Council for At-Risk Academics (Cara)

Cara – the Council for At-Risk Academics – has been working since 1933 to support academics at risk around the world. Its Fellowship Programme assists academics in escaping discrimination, persecution, violence or conflict in their home countries. With Cara’s assistance, over 350 academics are currently in university placements, or are being helped through the process of finding a safe place in a university to continue their work, often with their families too. Cara’s Regional Programmes support individuals working on in their home countries despite the risks, and those in exile nearby. In all that Cara does, it honours the aim set out in Cara’s 1933 founding statement “to prevent the waste of exceptional abilities exceptionally trained” – knowing how important such abilities are to the future of each country, and to the world.  135 UK universities and research institutes are currently working with Cara to support this aim.

Cara is now looking for a new chief executive to lead the organisation and its critical work. This is an exciting time to join the charity as it has doubled in size over the last several years, increasing its impact and reach, and with a strong platform for further development.  As chief executive, you will be responsible for leading and promoting the success of the organisation in all respects, working in close consultation with the chair and other members of the Council. Key responsibilities include strategy, governance, operations, leadership of the staff team, fundraising, financial management and external engagement.

The ideal candidate will have proven leadership skills with a track record of developing and implementing strategic and operational plans. They will have the ability to operate effectively with a wide range of high-level stakeholders including university leadership teams, third sector partners, funders, campaigners, government officials and experts, ideally with experience of working in an international context.  The incoming chief executive should be a dynamic leader and excellent communicator with experience of media activity, and with the ability to inspire, and to enable staff at all levels.  A strong alignment with the mission and values of Cara, and a passion for the work that it does, will also be essential.

Saxton Bampfylde Ltd is acting as an employment agency advisor to Cara on this appointment. For further information about the role, including details about how to apply, please visit www.saxbam.com/appointments using reference IBMJA. Alternatively telephone +44 (0)20 7227 0880 (during office hours). Applications should be received by noon on Thursday 24 October 2024.