Job Description

SOAS Lay member of the Board of Trustees

SOAS University of London is the leading Higher Education institution in Europe specialising in the study of Asia, Africa and the Near and Middle East.

SOAS is uniquely placed to inform and shape current thinking about the economic, political, cultural, security and religious challenges of our world. Our programmes are taught by respected academics engaged in fieldwork and research which influences government policy and the lives of individuals across the globe. SOAS scholars grapple with the pressing issues confronting two-thirds of humankind today: democracy, development, economy, finance, public and corporate policy, human rights, migration, identity, legal systems, poverty, religion, and social change.  This is an exciting time for SOAS as we work to retain and enhance our student experience and global impact in an increasingly competitive sector. 

We are seeking expressions of interest to appoint two new members of the SOAS Board of Trustees in a voluntary capacity. As a Trustee, your commitment and expertise will have a direct impact on SOAS’ strategic direction and help take forward our vision and strategy. 

You should have recent or current senior-level experience in your field, with experience of guiding and directing an organisation to enable it to meet external challenges.  Successful applicants will have excellent interpersonal and communication skills and a strong personal commitment to higher education, SOAS’ values, aims and objectives, as well as to the regions and subjects covered by our teaching and research. 

We would particularly welcome applications from people with experience in governance and internal complaints processes or with entrepreneurial experience, but experience in these areas is not a requirement.

We are working to achieve a diverse and representative workforce at all levels within SOAS University of London and have a Board that reflects the SOAS community. Black and Minority Ethnic groups are actively encouraged to apply for this vacancy.

Applications must be received by 30 September 2019 and we expect to hold interviews during the week commencing 07 and 14 October 2019.

SOAS’ core values include promoting equality and celebrating diversity, freedom of speech and tolerance and celebrating cultural diversity. 

We welcome potential trustees from all backgrounds but would particularly welcome applications from women, Black and Minority Ethnic groups, who are currently under-represented at senior levels.  If you require any reasonable adjustments to be made to the application process, please do not hesitate to contact us.