Join The Basketmakers’ Association Board: Community Director


The Basketmakers’ Association – Strategic Board

Location: Remote/Hybrid (occasional in-person meetings)

Commitment: 10 Board meetings per year. The Community Director is also expected to have regular meetings with lead Volunteers and also represent the BA at various events and meetings with key stakeholders.
Voluntary: (reasonable expenses reimbursed)

Term: 3 years, renewable
Application Deadline: Sunday 28 September 2025

The Basketmakers’ Association

The Basketmakers’ Association (BA) is a member-led UK-based organisation committed to supporting basketmakers, chairseaters and those interested in related crafts promoting traditional and contemporary approaches, fostering learning, appreciation, and innovation in the crafts. As we enter a critical phase in our evolution, the BA is establishing a new Board to guide our development and ensure a proactive and sustainable future.

In line with our 2025 Position Statement, we are seeking a Community Director to join the new Board to shape and drive forward our new bold organisational direction – one that is inclusive and responsive to the needs of the basketmaking community.

Role Purpose

The Community Director will lead the strategic development of member engagement and volunteer coordination across the BA. You will work with our Projects teams to support, connect, and grow our national and international network of basketmakers, ensuring their voices are represented in the organisation’s development and that volunteering is accessible, valued, and impactful.

Key Responsibilities

– Strategic Community Leadership

• Develop and implement inclusive strategies to engage, grow, and support our diverse member base.
• Support the evolution of new membership models and community partnerships aligned with BA’s values and goals.
• Champion access, representation, and collaboration across the Association’s work.

– Volunteer Engagement and Coordination

• Manage the volunteers who recruit and administer memberships, insurance, etc.
• Shape and oversee the development of a national volunteer strategy, supporting roles in events, education, administration, outreach, and more.
o Design systems to recruit, train, support, and recognise volunteers in a consistent and equitable way.
• Foster a culture of care, collaboration, and appreciation across all levels of volunteering.
• Oversee the support and facilitation of volunteers who provide services to members (e.g. Book sales, Residential schools, Projects).

– Equity, Inclusion, and Participation

• Promote practices that reduce barriers to involvement, especially for underrepresented groups.
• Collaborate with other Board members to embed values of inclusion, accessibility, and community-led decision-making across BA.
• Ensure community engagement is at the core of new programmes, financial planning, and digital transformation.

Essential Experience & Skills

• Proven experience in community engagement, membership development, or volunteer coordination (ideally within arts, education, or nonprofit settings).
• A strong understanding of inclusive practices and a track record of working with diverse groups and communities.
• Strategic thinking with practical experience in implementing outreach or participation programmes.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and facilitation skills.
• Passion for community-led models and volunteer empowerment.
• Knowledge of volunteer management systems and inclusive recruitment practices.

Desirable

• Experience working with craft, heritage, or cultural networks.
• Interest in basketry, chairseating  or crafts (not essential).

What We Offer

• A meaningful opportunity to shape the future of a respected national craft organisation.
• Collaboration with dedicated, values-driven Volunteers and Membership community.
• The chance to build a sustainable, inclusive participation model rooted in community.

How to Apply

To express your interest, please send:

• A brief statement (max 1 page) outlining why this role interests you and what you would bring to the BA
• A CV or summary of relevant experience.

Deadline: Sunday 28 September 2025
More Information: We will be running to Q&A Zoom Sessions on Wednesday 3 September at 7pm or Thursday 18 September at 7pm (via Zoom) – Register Here to join either of these sessions.
Contact: Anna Stickland — [email protected]

Recruitment Timeline Highlights

• Applications Open: Monday 18 August 2025
• Application Deadline: Sunday 28 September 2025
• Q&A sessions: Wednesday 3 September at 7pm or Thursday 18 September at 7pm (via Zoom) – Register Here to join either of these sessions.
• Interviews: Week Commencing 6 October 2025
• Board induction: November 2025

Help us co-create a thriving future for basketmaking, chairseating and allied crafts—apply now and bring your voice to the table.