Board member

The Irish Architectural Archive (IAA) was established in 1976 to collect and preserve material of every kind relating to the architecture of the entire island of Ireland, and make it available to the public. As a cumulative body of material the holdings of the IAA represent the greatest single source of information on Ireland’s buildings and those who designed them.

The IAA is seeking interested individuals to join its board of directors. This is an exciting opportunity to make an important contribution to a dynamic, vibrant, cultural institution as it approaches its fiftieth anniversary.

The IAA is registered with the Companies Registration Office as a company limited by guarantee without share capital (Company Number: 54867). It has charitable status (CHY6240) and is registered with the Charities Regulatory Authority (CRA No. 20010843).

The IAA company has a body of ordinary members. These constitute a wide community of interested parties including architects, architectural historians, developers, planners, builders, designers, and researchers. Invitations to become a member of the IAA are issued at the discretion of the board.

The IAA is governed by a board of directors, elected by the members and led by a chairman elected by the board. The board reports annually to the membership. The board must include the Chairman of the Commissioners of Public Works or his/her appointee, and the President of the Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland. In addition, the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media may appoint in a personal capacity, with the consent of the directors, one person as director. The board may include up to nine other persons whose membership will enhance the profile of the Board or further the objectives of the IAA.

The Role of the Board

The primary function of the board is to manage the IAA on behalf of the members. The board is collectively responsible for the long-term sustainability of the IAA. The board governs the organisation so as to best achieve its stated objectives as set out in the IAA Constitution. The board sets the IAA’s direction and strategy. It establishes policy to deliver the mission of the organisation, while working to ensure that the organisation has sufficient resources. The board delegates to the CEO the planning and programming that deliver the mission of the organisation, and the day-to-day management of the IAA.

Board rotation is set out in the IAA Constitution. Directors serve for a three-year term. A term may be renewed no more than twice. The board meets on average five times per year. One of these meetings always precedes the AGM. The board currently has three committees – Audit, Governance and Collection Development. Board members are expected to contribute to the on-going development of the organisation and attend additional events such as exhibition launches etc where possible.

Board membership is voluntary and unremunerated, though certain travel expenses may be paid.

Skills and experience

In order to ensure the correct skill mix on the board, the IAA is seeking expressions of interest from early career candidates with Management, Fundraising and/or Partnership-building skills:

Candidates should also be knowledgeable about and interested in the work of the IAA and have a firm awareness and understanding of the environment within which the board will function i.e. architectural, not-for-profit, and cultural sectors.

Potential candidates should take cognisance of Being Accessible: An Equality, Human Rights and Diversity Policy for the IAA, a copy of which may be consulted here: https://eegczy35ze6.exactdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Being_Accessi...

In order to qualify for appointment a person must not have any conflicts of interest likely to interfere with their ability to assume the role of board member.

Application process

To apply, please submit the following to info@irisharchitecturalarchive.ie

1. A comprehensive CV outlining your professional experience and achievements cross-referenced to the skill set requirements set out above. Please include details of any service as a board director, trustee or any other voluntary/community work.

2. A short statement (max 500 words) setting out your interest in the IAA and the specific area of expertise that you will bring to the board.

The IAA is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from people based outside Dublin and the Republic of Ireland.

Applicants may be shortlisted for interview.

The IAA reserves the right not to appoint to the board individuals who respond to this call for expressions of interest.

Closing date: close of business, Friday 6 December 2024