At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our Board to shape strategies and support art history education for all young people.
- Company: Art History Link-Up, a charity dedicated to accessible art history education.
- Benefits: Make a real impact while gaining governance experience in a supportive environment.
- Other info: Flexible hybrid role with a commitment of 1-3 hours per week.
- Why this job: Help open doors to art history for students from diverse backgrounds.
- Qualifications: Experience in state school teaching, fundraising, or the museum sector is ideal.
Fewer than 1% of UK state schools offer Art History at A Level. At Art History Link-Up, we believe every young person should have the chance to study art history, whatever their school or background. Since 2016, we’ve offered free, accredited Art History courses to state school students who would otherwise have no access to the subject, taught in and through the UK’s great collections, in partnership with institutions including the Courtauld, the National Gallery and Sir John Soane’s Museum. More than 600 students from over 250 schools have studied with us. Half of our current students are from ethnic minority backgrounds, and many are the first in their families to go to university. Our alumni are in every Art History undergraduate year group at Cambridge and the Courtauld, at Russell Group universities, and entering careers in the sector.
We’re a small, founder-led charity with a warm, supportive culture that our students and alumni tell us is central to their experience. In 2026 we celebrated our tenth anniversary with a public campaign for access to art history, continuing with an Art History Summit at Christie’s in February 2027. A Strategy Year supported by the Rothschild Foundation is shaping our next phase of growth.
Would you like to help open up art history to every young person in the UK?
The roles
- We’re seeking three new trustees to strengthen our Board as we enter our second decade.
- As our State School Art History Education Specialist, you’ll keep our teaching grounded in the realities of state school classrooms and support the Board’s oversight of safeguarding.
- As our Fundraising and Philanthropy Specialist, you’ll help us build a broader, more resilient income base, so our courses stay free for every student who needs them.
- As our Museum and Gallery Sector Specialist, you’ll strengthen our partnerships with cultural institutions and help our students see, and reach, a future in the sector.
What you’ll be doing
- You’ll join a Board of six trustees, working with the Chair, CEO and fellow trustees to shape AHLU’s strategy and governance.
- You’ll bring your specialist expertise to Board discussions and, where helpful, advise the CEO between meetings.
- You’ll help us make the most of a pivotal moment, as we plan national growth and make the case for Art History in education.
- You’ll champion AHLU and the young people we work with through your own networks.
This role is for you if:
- you share our belief that art history should be open to every young person
- you have senior or recent experience in state school teaching, fundraising, or the museum and gallery sector
- you’re collaborative, curious and enjoy working with others to solve problems
- you can give around one to three hours a week to Board life
Previous trustee experience is welcome but not essential. We provide an induction and support.
Key details
- Position: Trustee (up to three roles available)
- Responsible to: The Chair of the Board
- Location: Hybrid. Board meetings are held in central London, with the option to join online. Trustees can be based anywhere in the UK.
- Hours: Four Board meetings a year, usually early evening, plus time to read papers and respond to occasional emails. Around one to three hours a week.
- Term: Three years
- Remuneration: Voluntary. Reasonable expenses are covered where agreed in advance.
How to apply
Click the Apply button and send us your CV, with a covering letter (maximum two pages) or a short video (maximum five minutes) telling us which role you’re applying for, why our mission matters to you and how your experience fits. Video and written applications are valued equally. Full role descriptions are in our Trustee Recruitment Pack.
There are two rounds of interview, the first online and the second in person in London. We review applications on a rolling basis.
Closing date: Friday 4 December 2026
And finally
We particularly welcome applications from people with lived experience of the barriers our students face, and from disabled candidates, candidates from ethnic minority backgrounds and LGBTQ+ candidates, who are currently under-represented in the charity sector. If you don’t meet every point above but feel you could contribute, we’d still love to hear from you. We’re happy to make reasonable adjustments at any stage.
Trustees: State School Education, Fundraising, or Museum and Gallery Sector in London employer: Art History Link-Up
Art History Link-Up is committed to creating opportunities for students from diverse backgrounds to study art history. The organization offers a supportive work environment where employees can make a significant impact in the field of education. With partnerships with renowned institutions, staff members are part of a mission that promotes inclusivity and access to the arts.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Trustees: State School Education, Fundraising, or Museum and Gallery Sector in London
✨Get Involved with Local Causes
Start connecting with local nonprofits or social impact projects in your area. Attend their events, offer to help out with community initiatives, or just drop by to chat about their mission. This way, you’ll not only learn about the work they do but also make meaningful connections that could lead to volunteer opportunities.
✨Leverage Social Media for Social Impact
Platforms like Twitter and Instagram are goldmines for discovering volunteer opportunities in the nonprofit sector. Follow organisations you’re passionate about, engage with their posts, and keep an eye out for their volunteer calls. It’s a great way to show your interest and dedication!
✨Utilise Volunteer Matching Platforms
Sites like VolunteerMatch or local community boards are perfect for finding short-term and long-term volunteer roles. These platforms can connect you with causes that align with your passions and skills, and often allow you to browse opportunities tailored to your interests.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website
When you spot an organisation you like, don't hesitate to visit their website and check out their volunteer section. Many nonprofits have dedicated pages for volunteers where you can apply directly – and we’ve found that this route often leads to quicker responses and more personalised interactions!
We think you need these skills to ace Trustees: State School Education, Fundraising, or Museum and Gallery Sector in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Share Your Passion for Social Impact:When you're applying for a volunteer role at a nonprofit like Art History Link-Up, don’t just list your skills. Show us why you're passionate about social impact! Use your cover letter to tell a story about what drives you and how you've been involved in similar initiatives. Personal connections to the cause can really make your application stand out.
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to showcase any previous volunteer work or projects that demonstrate your commitment to social impact. Whether it’s fundraising, community outreach, or project management, detail your contributions and the results achieved. This kind of experience is invaluable in the nonprofit sector and can help us see your potential!
Get Creative with Your CV:In the world of nonprofits, a standard CV might not cut it. Consider using a more creative format that showcases your personality while maintaining professionalism. Use headings like 'Community Engagement' or 'Social Impact Projects' to highlight your experiences related to the role. Remember, we want to see what makes you unique!
Keep It Community-Focused:Make sure your application emphasises collaboration and community. Volunteer roles are about working well with others and contributing collectively towards a common goal. In your cover letter, mention any teamwork experiences or community projects you've been part of, and how you contributed to their success. This shows that you’re ready to jump into the collaborative spirit here at Art History Link-Up.
How to prepare for a job interview at Art History Link-Up
✨Know Your Passion
Dive deep into the mission of Art History Link-Up and understand the issues they tackle. When they ask about your motivation to volunteer, share specific experiences that link your passion to their cause—whether it’s local community work or a broader social impact.
✨Bring Your Skills to the Table
Highlight any relevant skills that can aid in their projects, such as fundraising, project management, or community organising. Be prepared to share examples of how you’ve used these skills in past volunteer roles or relevant experiences.
✨Get Ready for Scenario Questions
In non-profit interviews, especially for volunteer roles, you might get scenario-based questions. Think about times when you've encountered challenges in team work or community engagement, and how you resolved them—this shows your problem-solving abilities.
✨Show Your Commitment
Since this is a volunteer role, they’ll likely want to see your commitment to the cause over an extended period. Be ready to discuss how much time you can dedicate, any special skills you can bring, and your eagerness to learn and grow with the organisation—this excites them to have you on board!
