Role Title: Non-Executive Director
Location: Flexible (meetings held virtually and occasionally in-person in Scotland)
Time Commitment: Approximately 1 day per month, including quarterly Board and committee meetings
Remuneration: Voluntary (reasonable expenses and additional access costs reimbursed)
Deadline: Midday on Monday 31st March 2025
We are looking to appoint up to five new Non-Executive Directors to ensure a diversity of skills and experience within our company board.
We particularly welcome applications from women and gender minorities, LGBT+ people, young people (under 50), d/Deaf, disabled or neurodivergent people, those from minority ethnic communities, people with caring responsibilities, and people with a range of socio-economic backgrounds.
About the Scottish Music Industry Association (SMIA)
The Scottish Music Industry Association (SMIA) exists to strengthen, empower and unite Scotland’s music industry.
Our Mission
- Create and nurture a diverse, accessible, and inclusive membership community that reflects the full spectrum of Scotland’s music industry.
- Ensure that Scotland’s music industry has an effective voice within government, parliament, and development organisations that facilitates understanding and awareness of key opportunities and challenges.
- Produce and support projects and programs to stimulate sustainability, domestic and international growth, development, and innovation.
… In order to increase the value of Scotland’s music industry both at home and on the world stage; economically, socially, and culturally.
The Scottish Music Industry Association (SMIA) receives Regular Funding from Creative Scotland, the public body that supports the arts, screen and creative industries across all parts of Scotland on behalf of everyone who lives, works or visits here.
Creative Scotland distribute funding from the Scottish Government and The National Lottery.
From 1 April 2025, the SMIA will join Creative Scotland’s Multi-Year Funding Portfolio (2025-28).
Learn more about the SMIA, including our team, values, work and history, via our website.
Our Members
The SMIA’s membership encompasses over 5,500 music practitioners working across a range of genres, geographical locations and industry sub-sectors, at a variety of career levels, and comprising a wide range of protected characteristics.
Membership is free and fully accessible, thanks to funding support from Creative Scotland. Individuals can join by completing a simple sign-up form on our website, providing basic contact details and information about their specific areas of work or interest (e.g., artists, live music, record labels, intellectual property) and their geographical location. This information helps us tailor communications and services to specific areas of the music industry and different regions.
We offer a wide range of initiatives and services that support individual practitioners and contribute to the growth of the music sector as a whole.
We want everyone working in, or aspiring to work in, music in Scotland to join the SMIA. With a focus on common goals over competing interests, we believe in the strength of community and collaboration. Our services, projects and events are shaped by the needs of our members, and through regular engagement, we work together to drive Scotland’s music industry forward for the benefit of all.
Learn more about the SMIA’s membership via our website.
The Opportunity
We are seeking passionate and skilled individuals to join our Company Board as Non-Executive Directors. This is a unique opportunity to help shape the future of both the SMIA and Scotland’s music industry, contributing to their sustainability and growth.
You will work alongside our CEO and Creative Director and the SMIA Company Board to collaboratively develop SMIA strategy, support organisational governance and see the successful delivery of SMIA services, projects and events that align with our vision, mission and values.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide strategic direction and oversight, ensuring robust governance and compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.
- Approve the annual budget, financial plans and significant partnerships, collaborations or contracts; supporting business development.
- Identify and mitigate risks to the organisation, including financial, reputational and operational risks.
- Evaluate the CEO and Creative Director, and monitor the SMIA’s impact to ensure strategic objectives are met effectively.
- Participate in quarterly Board meetings and at least one committee (Governance, Industry Development or Projects).
- Commit to ongoing learning to stay informed about governance, creative industries trends and best practices.
- Champion equality, diversity, inclusion and access in all aspects of the organisation’s work.
- Engage with SMIA members and stakeholders to inform strategic priorities, and promote the SMIA’s mission and initiatives.
Who We’re Looking For
We welcome applications from individuals with experience of running a company or contributing to strategic direction, including those who have gained valuable insights through navigating both successes and challenges.
Essential Attributes
- Experience in business, and knowledge of the music industry and/or broader creative industries.
- Strategic thinking and the ability to provide effective governance and oversight.
- Passion for music and strong communication skills, with the ability to advocate for the SMIA’s mission and initiatives.
- Commitment to the SMIA’s vision, mission and values, including championing equality, diversity, inclusion and access.
- Collaborative approach with the ability to work cooperatively and influence change in a complex environment.
Desirable
Although not an essential criterion, we particularly welcome applications from individuals with experience in any of the following areas:
- Data Protection, IT/Technology, and Systems
- Environmental Sustainability
- Risk Management
- HR and Health & Safety
- Equalities, Diversity, Inclusivity, and Accessibility (EDIA)
- Creative Industries
- Cultural Policy and Public Funding
Board Structure and Terms
- The SMIA Company Board is made up of a Chair (or two Co-Chairs), Vice Chair, Treasurer and Directors.
- All Directors join at least one committee (Governance, Industry Development or Projects).
- Directors serve three-year terms, renewable once (up to six years total)
Why Join Us?
By joining the SMIA Company Board, you will:
- Help shape the future of both the SMIA and Scotland’s music industry, influencing strategic direction and championing positive change.
- Be part of a collaborative and inclusive organisation dedicated to innovation, ethical growth and amplifying the diverse narratives of Scottish music.
- Gain valuable governance experience, with opportunities for training, mentoring and development to enhance your leadership skills.
- Expand your professional network through industry events, member engagement and collaboration with stakeholders.
- Make a meaningful impact by supporting the growth and sustainability of Scotland’s cultural economy.
How to Apply
To apply, please submit the following:
- A CV
- A cover letter outlining why you’d like to join the SMIA Company Board and what you can bring to the organisation (no more than 2 pages).
- A completed Equalities Monitoring form (details below).
Submission Options
You can submit your application via one of the following formats:
- Written application: Please send your written CV and cover letter (no more than 2 pages) via email to jobs@smia.org.uk
- Audio file: Submit a recording (no more than 10 minutes) explaining your application and email it to jobs@smia.org.uk.
- Video file: Submit a recording (no more than 10 minutes) and email it to jobs@smia.org.uk.
If you are unable to attach and send a video or audio file via email, please email jobs@smia.org.uk including a download link for us to access your application. Please ensure that your video / audio file is accessible to download and access for the duration of the application review process (no less than 4 weeks). If the link is password protected please ensure to provide this password in the body of your email.
If you would like to submit your application via a format not listed here, please contact us at jobs@smia.org.uk to discuss alternative arrangements.
Deadline for Applications: midday on Monday 31 March 2025.
Following the application deadline, we will review all applications received and notify you of the outcome by no later than Friday 25 April. Due to the nature of this opportunity, we are unable to offer personalised feedback on applications. Successful applicants will be invited to join the SMIA Company Board and will receive an induction package ahead of attending their first board meeting on Friday 25 July.
The SMIA’s Recruitment Privacy Notice is available to read on our website.
SMIA Equality and Diversity Monitoring Form
Once you have completed your application, please fill out the SMIA Equality and Diversity Monitoring form. This form is voluntary, and all questions are optional.
If you have any questions about the form, including requests for reasonable adjustments, or would prefer to complete an offline version using Microsoft Word, please contact jobs@smia.org.uk.