The Arts University Bournemouth (AUB) is a specialist Higher Education Institution dedicated to the study of art, architecture, design, media, performance and creative industries management, with an enviable national and international reputation. The University has just over 4,000 students based at an attractive, vibrant and modern 11-acre campus. AUB offers courses at further, higher, postgraduate and research levels and also provides a range of short courses. It runs around 30 undergraduate courses and about 10 graduate courses in a full range of creative disciplines.

As the creative industries continue to be a significant engine of growth in the UK economy, AUB is well positioned to prepare students for many of the most in-demand and specialised creative careers. Its new school of Arts, Media and Creative Management will offer a suite of courses in the leadership and management of the creative industries, providing students with a pathway into sustainable and financially rewarding job opportunities. Students at AUB benefit from first-class instruction in their chosen subjects, and are encouraged to be curious and embrace risk-taking in their work. The University places great importance on collaborative study across course boundaries and provides access to the most up-to-date technologies and digital tools.

AUB's vision is to be a world-class art, design and media university working with professional partners to create excellence, relevance and impact. It aims to develop a national and international distinctiveness by embracing innovation, collaboration and connectedness. As it looks ahead, the University has an ambitious "Strategy 2030" which includes a focus on diversifying sources of income, developing apprenticeships, and widening its commercial activities. With its commitment to a global future, and to creating new overseas opportunities for students and staff, now is an excellent time to join AUB.

The Board oversees the strategic development of the University and ensures the effective use of resources and the general financial sustainability of the institution.

The Board comprises members from within higher education, industry and commerce as well as representatives of the students and staff, including the Vice-Chancellor. Other members of the University Executive Team attend Board meetings and Committees as required.

All members of AUB work towards implementing the three key goals of the University’s strategy:

• To enhance its standing as a globally-leading independent arts, design, performance and media university
• To create opportunity for its students, alumni and staff through a passionate belief in collaboration, creativity and innovative practices
• To impact positively on society, industry and its stakeholders through the excellence and relevance of its practice and research

Governor (Experienced Non-Executive)

The Board seeks to appoint a new Governor with broad non-executive experience, ideally with some exposure to higher or further education sector boards.

The successful candidate will have substantial experience of governance across various types of organisations, which may include large and small, corporate and non-profit. They will have a proven track record of contributing effectively to governance and decision-making processes, with the ability to bring diverse governance experiences and insights to enhance the decision-making processes within the University. Although corporate board experience would be considered valuable, of greater interest is experience in higher education institutions, further education colleges, or the charitable sector.

Governor (Creative Industries)

The Board seeks to appoint a new Governor with a background in the creative industries.

Applicants may be graduates of AUB, though this isn't essential, and the Board is open to individuals who are relatively early on in their careers. The successful candidate will have a solid professional background in the creative industries, which might include film, theatre, design, media, advertising, publishing, fashion, games or architecture. They will bring a contemporary understanding of career paths and opportunities for creative arts graduates, as well as a keen awareness of emerging trends. They will understand the importance of governance; however it is not expected that they will have held non-executive roles. 

Governor (Finance)

The Board seeks to appoint a new Governor with a background in finance. 

The ideal candidate will be a professionally qualified accountant with good experience of audit and risk management and an appreciation of how to support an organisation in taking sound decisions in an uncertain environment. In addition to offering support and challenge on budgeting, risk, audit and other financial matters, they will also contribute to the University's broader commercial strategy. The role would particularly suit someone who has worked in a range of different organisations, and who can appreciate the challenges faced by large and complex organisations as well as the constraints faced by smaller ones. They will understand the importance of governance, and may have Board experience in either an executive or non-executive capacity. 

All Governors will need to be completely committed to the vision and forward direction of the University, and be willing to advocate and lobby on its behalf. They will also demonstrate excellent communication skills and the ability to relate to a wide range of different people and constituencies, both inside and outside the University.

This is an exciting opportunity to join a lively, engaged, university board whose members believe their contributions are useful and valued, and who enjoy their interactions with staff and students who are current and future leaders in their fields.

Information on the University's governance, including profiles of current Board members, can be found here. 

The role is not remunerated, but travel and similar expenses incurred in attending meetings / events can be reimbursed. There are five Board meetings per year, which take place in-person at the University on weekdays between 10:30am - 3:00pm. It is expected that the Governor will also join the Audit & Risk Committee, which meets a further four times per year, usually in-person but occasionally online. There is an annual strategy away day, plus other ad hoc events to attend. The appointment will be for a three year term, which can be renewed twice at the discretion of the Board's Search and Governance Committee.

Candidates don't need to be based in Bournemouth, however they should be prepared to travel to the University in order to attend meetings.

AUB has a genuine and active commitment to embedding equality and diversity into its work and acknowledges the importance of diversity at Board level. The University welcomes applications from everyone regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, faith or disability. 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 candidates from underrepresented groups can demonstrate their ability to perform the role equally well.