Job Description

Purpose of the Role:

We are looking to appoint an outstanding senior leader as the first Chief Executive Officer of the Marshall Aid Commemoration Commission.

The post holder will report directly to the Chair of the Marshall Aid Commemoration Commission, the governing board for the UK’s flagship scholarship scheme with the United States. The successful candidate will work with the Commission to develop a new vision and strategy. In addition, they will lead the delivery of the programme, working closely with the British Counci, which has been appointed to provide the administration services and act as Secretariat for the Marshall scholarships with effect from 1 September 2023.

Marshall scholarships were inaugurated by the UK government in 1953, to commemorate the support given to the UK through the European Recovery Programme. The scheme is perceived to be one of the most prestigious scholarships on offer in the US. So far it has attracted over 2000 of the most distinguished US scholars from diverse backgrounds to study in the UK and has the aim of strengthening the bilateral relationship. On 7th June 2023 the UK government reaffirmed its enduring financial commitment by announcing a 25% increase in the number of scholarships on offer.

The new CEO will engage effectively with senior government and Higher Education stakeholders, as well as with business leaders, to build support for the programme and develop strategic partnerships.

Accountabilities/Responsibilities include but are not limited to: 

• Strategy and vision: develop a compelling vision and strategy for Marshall Scholarships to ensure that it achieves its long-term objectives of making an enduring and valuable contribution to UK-US relationships.
• Board Management: As CEO, manage the relationship with the Commissioners, reporting directly to the MACC and its sub-committees (including Audit and Risk Management Committee and Education Committee) on progress against programme objectives, business operations, finance, and risk management.
• Senior stakeholder engagement: Build and manage relationships with a range of very senior government and Higher Education stakeholders in the US and UK, and with top business leaders, to build support and recognition for the programme, and strengthen its impact.  This will include providing evidence of the impact of the programme.
• Fundraising and partnerships: Achieve ambitious fundraising targets through exploring diverse sources of income and through the development of strategic partnerships with UK universities and other organisations, building the sustainability, reach and long-term impact of Marshall scholarships.
• External communications: Enhance the visibility and impact of Marshall Scholarships through the development and delivery of an external communications strategy which engages and excites key target audiences, including potential scholars and alumni, as well as influential senior stakeholders and partners.
• Leadership: Lead and motivate the Marshall Scholarships team to attract outstanding scholars from diverse backgrounds and exceeds their expectations. Lead strategic change management in the Programme’s professional services operations and review the governance and legal structures of the MACC. Overall accountability to the Chair of the MACC for all aspects of the delivery of the programme, including oversight of professional services operations and ensuring appropriate mechanisms and procedures are in place for the safeguarding and well-being of scholars. Operate effectively as a senior administrative leader on behalf of the MACC, where requested.
• Management of an annual budget of upwards of £4,000,000.
• Line management of at least three team members, one of them in the US.

Requirements of the role:

• Proven senior leadership experience.
• Experience of managing senior stakeholder relationships, including government.
• Good understanding of US and UK higher education systems.
• Strong interest in the US and UK bilateral relationship.

About Marshall Scholarships

The Marshall Scholarships were founded by a 1953 Act of Parliament and named in honour of US Secretary of State, General George C Marshall. The Scholarships commemorate the humane ideals of the Marshall Plan, and they express the continuing gratitude of the British people to their American counterparts.

Marshall Scholarships finance young Americans of outstanding academic ability to study for a degree in the United Kingdom. Up to fifty Scholars are selected each year to study for two to three years at graduate level at a UK institution, in any field of study.

As future leaders, with a deep understanding and appreciation of British society, Marshall Scholars strengthen the enduring relationship between the British and American peoples, their governments and their institutions.

The British Council was recently awarded a contract to provide the administration services for the Marshall scholarship programme and will take over the role of the Secretariat with effect from 1st September 2023.

A connected and trusted UK in a more connected and trusted world.

Further Information :

Contract: Fixed Term Contract until 31st August 2025, with possible extension subject to renewal of contract with FCDO.

This is a part-time role, working 2.5 days (18 hours) per week.

Location: London

Salary:  Competitive package

Closing Date: 21st August 2023 at 23:59 UK Time.

– Interviews will be held around the beginning of September 2023.

–  You must have the legal right to work in the UK at the time of application

– There is no relocation or sponsorship support.

How to Apply

Job Categories: Equal Opportunities. Job Types: Part-Time. Salaries: Not Disclosed.

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