Fundraising Board Member  

The Organisation: 

Neurodiversity Ireland is a community-driven organisation founded by neurodivergent parents of neurodivergent children. 

Neurodiversity Ireland is committed to: Educating the Community, Supporting Neurodivergent Children, and Advocating for an equitable future. 

Neurodiversity Ireland is dedicated to creating properly inclusive environments, where neurodivergent children and their families are respected, supported, and celebrated. Neurodiversity Ireland promotes understanding of neurodiversity and inclusion across communities nationwide. The charity works to eliminate the stigma often faced by neurodivergent children through education and grassroots campaigns, promoting understanding and inclusion across communities. The organisation is committed to learning and growing together as a community. 

The charity aims to acquire a property in Dublin to serve as a centre of excellence for neurodiversity, a hub for support, offering an eclectic range of services such as occupational therapy, communication and psychological support, education, and family and sibling support all under one roof. 

Neurodiversity Ireland also runs afterschool clubs and mid-term and summer camps for children who would otherwise have limited opportunities for such activities. These child-led activities are designed and guided by occupational therapists, with a high ratio of staff, who include additional needs assistants.  These clubs and camps are a safe and supportive space for neurodivergent children to see and play with other neurodivergent children and to experience authentic neurodivergent experiences, finding connections and confidence in themselves. 

Neurodiversity Ireland is building a future where neurodivergent children and their families are supported to participate in all aspects of community life, fostering a more inclusive society. 

The Role: 

As the charity enters an exciting phase of growth, Neurodiversity Ireland is seeking a Fundraising Trustee to help strengthen and diversify their funding sources. NDI is actively expanding its services and facilities, and therefore wishes to appoint a trustee with expertise in fundraising and strong communications skills to secure the financial resources necessary to sustain its impact. The ideal candidate will have experience with both state funders and disability organisations and have a deep understanding of the sector's unique challenges.

General duties of a Charity Trustee 

• Ensuring the charity is complying with its charitable purpose for the public benefit.
• Acting in the best interest of the charity.
• Acting with reasonable care and skill.
• Managing the assets of the charity. 

Role Responsibilities: 

• Strategic Oversight of Fundraising Efforts: Provide strategic direction and guidance on fundraising initiatives, ensuring they align with NDI's mission and growth objectives. Oversee the development and implementation of long-term fundraising strategies to support NDI’s expanding services and facilities.
• Fundraising Strategy Development: Oversee execution of the current fundraising strategy and ensure that strategies remain up to date and target diverse funding sources, including grants, corporate partnerships, individual donors, and community fundraising efforts.
• Communications Strategy Oversight: Provide oversight on the development of clear, compelling communications for and marketing of fundraising efforts. Ensure that the messaging accurately reflects NDI's mission and impact and advise on best practices for donor engagement and retention.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Support and advise on building and maintaining strong relationships with key stakeholders, including government bodies, corporate partners, foundations, and individual donors. Ensure that fundraising efforts are aligned with the broader organisational goals and objectives.
• Board Collaboration: Work closely with fellow board members and the senior leadership team to provide oversight and ensure fundraising efforts are integrated into the overall governance and strategic direction of NDI. 
• Provide Support: The new board member will provide strategic guidance on fundraising, helping to shape long-term strategies and diversify revenue streams. The board member will ensure that fundraising campaigns are sustainable and aligned with NDI’s mission. They will offer high-level oversight while day-to-day activities remain with the leadership team .  They should be willing to lead a fundraising committee.

Skills and Experience required

• Fundraising Expertise: Extensive experience in fundraising.  While the Fundraising board member will not be directly responsible for executing all fundraising activities, they will provide strategic oversight to ensure fundraising initiatives align with NDI’s goals and objectives , including leading a fundraising committee. Knowledge of working with governmental agencies, such as the HSE, is highly advantageous, as is understanding of disability and children’s services  
• Financial Acumen: A solid understanding of financial oversight and budget management. The Fundraising board member will offer guidance on financial strategy, ensuring that fundraising efforts are sustainable and aligned with NDI’s fiscal goals, while collaborating with the finance team to monitor performance. The trustee will not be responsible for the direct management of finances but will focus on advising and overseeing the financial approach. 
• Leadership and Networking: Proven leadership experience with a strong network of contacts the trustee will oversee the development of key partnerships and fundraising relationships, leveraging their network to create new opportunities. The trustee is not expected to personally manage all partnerships but will provide high-level strategic support to the organisation’s leadership team. 
• Commitment to Neurodiversity: A genuine passion for neurodiversity and supporting the challenges faced by the neurodivergent community and a strong belief in the mission and values of Neurodiversity Ireland (NDI). The trustee will ensure that fundraising efforts are aligned with NDI’s mission, offering high-level guidance and insight.  
• Marketing Experience: Candidates with a marketing background will also be considered, provided their experience aligns closely with the organisation's mission.  Marketing expertise, particularly within disability organisations, will be regarded as an asset. The board member will serve in an oversight capacity, ensuring that the organisation’s communication efforts effectively reflect its mission and values. They will provide high-level strategic advice to the board, helping to align public engagement, stakeholder relationships, and organisational objectives. 

Board Meetings: 

Board meetings are held circa 8 times a year, typically on Tuesdays at 7 pm, mostly online with occasional in-person meetings. As the charity grows, meeting times may be adjusted to accommodate evolving needs. Committee meetings are adapting as the charity expands.  Trustees are encouraged to participate in or lead committees, with opportunities for further involvement in working groups as necessary. In this instance, the Fundraising Trustee will be expected to lead a fundraising committee.