Chair, Gresham College
Chair of Council, Gresham College
London, United Kingdom
For the Love of Learning Since 1597: Are you ready to join Gresham College as our next Chair of Council?
Gresham College, steeped in a rich history dating back to 1597, is renowned for our tradition of delivering free public lectures, fostering a vibrant intellectual community in London. We are now seeking an accomplished individual to assume the role of Chair of Council, following the distinguished tenure of Dr Loyd Grossman CBE, who steps down on July 31, 2024.
Gresham College remains committed to the vision of its founder, Sir Thomas Gresham, of bringing the 'new learning' to Londoners. While being London’s oldest institution of higher education, Gresham College operates without registered students or formal courses. Instead, our focus is on disseminating knowledge to the widest possible audience, offering approximately 120 lectures annually, both in person and through digital platforms.
As the Chair of Council, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the strategic direction of the College, supporting our mission of outreach and academic excellence. Your responsibilities will include providing leadership and governance, fostering external relations and fundraising efforts, ensuring the efficiency of Council meetings, and maintaining strong relationships with key stakeholders, including the Executive Director, Provost, and Academic Board.
We are seeking candidates who possess a deep understanding of and alignment with Gresham College's educational mission. If you are able to evidence experience in successfully leading at the board level within a multi-stakeholder environment, and proficiency in developing and implementing strategic initiatives, particularly in expanding digital audience reach, then we are keen to hear from you. You should be able to demonstrate a track record of generating income and securing philanthropic support, in addition to an overarching commitment to promoting diversity and fostering an inclusive environment. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from all qualified candidates, particularly those from currently underrepresented backgrounds at Board and Council levels.
The position requires a commitment of approximately 2 days per month during term-time, on a pro bono basis with expenses covered. Council meetings are held in London four times annually, with additional engagements including social events and Gresham lectures.
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Dear Candidate,
Welcome to the world of Gresham College, an esteemed institution steeped in a heritage dating back to 1597. Our legacy thrives on the tradition of offering enlightening public lectures, nurturing a vibrant intellectual community, right in the heart of the City of London.
In our continuous journey to uphold the vision of our founder, Sir Thomas Gresham, we are excited to announce an opportunity for a dynamic individual to assume the exciting role of Chair of Council. This comes following the distinguished tenure of Dr. Loyd Grossman CBE, who is due to step down from post on July 31, 2024.
At Gresham College, we remain dedicated to Sir Thomas Gresham's aspiration of bringing forth 'new learning' to the citizens of London. As the oldest higher education institution in London, we operate uniquely, sans registered students or formal courses. Instead, our primary focus lies in disseminating knowledge far and wide, with approximately 120 engaging lectures offered annually, both in-person and through digital platforms.
As the Chair of Council, you will be entrusted with a pivotal role in steering the strategic trajectory of the College, supporting our mission of outreach and academic excellence. Your responsibilities will span from providing astute leadership and governance to nurturing external relationships and fundraising endeavours. Moreover, you will be instrumental in ensuring the efficacy of Council meetings and fostering robust ties with key stakeholders, including the Executive Director, Provost, and Academic Board.
We are in search of individuals who resonate deeply with Gresham College's educational ethos. If you possess a proven track record of leadership at the board level within a multi-stakeholder environment, coupled with proficiency in crafting and executing strategic initiatives—particularly in expanding digital audience reach—then we eagerly await your application. Your ability to demonstrate prowess in generating income and securing philanthropic support, alongside a steadfast commitment to promoting diversity and inclusivity, will be greatly valued.
We take immense pride in fostering an environment of equality and welcome applications from all qualified candidates, especially those from currently underrepresented backgrounds at Board and Council levels.
This esteemed position demands a commitment of approximately 2 days per month during term-time, offered on a pro bono basis with expenses covered. Council meetings convene in London four times annually, complemented by additional engagements such as social events and captivating Gresham lectures.
For a confidential discussion or to apply for this esteemed role, please don't hesitate to reach out to our executive search partners, Alumni Global, via the How to Apply section of this microsite.
Thank you for considering joining our illustrious community at Gresham College, and we look forward to reviewing your application.
Warm regards,
Deputy C. E. Lord OBE
Debby Ounsted CBE
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All applications must include:
• A full curriculum vitae/resume
• Quoting the relevant role reference number: A039082
• A covering letter highlighting the aspects of the job description and Gresham College that particularly attract you to the post (Microsoft Word document)
• Contact details for three referees, these will not be contacted without your permission. (References should validate a minimum period of six years employment)
• A completed Equal Opportunities Monitoring Form (which you will be redirected to once you have submitted your application) *
Monitoring
One of Alumni Global’s and Gresham College’s objectives is to ensure that its workforce is reflective of the local community and therefore we actively encourage applications from under-represented groups. So that we can successfully achieve these aims, while it is not mandatory we would encourage every applicant to complete the “Equal Opportunities Monitoring form” so that we can measure the effectiveness of our efforts. The Recruiting Manager does not have access to the Monitoring Information Sections of the application form at any stage of the process and the information provided will be kept entirely confidential.
Key Milestones:
Closing date: 19th April 2024
Longlist Interviews: w/c 29th April 2024
Final Interviews: Wednesday 22nd May 2024
For a confidential discussion on this role please contact:
Rabiya Ali, Lead Consultant on +447545 741 153
Candidate adjustment
If you require any reasonable adjustments to be made as part of the recruitment process please can you advise us so that we can ensure this is accommodated.
Please ensure you have made a note of the final interview date(s). We recommend that you bookmark this microsite, as any potential updates regarding the role will be posted online.
Please take note of the reference number found under section “How to apply”. This is needed for us to process any application.
Useful information:
Sir Thomas Gresham
Thomas Gresham was admitted to the Mercers’ Company at the age of 24, and was initially occupied with his family's business of trade with the Low Countries.
While abroad, he also acted in various matters on behalf of King Henry VIII. However, his public life began in earnest with his appointment as Royal Agent in Antwerp by Edward VI in 1552. He retained this influential position during the reigns of Mary and Elizabeth I, deftly managing royal debt and credit and enabling the Tudors to borrow more cheaply in Antwerp than the leaders of the Netherlands themselves*.
Gresham thus became a fundamental driver of the mercantile policy of Tudor England, and one of the most influential men of the era. He cemented his financial legacy through the founding of the first Royal Exchange in 1571.
Moreover, his years spent in one of Europe’s most dynamic commercial centres fostered an appreciation of technical and scientific innovation associated with trade. His personal commitment to bringing this ‘new learning’ to the City of London was realised through the establishment of Gresham College via his Will; jointly administered by the City of London Corporation and the Worshipful Company of Mercers.
