Chief Executive

The Academy for Mathematical Sciences is seeking its Chief Executive to lead the organisation through the exciting process of launch and growth from a fledgling organisation to a fully-functioning National Academy, delivering on its mission. This appointment is a critical step on our path to launching the full Academy: the Chief Executive’s expertise, influence, effectiveness and leadership must enhance the Academy’s strategy and profile at this important stage in its development.

The CEO will manage teams in London, Cambridge, and in the future also other locations (for example, Edinburgh). We are open to flexible and/or remote working arrangements, and to job sharing. Some in-person meetings, in London and elsewhere, will be required. By the end of the initial set-up phase, in mid-2025, the Academy is projected to have 18 staff and a turnover of approximately £2m per year, with potential to grow further, depending on fundraising.

The closing date for applications is 11.59pm on Tuesday 10 September 2024. The salary for the role will be in the range £100,000–£120,000 per annum (full-time equivalent; salaries will be pro rata for job shares and people working part-time). In addition, the Academy will make a contribution of 15% of salary into a suitable approved Defined Contribution Pension scheme. For full details, including how to apply please click the 'Apply' button (above).

Main responsibilities:

• Work with Trustees and Fellows (and, during an initial transition period, the Executive Committee of the Academy) to develop a strategic vision that incorporates the aims and objectives of the Academy.
• Lead and manage the staff of the Academy as they deliver on this vision, and deliver programmes of activity that support the flourishing of the mathematical sciences in the UK.
• Build and then manage a strong set of policies, systems, and teams to ensure an effective and efficient Academy.
• Ensure that the values of the Academy – including a deep commitment to equity and inclusion, and to supporting and celebrating excellence in all its forms – are embedded in everything that the Academy does.
• Build strong relationships with policymakers, funders, industry groups, Learned Societies, and other National Academies — so as to maximise the impact of the mathematical sciences on the UK economy and society.
• Represent the Academy to internal and external stakeholders, acting as an effective ambassador for the Academy and for the UK mathematical sciences community.
• Create and embed a cohesive culture that supports the future of the Academy.

Person specification - essential attributes

• The successful candidate will have the following essential attributes:
• A collaborative approach to leadership, with experience of forging consensus and bringing different parts of a community together.
• Exceptional communication and advocacy skills, with the ability to represent the Academy to the full range of stakeholders.
• Sound judgement – both strategically and in leadership and management. The ability to strike a balance between effective delegation and direct engagement.
• An understanding of the organisational landscape in the mathematical sciences, and around the other National Academies.
• An appreciation of the importance and role of policy development, advocacy, communications, and scientific outreach.
• Evidenced commitment to the values of the Academy.

Skills and experience requirements:

• A proven track record of leadership. This could be in an academic, professional, or learned society context; a research institute; a public sector or not-for-profit organisation; or a commercial organisation.
• Experience of developing and delivering the strategy for an organisation or major project.
• Extensive experience of team management, of project delivery, and of managing budgets.

Desirable attributes for the role: 

• Experience of policy development, and a network of contacts in government and/or the third sector.
• Experience in one or more of advocacy, communications, and scientific outreach.
• A broad network of contacts in the mathematical sciences.
• Familiarity with charity governance and charity law.
• A love of mathematics, and an appreciation of its value to – and impact on – society.