Role: Chair of Steering Committee

Remuneration: The role of Chair is not accompanied by any financial remuneration.

Location: UK based with the ability to attend occasional in person meetings in London.

Time commitment: chair monthly committee meetings, attend 3-5 events and related planning meetings a year plus weekly 2-3 hours, depending on campaigns/ event planning.

Reporting to: steering committee

Role description

The Chair will provide direction and inclusive leadership to the team. The Chair will and hold the committee members to account, ensure the group is on track to achieve agreed objectives and works as an inclusive unit. She They will act as an ambassador and the public face of WIA.

Principal Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

Bring in outward facing leadership to the group as a whole. Ensure that we have clarity of vision and be the voice of that vision.
Provide leadership to the committee, setting up catch-up calls and meetings.
Hold committee members to account.
Ensure the committee follows the core manifesto and considers equality, inclusion and diversity in all aspects of WIA work.
Ensure financial accountability and that good financial health is built into the projects.

Governance

Ensure the governance and committee arrangements are working.
Develop systems and expand knowledge for more efficient governance.
Encourage positive change where appropriate.
Appraise committee membership as appropriate.
Resolve any potential conflict.
Work within agreed policies and standards.

External Relations

Act as an ambassador for the cause and group
Keep in contact with key sector figures and enhance networks.
Act as a spokesperson for the group.
Represent the group at internal and external events.
Address any potential controversial situation and take appropriate steps to resolve it.

Efficiency and Effectiveness

Chair committee meetings effectively and efficiently, especially decision making processes.
Ensure committee is fully engaged and takes collective ownership of decisions.
Maintain and foster good relationships between committee members.
Monitor that decisions are implemented and timescales kept.

Additional information

The Vice Chair will represent the group when the Chair is not available.

The above list is indicative and not exhaustive. The Chair is expected to perform any other duties as reasonably expected of the role.

In addition to the qualities required of a committee member, the Chair must also meet the following requirements:

Personal Qualities

Demonstrate a strong and visible passion and commitment to women in architecture and WIA's strategic objectives and cause
Personal leadership qualities to lead the organisation
Exhibit strong interpersonal and relationship building abilities and be comfortable in an ambassadorial role
Demonstrate tact and diplomacy, with the ability to listen and engage effectively
Strong networking capabilities that can be utilised for the benefit of WIA
Ability to foster and promote a collaborative team environment
Ability to commit time to conduct the role well, including travel and attending events out of office hours
Knowledge and skills

Experience of campaigning and feminist thought
Experience of working with groups
Experience of external representation, delivering presentations and managing stakeholders
Experience of chairing meetings and events

Knowledge and skills

Broad knowledge and understanding of the architecture sector and current issues affecting it.
Interest and knowledge of EDI and specifically feminist thoughts and trends.
Strong leadership skills, ability to motivate staff and volunteers and bring people together
Financial management and a broad understanding of community group finance issues
Good understanding of community group governance issues

Terms

WIA's Chair (and board members) will serve a three-year term to be eligible for re-appointment for one additional term.

Application Requirements

Please provide the following:

written CV
email hello@ wia-uk.org with Subject: Chair Position with an outline of why you believe you would be great as the WIA Chair.

Selection Process:

Submission deadline: 18th February
A review panel will interview a shortlist of candidates
Announcement: 8th March International Women’s Day