Chair of Strategic Advisory Board, Cabot Institute for the Environment

The role

We are looking for a high-profile leader with a passion for climate and environment issues to chair the Strategic Advisory Board (SAB) for the Cabot Institute for the Environment. The SAB plays an important role in guiding the Institute in developing priorities in research, education, and impact, and in providing new connections for the Institute for research partnerships.

This is a high-profile role that will suit a senior leader with extensive experience in developing member-based organisations. A passion for interdisciplinary environmental research is essential.

The Institute’s role is to ensure that different perspectives are brought to bear on the global environmental challenges we face and in so doing create new, actionable knowledge.

Our Institute team acts to convene, connect, and empower people from around the world to unite on the most pressing global environmental issues of our time, to create transitions to a more just and sustainable future. You can find out about our 2023 -2026 vision and strategy here: https://www.bristol.ac.uk/cabot/what-we-do/strategy/

We are looking for someone who has

• An outstanding track record of leadership at a senior level and a passion for climate and environment issues.
• Excellent skills and proven track record of chairing advisory boards or committees.
• Experience of engagement with policy, business or third sector organisations in a strategic role.
• A passion for interdisciplinary environmental research and education.
• Experience of working with universities/HEI sector.

Term of appointment

We estimate this role will require up to 5 days per annum for an initial term of three years. You will be covered for reasonable expenses e.g., travel and accommodation. During this time, the Chair of the SAB will be offered an Honorary Academic position at the University.

Applying for the role

To apply for this role please submit a cover letter (max 2 pages) and CV (max 5 pages) by 5pm, Monday 2 December 2024 to cabot-director@bristol.ac.uk. 

We will also accept 1 page of key papers (note this is not an essential criteria).

We will send an acknowledgement of receipt, once we have received your application.

Your cover letter should provide responses to the following questions:

• What has attracted you to apply for this position and why do you want this role? 
• How would your strategic leadership experience, enable you to guide the SAB to fulfil its four main functions? (see above)
• What is your experience of chairing advisory boards or committees?
• How would you describe your chairing style? 
• How would you describe your approach to engaging with the executive of organisations, where you have acted as a Chair of a Board?  
• What are the key priorities you see in inter-disciplinary environmental research and what do you think the Cabot Institute can offer? 

The application process will be a 3-stages:

• Submission of cover letter and CV.
• Virtual interview to take place w/c 9^th or 16^th Dec 2024.
• In person formal interview with a selection panel. You will also have an opportunity to informally meet member of the Cabot team and research community, to learn more about the institute. Interviews are anticipated to take place mid-end Jan 2025.

If you would like to informally discuss this opportunity, please contact: 

Professor Guy Howard, Institute Director (cabot-director@bristol.ac.uk) or

Sophie Ross-Smith, Insitute Manager (s.ross-smith@bristol.ac.uk).

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