We are looking for a Chief Executive with exceptional leadership skills and a proven track record in delivering sustainable change initiatives for The University of St Andrews’ Students’ Association.
Who we are
Every student at St Andrews is automatically a member of The University of St Andrews’ Students’ Association (aka Your Union).
We work to support students through three broad categories: Representation, Activities and Spaces.
We are the central hub for student groups, activities and events, always aiming to make students University experience the best it can be.
Your Union exists to support students through their studies, share opportunities, and help them celebrate their achievements. A lot of what we do is run by students for students, this includes our six elected Sabbatical Officers (due to change to five) who represent students and are the face of Your Union. We are led by The Students’ Association Board.
About the role
We are now at a crucial moment for the Students’ Association, with new funding secured and a clear operational plan in place.
We seek a Chief Executive to lead this next phase of our journey, delivering our goals of improved support, enhanced services, and stronger representation for all our members—ensuring that our work has a lasting impact on the student experience and the wider university community.
Who we are looking for
We are looking for a Chief Executive with exceptional leadership skills and a proven track record in delivering sustainable change initiatives. The ideal candidate should possess emotional intelligence, the ability to collaborate with diverse stakeholders, and the resilience to bring change to fruition.
Additional benefits
The University of St Andrews Students’ Association is committed to promoting diversity and equality for all and welcomes applications from candidates of all backgrounds. We particularly encourage applications from women and people with marginalised gender identities, people with disabilities, and people from the global majority.
The Trust
The Strathmartine Trust was founded in 1999 with a legacy provided by the late Ronald Cant. The aim of the Trust is to support the study, research and education of Scottish history, broadly defined. Based in its own premises in St Andrews, the Trust offers self-catering accommodation for visiting scholars, and has a large library and study space for researchers. The Trust also offers awards and grants, and supports scholarships for PhD study in the Universities of Dundee and St Andrews. It maintains a community profile, hosting seminars and other events, supporting local and national historians to share their research and ideas. In 2014, the Trust established the Strathmartine Press, which publishes a small number of books that focus on local history. On a day-to-day basis, the Trust is managed by a part-time Director, who is responsible to the Chair and the Board of Trustees.
The Opportunity
Following a review of the Trust’s governance, the Trust is embarking on a search for new Trustees. The period of appointment will be five years, with the possibility of an extension to seven years. Trustee posts are not renumerated, but reasonable travel and other related expenses will be reimbursed. Over time, by the end of 2026, the intention is to have a refreshed Board of Trustees that comprises a diverse range of knowledge, skills and expertise - some of these are listed below; it is not expected that applicants for Trustee appointments will have all of these. As the Trust reorganises its administrative structure, it hopes also to expand and refresh its portfolio of activities; and the role of Trustee thus offers an exciting opportunity to assist in shaping a dynamic future for this important contributor in the field of Scottish historical interest, research and education.
The Role
Trustees are expected to be active in the running of the Trust, beyond simply providing strategic direction at meetings. It is important that Trustees demonstrate an enthusiasm for Scottish history but they are not required to be academics. Specifically, we are looking for Trustees who might have knowledge, skills and experience in one or more of the following areas:
The Time Commitment
Trustees are expected to attend, virtually or in person, a minimum of four Trustee Meetings each year; occasionally, additional meetings are organised to discuss grant applications or other significant matters. In addition to the time taken to prepare for and attend meetings, Trustees will need to allocate time to reading and evaluating applications during the annual grant award process. It is expected that Trustees will also remain engaged and interested in the day-to-day operation of the Strathmartine Centre and Press.