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Want to make a difference?Become a SAMS Trustee
Are you fascinated by the marine world? Would you like to use your skills, creativity and energy to help us improve knowledge of the marine environment and promote its importance and value? Are you interested in widening your horizons? If any of these apply to you, you might just be the person we are looking for to join our Board.
The Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS) is a marine research organisation, founded in 1884, and one of the world’s oldest oceanographic institutions. Based on the west coast of Scotland, near Oban, SAMS is a registered charity and Company Limited by Guarantee.
We are committed to:
• The creation of new knowledge about the marine environment through undertaking world leading and innovative research;
• The dissemination of that knowledge, not only through inspirational formal educational programmes, with our principal partner, the University of the Highlands and Islands, but also the enhancement of societal awareness through our public engagement activities;
• Using our knowledge to provide solutions for the ethical and sustainable use of marine resources, both in our local environment and internationally.
SAMS research spans the breadth of marine science, tackling the Grand Challenges facing the World today. We work on diverse interdisciplinary research questions, focusing on three major challenges:
• To discover the physical and biological processes that drive the marine environment
• To describe and quantify how coastal environments respond to ever-increasing pressures
• To develop a sustainable blue economy.
We are seeking new trustees to join the SAMS Board commencing in early summer.
The spread of experience and skills that are sought for the Board is broad. Individuals are sought who can contribute to, or have experience of one or more of the following:
• Clear demonstration of the ability to operate at Board level, most likely through previous strategic/board-level experience; preferably previous experience in a Non-Executive Director role.
• Senior executive or Board level background in finance and/or audit would be particularly welcome.
• Senior role in a university, research, commercial or entrepreneurial organisation; preferably in marine, environmental, education or related sectors.
• Experience of building effective funding and/or income-generating relationships. A record of achievement in marketing and/or philanthropic fundraising would be welcome.
• Demonstration of a strong commitment to equality and diversity, preferably with experience of leading positive culture change.
• An ability to work strategically and collaboratively at a senior level with knowledge of excellent corporate governance.
• Significant organisational business acumen.
• Experience of leading institutional change successfully and positively influencing individuals and organisations.
• Strong networking skills preferably with a significant commercial or philanthropic network.
These positions are unremunerated, although travel expenses will be reimbursed. Appointments will be for an initial three-year term that may be extended for up to a further three-years. The minimum time commitment, including preparation for and participation in formal committee meetings, is approximately 10 days per annum. There are a number of sub-committees of the Board and most Trustees are also members of these committees, including as Chair, for which extra time commitment of 2 or 3 days is required. The majority of meetings were generally held in Oban. Recent experiences have shown that virtual meetings can be very effective and it is likely these will continue; however, there is an expectation that some meetings will resume in the laboratory in Oban, thus travel time will need to be added to this.
The deadline for applications is 25 March 2022. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to interview virtually in early April, with the possibility of face-to-face interviews later in April. More information about SAMS, including governance and the current composition of the Board can be found here.
Application is by covering letter and short CV to be sent to sams.secretary@sams.ac.uk (01631 559272) from whom further information can be obtained.
The Scottish Association for Marine Science has a positive attitude towards diversity. We are committed to equality of opportunity and inclusivity amongst our staff and students: we aim to achieve balanced gender representation in our Board membership.