Board Director with Communications or Income Generation Expertise

About Shine

For almost 50 years, Shine has been one of Ireland’s leading mental health charities, working alongside people affected by mental illness, their families and supporters.

Our vision is of a more compassionate Ireland where those affected by mental illness and stigma are supported and included in all aspects of society. We specialise in supporting, educating and advocating for individuals, family members and communities impacted by mental illness and stigma.  

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The Opportunity

Shine is governed by a voluntary Board of Directors responsible for strategic direction, governance, financial stewardship, risk oversight and organisational accountability. As we deliver our new strategic plan for 2026–2028, we are seeking to appoint a new Board Director with strong Communications and/or Fundraising expertise.

This is an opportunity for an experienced leader to help strengthen Shine’s national profile, grow engagement and support long-term sustainable income. We are particularly interested in candidates who can bring strategic insight, external perspective and practical experience to support Shine’s continued development.

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Why This Role Matters

At Shine, we know that strong communications and sustainable fundraising are essential to achieving our mission. They help ensure that more people know where to turn for support, that stigma is challenged effectively, and that Shine has the resources to grow and respond to emerging needs.

As Ireland’s mental health landscape continues to evolve, this expertise is increasingly important. Your insight can help strengthen Shine’s public voice, deepen engagement with supporters and partners, and ensure the organisation remains visible, trusted and future-focused.

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‍Board Responsibilities

As a Board Director, you will:

  • Contribute fully to Board discussions, decision-making and governance  
  • Support the long-term strategic direction of Shine  
  • Provide oversight, challenge and guidance to executive leadership  
  • Help ensure robust governance, accountability and regulatory compliance
  • Act in the best interests of Shine and uphold collective Board responsibility  

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In addition, this role will bring specialist expertise in one or more of the following areas:

Communications

  • Brand positioning and reputation management  
  • Strategic communications planning  
  • Media relations and public profile  
  • Digital communications and audience growth  
  • Campaign development and public engagement  

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Fundraising

  • Income diversification strategy  
  • Corporate partnerships and sponsorship  
  • Major donor or philanthropy development  
  • Fundraising campaigns  
  • Relationship-building and external networks

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What you’ll bring  

We welcome applications from individuals with senior-level experience in one or more of the following:

  • Communications, PR or media leadership  
  • Fundraising leadership  
  • Corporate partnerships or business development  
  • Marketing, brand or digital growth  
  • Public affairs or stakeholder engagement  
  • Commercial strategy or revenue growth  
  • Business Development expertise

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You will also demonstrate:

  • Strong judgement and integrity  
  • Strategic thinking and sound governance instincts  
  • Ability to collaborate constructively as part of a Board team  
  • Commitment to Shine’s mission and values  
  • Passion for improving the lives of people affected by mental illness  
  • Previous Board experience is welcome but not essential.

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Time Commitment

This is a voluntary role.

Expected commitment includes:

  • Approximately eight Board meetings annually  
  • Reading Board papers in advance of each meeting
  • Participation in committee work where relevant  
  • Occasional strategy sessions and events  
  • Meetings are a combination of online and in-person meetings.

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Why Join Shine?

This is an opportunity to:

  • Help shape the future of mental health support in Ireland  
  • Use your expertise for significant public benefit  
  • Join a committed and values-led Board  
  • Support a respected national charity at an important stage of growth  
  • Contribute to meaningful social change  

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Diversity & Inclusion

Shine is committed to building a diverse, inclusive and skilled Board. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, including people with lived experience of mental illness and those currently underrepresented in governance roles.

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Confidential Enquiries

For a confidential exploratory conversation, please contact:

Joe Houghton, Chair of the Board

jhoughton@shine.ie  

Nicola Byrne, CEO

ceo@shine.ie

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