ABOUT BIRD COLLEGE
Founded in 1946 by Doreen Bird, Bird College has been providing vocational training for young people who wish to pursue a career in dance and musical theatre for almost 80 years. Its graduates can be seen performing around the world in musicals, television and dance companies.
Based in Sidcup, the College has a mission to deliver outstanding and innovative education and training in an evolving and progressive environment, and to equip the next generation of global performers and creative artists. This mission is underpinned by its values to educate, nurture, create and inspire.
The College is wholly owned by the Doreen Bird Foundation, a charitable organisation which is dedicated to the performing arts.
Having appointed a new Principal and CEO to start in January 2025, the College is now looking to enter the next phase of its journey and to expand its focus to the broader live entertainment and events industry, including its business and technological needs.
As the College embarks on this new journey, it is seeking new non-executive directors who can support its transition into new subject areas.
THE ROLE
As a non-executive director you will lend your expertise to support the board and executive to achieve the College’s strategy, through monitoring and supporting its implementation. In addition, you will provide constructive challenge to ensure that key targets are met and that students have an excellent experience and exit the College with the skills and expertise necessary to be successful in the live entertainment and events industry.
You will also act as an ambassador for the College, promoting the College’s interests wherever possible and opening doors to support its long-term success as a partner to industry.
On a practical level, there are four board meetings a year, held in person at the College’s location in Sidcup (an option to attend online will also be available) and one strategy day, which is usually held off site. In addition, NEDs are also asked to sit on one or two board committees. Committee meetings are usually held online.
The role is unremunerated, but reasonable expenses are paid.
ABOUT YOU
We are looking to recruit up to 10 new non-executive directors to bring our board to a total of circa 15. Candidates are likely to have significant experience at a senior level and be able to demonstrate that they can contribute at a strategic level to the next phase of the College’s journey.
Across the 10 new NEDs we are looking for a range of experiences, including (but not limited to):
- Live entertainment and events, whether as a performer or business professional (e.g. venue management, operations or customer service) in the UK or globally;
- Higher education management and leadership or regulation;
- Internationalisation and the student experience;
- Finance, accountancy, audit or fundraising.
Bird College is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcomes applications from all sectors of society and particularly welcomes applications from people who might be underrepresented including, women, people from the global majority, disabled applicants and LGBT+ persons.
HOW TO APPLY
For further information please contact hr@birdcollege.co.uk
Applicants should submit a CV and covering letter (no more than 2 sides of A4) to Kerensa Gardner hr@birdcollege.co.uk by midnight on 10 November 2024.
Longlisted candidates will be given the opportunity to speak to the Chair of the Board and incoming CEO in late November/early December.
Interviews will be held in January 2025 and successful candidates will be invited to join the College’s Board meeting on 25 March 2025.
Appointments are for a three-year term, renewable up to a maximum of nine years.
