ABOUT IDI

IDI is committed to driving and leading the standard of professional practice in Irish design. With 50 years of heritage, a dynamic present and an optimistic future we are stronger and more robust than ever, excited for the opportunities for designers and the role of IDI in instigating positive change.

With a board of voluntary directors, all of whom are at the top of their respective fields, and a small but passionate executive team, we work tirelessly to deliver initiatives, programmes and training on behalf of our members. 

We have four key priority areas for action: Foundation, to support those in their early careers; Connection, building a connected community of design professionals and the institutions that support them; Persuasion, to leverage government supports and be the voice of commercial design in Ireland; and Professionalisation, showcasing the best of the best through our awards programmes, supporting individual and business growth, and demonstrating the value of design. 

Our training and development arm, the Design Skillnet provides high quality, sector specific training opportunities to designers at subsidised rates, demonstrating a government commitment to our sector. 

THE ROLE

We are looking for a board director to join our established Directors to shape the strategic direction of IDI and to bring energy and enthusiasm to delivering programmes on our behalf.

We are keen to ensure diversity of our board with a 50/50 gender balance, representation across all commercial design disciplines and warmly welcome applications from people of colour. 

The successful candidate will lead a priority pillar area of action, attend up to 9 board meetings a year and act as advocate and promoter for IDI at all times. An ability to support our fundraising activities is critical to the ongoing sustainability of IDI, as well as a generosity with professional networks that would benefit the organisation.

You will have built a career of high standing and be well respected for the work you do. You will be able to think strategically on behalf of both IDI and Irish designers, being generous with your knowledge and expertise to support the IDI on its forward trajectory. 

In order to support the existing board director skills and expertise, we particularly welcome candidates from any of the following areas:

In-house creative teams
Futurology / Insights
Service design
Interaction design
Board governance expertise

Further information can be found by reading the IDI constitution here. Interested candidates should email charlotte@idi-design.ie outlining why you feel you would make a good IDI board director. 

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to meet with the IDI President and CEO, with final decision taken by the IDI board.  

Deadline for applications: March 31st 2022