Centre Director

Oxford Centre Director

Join a dynamic team making a global impact at SEI Oxford, where your expertise and leadership can drive meaningful change. As Centre Director, you will play a crucial role in shaping a sustainable future through innovative research and strategic partnerships.

Location: SEI Oxford, UK

Deadline: 4 February 2024

Salary range: GBP 68,000–78,000 per annum

Contract details: 4 years, with possibility for extension (6-month probation), Full time

Be part of an impactful international non-profit research organization. At SEI Oxford, we are committed to creating a sustainable and prosperous future for all! Our team engages in cutting-edge research and develops innovative tools, networks and platforms. We are dedicated to generating insightful solutions and to steering policies and practices towards a more sustainable world.

The role

The Centre Director (CD) at SEI Oxford plays a pivotal role in three areas:

1. Strategy and implementation: You will be responsible for developing and delivering the SEI global strategy at the local level, setting the direction for SEI Oxford. This includes planning and implementing organizational issues, ensuring financial sustainability and administrative efficiency.
2. Leadership and support: As Centre Director, you will lead and support our team, fostering engagement, involvement and direction. Your role will involve providing leadership, initiating and implementing all organizational and management strategies, and addressing employee-related issues in line with SEI’s philosophy, mission and goals.
3. Relationship building and representation: Your role includes building and nurturing relationships with partners, clients and funders. You will represent SEI Oxford at seminars and conferences, promoting and strengthening our network, and frequently interacting with policy and decision-makers, as well as current and potential funders.

The CD is a key member of the SEI global management team, reporting to the SEI Executive Director, and serves on the SEI Oxford Board of Directors.

Key duties and responsibilities

• Develop and implement the SEI global and SEI Oxford strategies.
• Oversee organizational operational issues, financial sustainability and administrative efficiency at the Centre.
• Lead, support and engage Centre employees.
• Drive research and organizational development to create a strong, visible and lasting project portfolio in line with the SEI Strategy.
• Enhance SEI and the Centre’s network through active promotion and relationship building.

Who you are

We seek a candidate with several years of experience in leadership, people management and strategic direction. While experience in people management is advantageous, it is not a prerequisite. You should possess excellent leadership skills, with the ability to engage, empower and set clear directions, delegate effectively and build trusting professional relationships. Additionally, you should have:

• A Master’s degree (or higher) in a field relevant to SEI, coupled with strong international reputation and active engagement in scientific and professional networks in at least one area of research central to SEI’s strategy.
• Experience in representing an organization and a proven track record in strategic fundraising in research and/or development.

Formal qualifications and knowledge

• Master’s or higher academic degree in a relevant field.
• Demonstrated leadership experience with a focus on tasks, strategy and people.
• Experience in an international, knowledge-based research organization.
• Excellent English language skills, both spoken and written.
• Proven success in strategic fundraising.

Personal skills

You should have a genuine interest in leadership and the ability to effectively develop and improve the organization. Strong communication and relationship-building skills are essential.

Additional information

This full-time position at SEI Oxford, UK, is for a four-year term and includes a standard six-month probation period. SEI Oxford offers a hybrid work environment, requiring the Centre Director to be on-site at least 2-3 days per week.

Our offer

• 33 days of holiday entitlement, including bank holidays, with mandatory holidays on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.
• Pension contributions: 5% from you and 8% from SEI, with a voluntary top-up scheme allowing contributions up to 10% (matched up to 13% by SEI).
• Continuing Professional Development opportunities.
• Sick pay scheme.
• Subscription to the Headspace mindfulness and meditation app.
• Access to the UK government’s Bike to Work Scheme, offering tax savings on purchases of bikes and cycling equipment.

How to apply

We are reviewing applications on an ongoing basis, so please submit your application as soon as possible, but no later than 4 February 2024 23:59 Stockholm local time.

We only accept applications through our recruitment system; please apply online using the button below and submit the following in English:

• Cover letter highlighting relevant qualifications and experience and why you are motivated to apply for this position. (Maximum 2 pages)
• Curriculum vitae

Questions?

Inquiries concerning the content of the position can be directed to Marie Jürisoo, Deputy Director and Operations Director (marie.jurisoo@sei.org) or Maria Westerlund, HR Director, (maria.westerlund@sei.org).

Inquiries concerning the recruitment process can be directed to Maria Westerlund.