The Arsenal Foundation was launched in 2012 as a grant-giving organisation with the mission to help young people fulfil their potential. Its goal is to provide children around the world with a safe place to play, and to be children again. With several international partnerships in place, the Foundation has impacted the lives of children across the world including Iraq, Indonesia, Somalia, Jordan, and the United Kingdom.

Arsenal Football Club has always understood the power it has to bring people together and create tangible impact in a community. Back when the club was formed in 1886, matchday programme cards were sold to raise money for Homes for Working Boys at the club’s former home in Woolwich, south London. When Arsenal arrived in Islington in 1913, one of the club’s first gestures was a gift of one thousand guineas to the Great Northern Hospital for the endowment of a new bed. As the club has grown over the years, so has its ability to make a difference. Arsenal’s tradition of giving has also expanded, from making contributions to good causes local to the club to supporting major charitable projects in the UK and overseas.

Locally, the Arsenal Foundation combines funding with Islington Giving, which is a grant-giving charity in Arsenal’s host borough, Islington, and also awards grants from a small grants scheme called the Gunners Fund to local initiatives and community groups. Internationally, along with its global charity partner Save the Children, The Arsenal Foundation has co-designed and co-delivered an innovative project called Coaching for Life. This programme, which was launched in 2018, aims to impact the physical, emotional and mental wellbeing of children who have been affected by conflict and is currently running in the Za’atari refugee camp in Jordan.

The Arsenal Foundation is at an exciting stage in its growth journey, looking to expand their international partnerships offering in order to scale current programmes and establish new initiatives. Celebrating over 10 years since its founding, the Arsenal Foundation is at an exciting moment to set the tone to deliver even greater impact over the next decade.

The Arsenal Foundation seeks a new Board Member to join the Board who share the organisation's commitment to use the power of football and the Arsenal name to inspire and support young people in north London and globally. The Arsenal Foundation Board defines, evolves and communicates policy and strategy, monitors and controls implementation and performance of strategic plans and programmes, and ensures corporate governance.

Responsibilities include:

• Preparing for and participating fully in Board and Committee meetings
• Developing a constructive working relationship with the Chair, executive and other NEDs
• Providing support and guidance in areas of your particular expertise and knowledge
• Working with the Board members to develop and implement the charity’s strategic objectives, delivering a robust and sustainable commercial perspective
• Playing a major role in representing the Arsenal Foundation externally, including building and maintaining successful relationships with staff, volunteers, partnership organisations, and other external relationships
• Offering an independent perspective on the overall running of the organisation
• Driving organisational delivery and improvement
• Drawing on networks, as appropriate, to support the Arsenal Foundation's work

The Arsenal Foundation is seeking a Board Member who can build on its social purpose to implement quality sports programming within the communities it serves. The successful candidate will have worked either in, or in partnership with, the charity sector as an executive or non-executive. Ideally individuals will bring corporate partnership experience on ether the corporate or charity side. Of particular interest to the Board are individuals who have held roles related to stakeholder engagement, social impact, charity partnerships, ESG or CSR.

Additionally, candidates with a background and active network in the international development sector would also compelling. The new Board Member will bring a strong commercial acumen to the role and who are ultimately passionate about the foundation's mission. 

The successful candidate will be able to work at a strategic level whilst understanding the detail and complexities of delivery and appreciating the difference between a non-executive and executive role. Although prior non-executive experience is welcome, applications are welcome from individuals who have not held such roles before.

Please note:The Board is committed to ensuring that its composition reflects diversity; as such, its commitment to diversity will be an important factor in its process. Please see the Diversity section for further guidance.

Svenja Geissmar, Chair
Vinai Venkatesham
Freddie Hudson
Alan Sefton
Andrew Jolly

This role is unremunerated however reasonable, pre-agreed travel expenses will be reimbursed. There are two Board meetings per year, held in-person, with other events and ad hoc engagement as required. The appointment is for a three-year term which can be renewed at the discretion of the Board.

The Arsenal Foundation welcomes applications from everyone regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, faith or disability. As individuals from ethnic minorities, or of international heritage, are currently under-represented on the Board, applications from those candidates would be particularly encouraged. All appointments will be made on merit, following a fair and transparent process. In line with the Equality Act 2010, however, the organisation may employ positive action where diverse candidates can demonstrate their ability to perform the role equally well.