Chair of the Board of Trustees Opportunity with Project Play-Apply before 31 Mar 2026
Nonprofit organizations rely on strong leadership and governance to ensure their mission and programs create meaningful impact. Project Play is currently seeking a Chair of the Board of Trustees to guide the organization’s strategic direction, governance, and growth while supporting programs that benefit vulnerable children and families.
This voluntary leadership role offers an opportunity to contribute to a grassroots humanitarian initiative that provides safe and supportive spaces for displaced children.
About Project Play
Project Play is a grassroots nonprofit organization that supports children and families on the move in northern France. The organization focuses on providing structured play activities, parental support, and casework for children living in informal camps and accommodation centers.
Project Play operates in several locations including:
- Calais
- Dunkirk
- Surrounding areas in France
These communities often lack access to structured recreational activities for children. Project Play addresses this gap by organizing play sessions designed to create safe spaces where children can develop essential skills, build confidence, and experience moments of joy despite challenging living conditions.
The organization is governed by a Board of Trustees, supported by remote volunteers and consultants, while operational activities are led by remote coordinators and volunteer playworkers working on the ground.
Role Overview
The Chair of the Board of Trustees provides leadership to the Board and ensures that the organization operates effectively in alignment with its mission and values.
Working closely with the Vice-Chair and other trustees, the Chair helps guide governance, oversee strategic development, and support the safe and effective functioning of the organization.
The Chair also helps foster collaboration between the Board, remote coordination teams, and volunteers.
Key Responsibilities
The Chair of the Board plays a central role in maintaining strong governance and supporting the organization’s long-term sustainability.
Leadership and Governance
The Chair will guide the Board in fulfilling its responsibilities and maintaining strong governance practices.
Responsibilities include:
- Providing leadership to the Board of Trustees
- Ensuring the organization aligns with its mission and strategic goals
- Supporting compliance with legal and regulatory requirements
- Facilitating effective discussions and decision-making within the Board
The Chair helps ensure that governance practices remain transparent, accountable, and aligned with best practices.
Strategic Direction and Oversight
The Chair will work closely with trustees and operational teams to guide the organization’s long-term strategy.
Key duties include:
- Supporting the development and monitoring of the strategic plan
- Identifying opportunities for growth and innovation
- Ensuring that organizational decisions remain aligned with community needs
The role requires balancing long-term strategic thinking with the practical realities of operating a small grassroots organization.
Board Management and Development
Effective governance requires strong collaboration among trustees.
The Chair will help maintain a strong and diverse Board by:
- Leading and facilitating Board meetings
- Setting meeting schedules and helping prepare agendas
- Supporting the recruitment and onboarding of new trustees
- Providing guidance to ensure trustees understand their roles and responsibilities
This leadership helps create an effective and collaborative Board environment.
Safeguarding and Risk Management
Ensuring the safety of children and volunteers is a core priority for Project Play.
The Chair will oversee governance practices related to safeguarding and risk management by:
- Ensuring strong child protection and safeguarding standards
- Supporting the organization’s risk management strategies
- Working with trustees to address potential risks to the organization
Maintaining ethical standards and safeguarding protocols is essential to protecting the communities the organization serves.
Support and Collaboration
The Chair will work closely with Project Play’s remote coordination team to support operational success.
Responsibilities include:
- Providing guidance and support to program coordinators
- Encouraging collaboration between the Board and operational teams
- Ensuring clear communication and shared objectives across the organization
This collaborative approach helps maintain a strong connection between governance and field activities.
Stakeholder Engagement and Advocacy
The Chair also plays an ambassadorial role in representing the organization externally.
Key responsibilities include:
- Promoting the work and mission of Project Play
- Supporting networking and partnership opportunities
- Encouraging trustees to advocate for the organization within their professional networks
These efforts help increase visibility and support for the organization’s programs.
Required Skills and Experience
Applicants should demonstrate leadership and governance experience along with a strong commitment to social impact.
Key requirements include:
- Experience serving on a charity or business board
- Leadership or governance experience within committees or organizations
- Ability to guide meetings and support effective decision-making
- Strong communication and relationship-building skills
Candidates should also demonstrate strategic thinking and the ability to support long-term planning.
Financial and Risk Management Awareness
The Chair should have a basic understanding of nonprofit governance responsibilities.
Important competencies include:
- Financial oversight awareness
- Understanding of risk management processes
- Knowledge of trustee responsibilities and legal compliance
These skills help ensure that the organization remains sustainable and well-governed.
Commitment to the Organization’s Mission
Candidates should share the values and mission of Project Play, particularly the belief that all children deserve access to play, learning, and safe environments.
An understanding of the challenges faced by grassroots organizations and displaced communities will also be beneficial.
Term and Remuneration
The Chair position is a voluntary role with the following terms:
- Term Length: One year
- Renewable upon agreement with the Board
- Two months’ notice required before stepping down
- Reasonable expenses reimbursed according to organizational policy
Although unpaid, the role offers the opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to a humanitarian initiative supporting vulnerable children.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit the following documents:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Letter of Motivation
Applications should be sent to:
Early applications are encouraged, as submissions are reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
This leadership opportunity allows experienced professionals to contribute their governance and strategic expertise while supporting programs that bring safety, play, and hope to displaced children in northern France.
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Disclaimer: Remote Job Opportunities (RJO) is not the organization that is hiring. For any inquiries, please contact the responsible organization directly. Please do not send your applications to RJO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.
