Chair of the Board of Trustees

Position: Chair of the Board of Trustees
Location: Talgarth, Powys and Treherbert, Rhondda Cynon Taf
Reports To: Board of Trustees
Term: Three years (with the possibility of renewal)
Remuneration: Voluntary (expenses reimbursed)

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About Black Mountains College

Black Mountains College (BMC) is a pioneering educational institution dedicated to providing innovative, world-class education focused on climate adaptation and sustainability. Located in the heart of Wales, BMC aims to equip the next generation of leaders, thinkers, and change-makers with the skills, knowledge, and practical experience necessary to tackle the climate crisis. Through a combination of interdisciplinary academic programs, research initiatives, and community engagement, BMC strives to create a sustainable future for Wales and beyond.

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Role Overview

The Chair of the Board of Trustees will provide strategic leadership to the Board and play a key role in the growth and development of Black Mountains College. As the Chair, you will work closely with the College’s senior leadership team, staff, students, and external stakeholders to ensure that the College fulfils its mission of advancing innovative public education. You will guide the Board in fulfilling its governance duties and support the College’s commitment to excellence, sustainability, and social impact.

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Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership:
  Lead the Board in providing clear strategic direction for the College, ensuring alignment with its mission and long-term vision, particularly regarding movement building in climate adaptation, sustainability and public education.
• Governance:
  Oversee the effective governance of the College, ensuring the Board fulfils its responsibilities, including financial oversight, risk management, compliance, and policy development.
• Chairing the Board Meetings:
  Chair Board meetings, ensuring they are run efficiently and productively, fostering an inclusive and transparent environment for discussion. Set the agenda in collaboration with the CEO and Board members.
• Stakeholder Engagement:
  Act as an ambassador for Black Mountains College, building and nurturing relationships with key external stakeholders, including government agencies, donors, partners, and the wider education community.
• Support to the Senior Leadership Team:
  Provide mentorship and strategic advice to the College’s senior leadership team (including the CEO and Chief Academic Officers) to help ensure the successful implementation of the College’s strategy.
• Financial Oversight:
  Support the Board in ensuring the financial health of the College, including reviewing budgets, fundraising strategies, and financial performance, while ensuring that resources are used effectively to fulfil the College’s mission.
• Fundraising and Advocacy:
  Support the College in its fundraising efforts, advocating for the importance of climate adaptation education and ensuring the College’s financial sustainability.
• Performance Monitoring:
  Ensure that robust mechanisms are in place for assessing the College’s performance against its goals and objectives, including impact on .
• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion:
  Champion diversity, equity, and inclusion across the College’s operations, ensuring an environment that fosters respect, fairness, and equal opportunities for all.

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Person Specification

Essential Criteria:

• Significant experience in senior leadership or governance roles, with a proven track record in strategic oversight and decision-making.
• A passion for and understanding of climate change, sustainability, climate adaptation, and a commitment to advancing public education in this field.
• Experience in or an understanding of higher education governance, preferably in the context of a new or growing institution.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage with a diverse range of stakeholders, including government bodies, industry leaders, academic staff, and students.
• Strong financial acumen, with experience in overseeing budgets, financial planning, and fundraising strategies.
• Commitment to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion within an organization.
• An ability to act as a key public ambassador for Black Mountains College.
• Reside in Mid or South Wales and be able to visit the college regularly, including for two in person board meetings per year.

Desirable Criteria:

• Experience in higher education, particularly in the areas of politics, climate, environmental studies, or sustainability.
• A background in fundraising or development, with experience in cultivating and stewarding donor relationships.
• Knowledge of the Welsh education system and the unique challenges and opportunities in Wales, particularly around climate change and adaptation.
• Knowledge of Welsh language

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How to Apply

Interested candidates are invited to submit a CV along with a covering letter outlining their suitability for the role, their vision for the future of Black Mountains College, and their experience in leading organizations through periods of growth and change.

Applications should be sent to jobs@blackmountainscollege.uk by May 9, 2025.

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This role offers an exciting opportunity to play a leading part in a transformative educational institution dedicated to climate change adaptation, and to help shape the future of public education in Wales and globally. We welcome applications from candidates with a broad range of experience and backgrounds, and particularly encourage those with a passion for sustainability and climate action to apply.