Royal Society Te Apārangi is seeking a new Chief Executive

Royal Society Te Apārangi is an independent, national academy charged with the advancement and promotion of science, technology, and the humanities in Aotearoa New Zealand. It supports New Zealanders to explore, discover and share knowledge.

A key value proposition of the Society is investing in excellence in people and ideas, and enabling them to inspire New Zealanders. It administers several funds for research, science and technology, publishes a range of journals, offers expert advice, and fosters international research contact and co-operation. Individuals are able to join the Society as friends, professional members or be elected as Companions or Fellows.

The Society’s activities also include public outreach, education and supporting the research community, with a focus on relevance for tomorrow. It celebrates those at the top of their fields with medals, awards and prizes, while providing a code of ethics by which its members abide.

Headquartered in Wellington, Royal Society Te Apārangi is governed by a 12-member Council representing a range of member interests, and has approximately 50 staff. Key focal points in recent years have included: promoting equity, diversity and inclusion in the New Zealand research community; strengthening relationships with Te Ao Māori; and inspiring future generations of researchers.

The Council is now seeking an outstanding Chief Executive to provide strategic leadership and foster the Society’s inclusive and diversity-led approach. This includes engaging and collaborating with other equivalent national and international membership bodies, research organisations, and government departments, amongst others. You will also enhance the value provided by the organisation, with a clear mandate to foster strong membership empathy.

Ideally, you will offer the following blend of experience and capabilities:

• A proven record of people leadership, supported by the academic and research recognition and repute to lead the Society;
• Superb advocacy and relationship skills enabling credibility with a range of stakeholder groups across research, education, innovation and the public sectors;
• A thorough understanding of the competitive funding environment in New Zealand;
• Commitment to, and understanding of, enhancing relationships with Te Ao Māori;
• Prior experience working to boards, with the ability to foster collaboration and build effective working relationships;
• Advanced qualifications such as a Master’s or PhD degree.

How to apply

Confidential enquiries and expressions of interest should be directed to
Vishnu Nair at Ichor Leadership Search by 5.00pm on Wednesday 5 August 2020. Contact Vishnu via email at search@ichor.co.nz or telephone: +64 4 499 8230.

Job posting originally published by ICHOR Leadership Search.