Director of Science and Communications Appointment Brief March 2018 1
Thank you for your interest in the role of Director of Science and Communications at the Geological Society. We are looking for an experienced individual to lead and manage the Society s science programme; policy, education and outreach activities; media, online and external communications; and building and maintaining relationships with stakeholders and partner organisations in the UK and internationally. This is a great opportunity for a knowledgeable professional with real ambition to contribute significantly to the successful delivery of the Geological Society s 2017 27 strategy. You will be guaranteed a challenging and rewarding experience within an internationally renowned and respected organisation. You will work with a team of highly committed and skilled staff and a Council of trustees, who will support you in leading and developing the science and communications functions needed the underpin future success. We look forward to hearing from you. Richard Hughes, Executive Secretary March 2018 2
About us The Geological Society of London aims to improve knowledge and understanding of the Earth, to promote Earth science education and awareness, and to support professional excellence in the work of Earth scientists for the public good. Founded in 1807, it is the oldest national geological society in the world and is both a professional body and a learned society. Today, the Geological Society is a world leading communicator of Earth science through its scholarly publishing, library and information services, cutting edge scientific conferences, education activities and public outreach. It also provides impartial scientific information and evidence to support policy making and public debate. The Geological Society is the UK s professional body for Earth sciences and has a membership (Fellowship) of over 12,000. Membership is growing year on year and, amongst younger members, gender balance is good. More than 2,000 of its members (Fellows) live overseas, with a strong presence in Hong Kong. Approximately 3,000 are Chartered Geologists or Chartered Scientists professionals who have demonstrated a high level of technical competence in their field and a commitment to professional ethics. The Society is licensed by the European Federation of Geologists to award the title of European Geologist and works with partner bodies in the UK to maintain specialist professional registers. It also accredits undergraduate and MSc degree programmes, and in house professional training schemes provided by employers. The Geological Society organises scientific conferences and events in London and across the UK. It publishes a range of internationally recognised scientific journals and thematic volumes that are available online and in print to its members and to libraries worldwide (www.lyellcollection.org). The Society has built a reputation for providing policy makers with impartial and authoritative input and advice based on sound science, including potentially contentious issues such as shale gas, radioactive waste, and mineral extraction (www.geolsoc.org.uk/geology for society). The Society is a registered charity, with an annual turnover of nearly 6 Million, a balance sheet of 9 Million, and a staff of around 60 located in London and Bath. Our strategy The Geological Society s 2017 27 strategy can be found at http://www.geolsoc.org.uk/strategy, and our latest Annual Review is at http://www.geolsoc.org.uk/annualreview. Embedded within this strategy are the Society s values: All that we do is underpinned by scientific excellence, professional and ethical integrity, and quality of service. To that end: We strive to be impartial, authoritative, trustworthy and transparent, We promote diversity, equality, inclusion and respect for others across the geoscience community, We promote social and environmental sustainability, responsibility and stewardship, and We seek opportunities to work collaboratively, and aim to be recognised as a valued partner. 3
The Geological Society s people The Society is governed by a 23 strong Council of trustees representing the wider membership. The Council is led and chaired by the President, who is elected for a two year term. Four honorary secretaries and up to three Vice Presidents from within Council are responsible for key areas of activity, working with the staff, committees and others. Volunteers from the Society s 12,000 members play an essential role in running the Society and delivering its activities, working in partnership with the staff, from participation in committees and working groups to convening conferences, editing publications, communication and outreach work. The Senior Leadership Team consists of the Executive Secretary and three Directors: Executive Secretary responsible for delivery of the 2017 27 strategy and for the leadership and management of the staff at Burlington House in London and at the Publishing House in Bath, Director of Finance & Operations responsible for finance, membership, facilities, health and safety, information systems and human resources functions, Director of Science & Communications (this post) responsible for science, policy, education, external communication, and conferences/events, and Director of Publishing responsible for the Society s scientific publishing operations based in Bath. 4
Role profile Title: Salary: Responsible to: Responsible for: Contract: Location: Director of Science and Communications circa 65,000 commensurate with experience Executive Secretary 4 direct reports Permanent, full time Burlington House, Piccadilly, London Purpose The Director of Science and Communications (DSC) will bring leadership and management to the Society s science programme; policy, education and outreach activities; media, online and external communications; and building and maintaining relationships with stakeholders and partner organisations in the UK and internationally. The DSC leads delivery of the business plan and strategy across these areas, working with the Executive Secretary, Council, committees and others; and leads and manages a team of eleven staff. Together with the two other directors and the Executive Secretary, the DSC contributes to the effective leadership and management of the Society through the Senior Leadership Team (SLT), as well as by working with Council, its committees and other Fellows. The DSC has overall responsibility for delivering on the Society s commitment to diversity, equality and inclusion (DEI) in all it does, working alongside the DEI champion on Council, and other staff and Fellows. Responsibilities Science programme Lead delivery of the Society s strategic science programme, working with directorate staff and Science Committee, including: o Annual Year of science themes, cutting across the conference programme, education, outreach and communication activities, and other major science themes; o Development of strategic science conferences (including new meeting strands, e.g. Bryan Lovell meetings and Janet Watson early career symposia); o A programme of high quality meetings on a wide range of geoscience topics throughout the year; o A programme of public lectures at Burlington House and at other venues across the UK. Lead staff engagement with the Specialist Groups, including establishment of new groups. Develop relationships with other organisations (national and international) to support delivery of the science programme, including through joints meetings. 5
Policy and representation Lead and oversee the Society s policy activities, including responses to consultations and parliamentary inquiries; generation of policy reports and briefing documents; organising and participating in policy events; and relationship building/stakeholder engagement with government departments, parliamentarians, agencies, devolved administrations and others. These activities fall broadly into: o Science for policy, i.e. communication of geoscience relevant to policy questions and challenges. o Policy for science including education and research policy/funding, national skills needs, and cross cutting issues affecting the science community (e.g. immigration). o These areas are linked by work to make the case for geoscience. Represent the Geological Society (GSL) nationally and internationally, with the Executive Secretary, Officers (senior Council members) and others. With directorate staff, the Executive Secretary and others, manage and develop links with relevant science organisations nationally and internationally, including other scientific societies, the Campaign for Science and Engineering (CaSE), Science Council, the scientific societies Parliamentary Steering Group and Parliamentary Affairs Committee. Outreach and communications Oversee outreach and science communication initiatives and ongoing activities. Oversee media engagement, social media, website and other online content, and email newsletters. With directorate staff, the Executive Secretary and others, lead delivery of the Society s corporate communications, including the Annual Review. Education and research Oversee the Society s work to promote and support geoscience education for all, from school through to undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Lead engagement with government, national agencies and others in respect of curricula and qualifications. Lead liaison with University Geoscience UK (representing heads of geoscience departments), and work relating to graduate skills and employability, and employer/national skills needs. Lead engagement with the research community, and related representation work regarding research funding and policy, etc. International matters Lead communication and engagement with international organisations including the European Federation of Geologists (EFG); the International Union for Geological Sciences (IUGS) and associated global organisations and initiatives (e.g. RFG, IGCP, UNESCO Earth Sciences programme). With the Executive Secretary, engage with the work of the American Geosciences Institute (AGI). 6
Participate in Council/member meetings of international organisations and international conferences (e.g. EGU) as appropriate, and in partnership with staff and Council colleagues. Lead collaboration and relationship building with overseas national geoscience organisations, including through our Associated Societies scheme. Through these institutions/settings and other means, lead the Society s international engagement with shared geoscience concerns including: geoethics; DEI; education and skills issues. Diversity, equality and inclusion Work with the DEI Council Champion, Executive Secretary directorate staff and others to promote DEI throughout the Society and its activities, including through SLT and Council. Lead delivery of initiatives to address specific aspects of DEI in education, employment and other settings, working with directorate staff and others, and in partnership with UK and international bodies. Management and leadership Share responsibility through SLT, under the leadership of the Executive Secretary, for management of the Society s activities and staff, including: o adherence to employment law, data protection regulations and other legal requirements; o health and safety; o promotion of and adherence to the Society s policies and values; o development and maintenance of the business plan; o development and maintenance of the risk register. Oversee preparation of and adherence to the budget for the directorate. Manage the staff within the directorate, and work with them to develop their roles and capabilities. Attend Council, and represent the directorate s work to Council, other staff and the Fellowship. Attend, work with and coordinate staff engagement with: o External Relations Committee, and its subcommittees (Education Committee, Joint Higher Education Committee, Geoconservation Committee); o Science Committee; o Finance and Planning Committee (attendance as SLT member not a lead role). 7
Person specification Candidates for the role of Director of Science and Communications will be required to demonstrate a range of skills, competencies and abilities for the post. The successful candidate will ideally be a geoscientist with relevant communications experience, who is committed to the Society s objectives in service of science, profession and society, and be able to show the following qualities and experience: Qualifications and Experience Essential Knowledge or experience of Earth sciences Experience of at least one aspect of science communication outlined in the role profile Strong written and oral communication skills Commitment to diversity, equality and inclusion, and to the Society s other core values as set out in its strategy Willingness to travel nationally and internationally and to work outside usual office hours from time to time Desirable An Earth sciences degree A strong understanding of how Earth science underpins people s lives, and passion for communicating about this science Experience of further aspects of science communication outlined above A postgraduate qualification in science communication or a related field Experience of working with trustees, committee members, volunteers and other stakeholders Knowledge of current issues in Earth science research, education and training Leadership and Management A track record of successful leadership and management Experience of successfully implementing and leading change A team worker with proven experience of working collaboratively to realise organisational objectives A track record of successfully building and nurturing strong and productive relationships, internally and externally An ability to influence and inspire people successfully at all levels. Personal Qualities Open minded to new ways of working and others perspectives Positivity and enthusiasm Tact, tenacity and a willingness to work in partnership with others A commitment to personal development and learning Exceptional interpersonal and people management skills Ability to work under pressure and to deadlines, prioritising work accordingly. 8
How to apply To apply for this position, please forward a copy of your CV together with a cover letter and a supporting statement to recruitment@geolsoc.org.uk. Please provide details of your current remuneration. Please ensure that your application fully addresses the appointment criteria in the person specification. You should provide the names, positions, organisations and contact telephone numbers of two referees, one of whom should be your current or most recent employer. References will only be taken once your express permission has been given. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Please advise if you will require any special provision as a result of any disability should you be called for interview. Finally, please ensure that you have included your mobile and home telephone numbers, as well as dates when you will not be available or might have difficulty with the indicative timetable. RECRUITMENT TIMETABLE Closing date for applications: Friday 6 April 2018 Interviews: Mid May 2018 Position starts: May/June 2018 These dates may be subject to change and applicants will be advised in advance should this happen. Queries If you have any queries on any aspect of the appointment process, or need additional information, please contact Nic Bilham: nic.bilham@geolsoc.org.uk 9