Believe that young people thrive when trusted, respected, and given meaningful responsibility within their community.
• Are enthusiastic advocates for educational innovation and positive social change.
• Have experience in one or more of the following areas:
  • Fundraising and donor relations
  • Communications, marketing, or public relations
  • Business development
  • Community engagement
  • Advocacy
  • Education
  • Governance
  • Charity or non-profit leadership
• Are collaborative, thoughtful, and values-led.
• Can contribute independent thinking, strategic insight, and constructive challenge.
• Are committed to ethical governance, safeguarding, inclusion, and restorative practices.
• Are willing to support the long-term sustainability and growth of the school through advocacy, relationship-building, and fundraising efforts.

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 for strategic planning or events 
• Flexible voluntary commitment 

What You Will Gain - This is an opportunity to:

• Support a pioneering democratic education initiative in Ireland 
• Contribute meaningfully to the future of alternative education 
• Be part of a values-driven and innovative community 
• Develop governance and leadership experience 
• Help shape an educational environment built on trust, autonomy, and wellbeing