Experienced Board Member with Governance Expertise

The Organisation:

Narrative 4 Ireland was established in 2016 and is a registered Irish charity.  We have licensed the Story Exchange programme from the US based Narrative 4 Inc, which was founded by writers and educators in 2012.  One of these founding writers was Irish novelist Colum McCann, who is now the Chair of Narrative 4 Ireland.

We believe that stories have an innate power to create empathy in society. Stories can shatter stereotypes and break down barriers and end hate and prejudices.

In June 2016, Narrative 4 renovated an old Georgian townhouse on Limerick’s O’Connell Street into a 21st century community space. The project was supported by Limerick City and County Council and the JP McManus Benevolent Fund.

Since then, thousands of young people and members of the community have stepped through our door. We have hosted hundreds of Story Exchanges, storytelling nights and literary events. We’ve also supported local festivals and events such as Make A Move Festival, The Limerick Spring, Open House, Culture Night, Fresh Film Festival and many more.

Our strategic direction is focused on strengthening and expanding Narrative 4's core work in storytelling, empathy and youth wellbeing, while increasing the reach and impact of our programmes. A key priority is the sustainable scaling of initiatives such as the N4Km Walk & Talk Empathy Challenge and Empathy School Award, alongside strengthening our fundraising, partnerships and organisational capacity.

The Board:      Our Team - Narrative 4 Ireland

Website:         Narrative 4 Ireland

The Role:

Following a skills review, Narrative 4 Ireland is seeking an experienced board member with governance expertise, preferably in the charity or not-for-profit sector, who can strengthen the Board's capacity in nonprofit leadership and contribute to strategic relationship development.

The ideal Trustee would bring a combination of governance, strategic thinking, strong relationship-building skills and a genuine commitment to Narrative 4's mission. Knowledge of relevant government departments (eg the Department of Education) would be an asset.

We would welcome someone who can open doors, make meaningful introductions, advocate for the organisation and contribute actively to the Board's strategic discussions.

We are interested in someone who can complement the existing Board's skills and help the organisation move from successful programme delivery towards sustainable national scale. 
 

Key responsibilities include:

• Governance and Compliance:  Advise on governance, particularly in relation to charity and company law in Ireland; and embed good governance and practice throughout the organisation. 
• Strategic Oversight: Contribute to the development and monitoring of the strategic direction, along with the creation of strategic plans which will comply with current legislation and regulatory practice.
• Resource Management: Support financial oversight, ensuring the organisation’s resources are managed effectively and in line with agreed policies.

Skills and experience required:

·       Board Experience: the successful candidate will be an experienced Board member who has ideally served on a charity or not-for-profit board.  The candidate should possess a robust understanding of governance and the dynamics of an effective board.

·       Governance Expertise: strong governance expertise with knowledge and understanding of charity and company law in Ireland.

• Communication: excellent communications skills.
• Time Commitment: ability to commit sufficient time to attend board meetings and undertake follow-up activities.
• Strategic Thinking: ability to think strategically and contribute to long-term planning.
• Commitment to Mission: a genuine passion for the mission of Narrative 4 and an alignment to the organisation’s values. Experience of or interest in the Educational sphere would be an asset.

Charities Regulator’s General Duties of a Charity Trustee

·       Comply with the charity’s governing document.

·       Ensure the charity is complying with its charitable purpose for the public benefit.

·       Act in the best interest of the charity.

·       Act with reasonable care and skill.

·       Manage the assets of your charity.

Board Meetings and Time Commitment:

There are four formal Board meetings per year, once a quarter. Meeting dates are generally agreed during the preceding quarter.  Board meetings are generally held online at 6:00 pm for two hours.  The Board aims to hold one in-person meeting each year.

In addition to the four scheduled Board meetings, meetings may be convened as required to address urgent matters, significant decisions or issues. The Board may also communicate and make decisions between formal meetings as appropriate and in accordance with the organisation's governing arrangements.

Directors are encouraged to contribute to Narrative 4's mission and activities where possible. This may include acting as ambassadors and advocates for the organisation, helping to raise awareness of Narrative 4's work, sharing information about our programmes and impact through their networks, and supporting fundraising and relationship-building activities. Directors may also be invited to attend Narrative 4 events, programmes or activities where their involvement would add value. Board members are encouraged to use their professional and personal networks to help build awareness, identify opportunities and support strategic objectives. The level and nature of involvement will vary depending on each Director's skills, interests, availability and capacity.

Remuneration:

This is a voluntary position and is therefore not remunerated.