Join the ARMA Board – Two vacancies available

ARMA has recently launched its new strategy and is looking to appoint new directors to the Board. Our directors play a key role in setting ARMA’s strategic direction, ensuring that ARMA continues to serve the needs of the research management community in the UK.

 

ARMA Directors and what they do

This summer, two Director positions will become available. In accordance with our Articles, these vacancies are advertised for all to apply.

ARMA’s Board is made up of up to nine members of the Association, selected for their specific  knowledge and skills. Board member appointment is ratified by members, at the Annual General Meeting in June. Collectively, and as individual Non-Executive Directors, our Board members are responsible for the governance and performance of the Association, financial management, and compliance with relevant legislation and regulations. The Board is also responsible for setting the strategic direction for the Association, ensuring that member interest remains at the core.

 

What we’re looking for 

We are looking to appoint two Directors as follows:

• Director of Member Engagement (x1)
• Director (x1)

 

All Directors have a responsibility to ensure that the Association is delivering an appropriate offer for its members. Specific responsibilities include:

• Strategy
  Looking across all portfolio areas to ensure appropriate delivery of ARMA’s strategic objectives.
• Performance
  Scrutinising the performance of the Executive Office in meeting agreed goals and objectives and monitoring the reporting of performance.
• Risk
  Satisfying themselves on the integrity of financial information related to ARMA’s operations, and that financial controls and systems of risk management are robust and defensible.
• People
  Working with the Executive Office to determine appropriate support and succession planning for the Association’s business.

 

To ensure as diverse a representation as possible, these vacancies are open to all career stages and not just those in senior management positions.  Applicants are not required to have a research administration/management background but an appreciation of the policy and funding environment surrounding research would be desirable.

It is recognised that applicants may not have prior experience as a Director or Trustee, and therefore appropriate training, mentoring and support will be provided. Some involvement in more general committee business and decision making, not necessarily associated with ARMA, is desirable.

ARMA membership is not required at the time of application. However, if you are successful, you will be asked to join the Association. Details of membership fees can be found here.

 

ARMA and EDI

ARMA is committed to equity, diversity and inclusion.  It is a strategic priority for us to improve representation within our organisation. We particularly welcome applications from groups who are underrepresented within our community. We are committed to taking active steps within our recruitment process to reduce bias and minimise barriers to application and participation. We offer a range of adjustments throughout the process to enable full participation. If there is anything further we can do, we encourage you to get in touch.

 

The roles in depth

These posts, which commence 1^st August 2025, are unpaid, although all relevant travel and accommodation expenses associated with the role will be reimbursed.

The Board currently meets formally four times per year. These meetings are currently conducted via Teams with plans to have one meeting in person each year. There is also an annual strategy planning meeting, which normally meets face to face in the autumn/winter and traditionally runs over two days.

Board members are consulted on a regular basis, may be asked to look over and comment on documents, and may be invited to participate in meetings on ARMA’s behalf. Board members with specific portfolios will be asked to lead specific initiatives which may involve the Chairing of a committee or associated working group.

The time commitment per month is around 3-6 hours (2-4 hours for consultations/document review, 1-2 hours for meetings on ARMA’s behalf). Attendance and preparation for Board meetings involve a further day per quarter, plus 3 days per year (including preparation) for the annual Strategy Day. For those tasked with leading portfolios, the time requirement will vary, but this is likely to be in the order of an additional 2 days per month.

Full role descriptions can be found here:

• Director of Member Engagement 
• Director

 

In addition to the skills outlined in the role description, we are especially interested in hearing from candidates with either of the following additional skills:

• Community Engagement

A strong understanding and affinity for the research support profession. The ability to promote inclusive dialogue with and between members.

• Creativity

Be able to think creatively and propose innovative events with compelling content that attracts attendees.

 

What to do next

If you are interested in applying for any of the roles, please send Alasdair Cameron, Chief Executive Officer, an email clearly indicating which position(s) you are applying for (if applying for multiple positions please indicate your preference):

• Director of Member Engagement
• Director

 

You should also answer the following question(s). You should use this as an opportunity to outline the ideas and skills you believe you can bring to the Board. If you are applying for the Director of Member Engagement, you should ensure that you answer the supplementary question that relates specifically to that role. (If applying for more than one role you should answer all the appropriate questions.)

 

Questions

• Outline your interest in ARMA and what you believe you can bring as a Director. You should explain how you demonstrate the skills required as outlined in the relevant role description. (500 words max)
• If you are applying for the Director of Membership Engagement role you should also outline how you would work with colleagues to expand and engage our community and associated stakeholders. (500 words max)

 

Your email should arrive by 9am on Monday 21 April. We will confirm receipt of all emails.

 

We will then review all the expressions of interest in line with our inclusive recruitment process and call shortlisted candidates for an interview. Interviews will be approx. 45 minutes and conducted via MS Teams. Questions will be issued several days in advance and the interview will be convened by the Chair of ARMA, and include the Deputy Chair, CEO and a representative of the membership.

 

Not sure if this is for you?

If you’d like to ask any questions about these vacancies, the selection process, or to discuss the roles in more detail the please contact Alasdair Cameron for a confidential chat with no obligation to proceed.

 

We are keen to advertise these roles as widely as possible.  If you know someone, or are part of networks who may be interested, please help us by sharing this with them.

March 2025