Founding Non-Executive Director (Voluntary)
Espresso Press Closing date: Mon, 31 Aug 2026
- Full time
- Unpaid
- Apply now
Fri, 07 Aug 2026 "> published -
Job Summary
Job Description
We're looking for a Founding Non-Executive Director to join Espresso Press at the very beginning and help steward the organisation through its first chapter.
You'll join the board alongside Founder and Executive Director, Ella Achola, who brings experience as a writer, curator, facilitator and founder with more than a decade of non-profit experience. Giselle La Pompe-Moore will support Espresso Press as a trusted strategic advisor and literary "Head Auntie", offering creative guidance and wisdom as we grow.
This is a voluntary governance rather than operational role. You won't be responsible for running Espresso Press day to day but will bring perspective, thoughtful challenge and your own expertise to help us make good decisions and build a strong, sustainable organisation.
Alongside a passion for literature and a belief in creating more opportunities for Black women writers, you might bring experience in:
Fundraising or philanthropy
Strategic or corporate partnerships
Social impact, CSR or EDI
Finance, accounting or investment
Marketing, communications or brand
Retail, merchandising or e-commerce
Or another area that could help Espresso Press flourish.
Previous board experience is welcome but absolutely not required. This could be your first Non-Executive Director role.
As a director, you'll share legal responsibility for the governance of Espresso Press and be expected to act in the organisation's best interests. We'll provide a clear induction into the organisation, our governance framework and your responsibilities as a director.
The voluntary role involves online board meetings every other month, preparation beforehand and occasional input between meetings.
Most of all, we're looking for someone who believes in what Espresso Press could become and would love to play a part in shaping its next chapter.
Job Requirements
We're looking for someone who:
Believes in Espresso Press's mission and the importance of creating opportunities for Black women writers
Has a genuine interest in literature and creative lives
Brings skills, experience or perspectives that complement those already around the table
Is comfortable offering thoughtful challenge, asking questions and contributing to strategic decisions
Can commit to online board meetings every other month, preparation beforehand and occasional input between meetings
Is eligible and willing to act as a UK company director and understands the responsibilities this carries
Experience in fundraising, philanthropy, partnerships, social impact/CSR, finance, marketing, retail/e-commerce or another relevant field would be particularly welcome.
Previous board experience is not required - this could be your first NED role.
Job Responsibilities
As a Founding Non-Executive Director, you will:
Help provide strategic oversight as Espresso Press develops
Attend and actively contribute to board meetings every other month
Read papers and prepare ahead of meetings
Bring your own expertise, perspective and constructive challenge to board discussions
Support good governance, financial oversight and responsible decision-making
Help ensure Espresso Press remains true to its mission and builds sustainably
Declare and appropriately manage any conflicts of interest
Act in the best interests of Espresso Press and fulfil your statutory duties as a company director
Occasionally provide advice or input between meetings where appropriate
This is a voluntary governance role. Day-to-day leadership and delivery remain the responsibility of the Executive Director.
Useful Links
Job Overview
- Job Title: Founding Non-Executive Director (Voluntary)
- Salary: Unpaid
- Hours: Full time
- Artform: Literature
- Role: Fundraising
- Contract: Permanent
- Closing date: Mon, 31 Aug 2026
- Location: UK-wide
How to Apply
To apply, please complete our short online application form by 23:59 on 31 August 2026: https://forms.gle/Sr53CCpH7bkdQs8d6
The form should take around 15–20 minutes and asks about you, what draws you to Espresso Press and the skills, experience or perspectives you could bring to the board.
You don’t need to submit a CV or cover letter at this stage, and previous board experience is not required.
We’ll review all applications after the closing date. If we’d like to explore the opportunity further with you, we’ll invite you to an informal online conversation.
For any questions before applying, please email [email protected].
- Contact name: Ella Achola
- Contact email: [email protected]
About Espresso Press
Espresso Press is a new literary organisation dedicated to stewarding Black women’s creative lives. Through publishing, gatherings and opportunities, we nurture writers, cultivate community and create more room for Black women to write, experiment, be seen and build creative lives on their own terms — now and for generations to come.