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- Tasks: Guide fundraising strategies and support the development of a sustainable Endowment Fund.
- Company: Join MASTS, Scotland’s largest marine science membership organisation.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience in governance and philanthropy while making a real impact.
- Why this job: Shape the future of marine research and education in Scotland.
- Qualifications: Experience in fundraising, investment management, or higher education governance.
- Other info: Unremunerated role with reasonable expenses reimbursed; meet twice a year.
The marine environment is facing unprecedented pressure—from climate change and biodiversity loss to pollution and resource exploitation. As these challenges intensify, the need for informed, agile, and well-rounded leaders in marine science has never been greater. The next generation of ocean professionals must be equipped not only with deep scientific expertise, but also with the interdisciplinary, digital, and collaborative skills required to navigate a rapidly changing world.
MASTS recognises that the future of marine research demands new capabilities and approaches. We are committed to nurturing a resilient, innovative, and inclusive community of researchers who can respond to evolving environmental, societal, and technological demands. Could your experience in fundraising or investment help secure long‑term support for Scotland’s next generation of ocean leaders? Help shape the future of marine research and education in Scotland.
The Marine Alliance for Science and Technology for Scotland (MASTS) is seeking to appoint two new Trustees to join the Board of its registered charity and Company Limited by Guarantee, MAST-Scotland, in Spring 2026. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to the long‑term sustainability of marine research and education in Scotland by supporting the development of a new Endowment Fund to secure the future of the MASTS Graduate School.
About MASTS: MASTS is Scotland’s largest marine science membership organisation, comprising 18 partner institutions, including 12 Higher Education Institutes, and over 900 individual members. Since its formation in 2009, MASTS has coordinated collaborative research, training, and innovation across the marine sector. The MASTS Graduate School, established in 2010, has supported over 220 PhD students through a combination of public funding, direct investment from its members and the Scottish Universities Partnership for Environmental Research (SUPER) Doctoral Training Partnership. We currently co‑ordinate and train around 100 postgraduate researchers, whilst our alumni hold influential roles in academia, government, industry, and the third sector.
About the Roles: We are seeking two individuals with relevant expertise to help guide and support the development of the MAST-Scotland Endowment Fund, which aims to raise ÂŁ15 million to provide sustainable and independent funding for PhD studentships. Trustees will contribute strategic insight, governance oversight, and sectoral knowledge to help MAST-Scotland achieve its ambitions.
Key Responsibilities:
- Advising on fundraising strategy and philanthropic engagement
- Supporting investment and endowment management
- Championing the Graduate School’s mission and impact
- Attending Board meetings (held twice a year, usually online)
- Participating in sub‑committees as appropriate
Who We Are Looking For: In addition to investing in professional services to assist us in this initiative, the MAST-Scotland Board is seeking to appoint at least two new independent Board Members with relevant expertise in the fields of philanthropy and endowment investments. We welcome applications from individuals with experience in one or more of the following areas:
- Fundraising in higher education or the environmental sector
- Building philanthropic relationships and networks
- Investment management and endowment strategy
- Higher education governance or leadership
- Charity finance, risk, or compliance
- Marine or environmental science research
The MAST-S Board is chaired by Professor Nick Fyfe. The Secretariat to the Board is provided by the MASTS Directorate led by Professor David Paterson, the MASTS Executive Director and is based at the University of St Andrews.
Terms of Appointment:
- Unremunerated (reasonable expenses reimbursed)
- Initial term: 3 years (renewable)
- Time commitment: The MAST-Scotland board meet twice a year
MAST-Scotland board of trustees x 2 with investment and/or fundraising experience employer: Business & Human Rights Resource Centre
Contact Detail:
Business & Human Rights Resource Centre Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land MAST-Scotland board of trustees x 2 with investment and/or fundraising experience
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the marine science and fundraising sectors. Attend events, join online forums, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. The more connections we make, the better our chances of landing that trustee role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your passion for marine research! When chatting with potential contacts or during interviews, share your enthusiasm for the ocean and its future. We want to see how your experience can help shape the next generation of ocean leaders.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those board meetings! Familiarise yourself with MASTS' mission and current projects. We need to demonstrate that we understand the challenges facing marine research and how our skills can contribute to overcoming them.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining the MAST-Scotland team and making a difference in marine education and research.
We think you need these skills to ace MAST-Scotland board of trustees x 2 with investment and/or fundraising experience
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Marine Science: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for marine science shine through! We want to see how your experience in fundraising or investment can make a real difference in supporting the next generation of ocean leaders.
Tailor Your Experience: Make sure to highlight relevant experiences that align with our mission at MASTS. Whether it's your work in higher education fundraising or investment management, we want to see how your skills can help us secure long-term support for marine research.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and focus on what you can bring to the table. Remember, we’re looking for strategic insight and governance oversight!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to keep track of all applications and ensure you’re considered for this exciting opportunity to shape the future of marine research in Scotland.
How to prepare for a job interview at Business & Human Rights Resource Centre
✨Know Your Marine Science
Make sure you brush up on the latest trends and challenges in marine science. Understanding the current issues like climate change and biodiversity loss will show your commitment and knowledge, which is crucial for a role that influences the future of marine research.
✨Showcase Your Fundraising Skills
Prepare specific examples of your past fundraising successes or investment strategies. Be ready to discuss how these experiences can directly benefit MAST-Scotland's Endowment Fund and help secure long-term support for marine education.
✨Connect with MASTS Values
Familiarise yourself with MASTS' mission and values. During the interview, express how your personal values align with their commitment to sustainability and innovation in marine research. This connection can set you apart as a candidate who truly understands their goals.
✨Engage in Strategic Thinking
Think about the strategic insights you can bring to the board. Prepare to discuss potential fundraising strategies or investment management ideas that could help MAST-Scotland achieve its ambitions. Showing that you can think critically about the future will impress the interviewers.
