Company Secretary

Galway Community Circus is seeking expressions of interest for the role of Company Secretary for its Board.

The company secretary will work alongside the chairperson and other members of the Board to ensure Galway Community Circus maintains effective administration and compliance with relevant regulations and codes, by taking responsibility for tasks as outlined below.

About Galway Community Circus:

Galway Community Circus is a registered charity with a voluntary board of directors. It is based in Galway City at  St Joseph’s Community Centre in Shantalla.

Galway Community Circus is Ireland’s flagship for youth and social circus, located in the heart of Galway City. Our mission is to foster the growth of youth circus in Ireland and internationally through our dynamic circus school. Our vision is a future in which play, care and creativity are nurtured through circus education accessible to every child in Ireland. We provide access to high-quality subsidised circus arts education through our circus school, offering youth and adult programmes for over 500 weekly students as well as professional training and community programmes in partnership with those who have specific social or developmental needs. We provide artist supports, training and mentoring and lead the development of youth circus in Ireland through our academic, national and international partnerships.

Role Description:

The Company Secretary is an integral role and responsible for tasks as per the Charity Regulator’s requirements and Galway Community Circus’s Board Governance Handbook.The secretary of a charity together with all other charity trustees are responsible for the efficient administration of a charity, particularly with regard to ensuring compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements.

The main responsibilities relate to the following areas:

• Administration and compliance 
• Preparing for Board meetings 
• Notification of Board meetings 
• Circulation of papers prior to Board meetings 
• Taking meeting minutes or have it designated to another member of staff 
• Keeping an action log of all decisions taken 
• Attending other meetings as required
• Maintaining the register of board members and register of interests
• Correspondence with the CRA and CRO of any changes and required information, including the filling of accounts

Candidate Profile:

• Experience and good understanding of the charity, social enterprise and/or arts sector
• Strong organisational and communication skills
• Commitment to all legal and fiduciary responsibilities, ensuring compliance with statutory obligations and ensuring best practice in corporate governance
• Commitment to Galway Community Circus’ ethos and values
• Experience in a Company Secretary or board role is desirable but not essential
• Legal, management and/or governance experience is desirable but not essential

Time Commitment:

• 7-8 board meetings per year. Board meetings are usually on Tuesday evenings for a maximum of two hours.
• Approx. an hour per month for secretary duties

How to apply:

Please send a brief expression of interest and CV to board@galwaycircus.com  by the end of February 2025 with “Company Secretary” in the subject line.

Upon receipt of your information a member of the board and the CEO will be in touch to schedule an initial meeting to provide further information and discuss any questions. If in agreement, your information will be shared with the Board for a vote at the next board meeting.

Should you have questions or require further information you can contact us under board@galwaycircus.com