Society: Global Executive Search

Nicole Foster has been appointed as the new People Program Business Lead at the University of Technology Sydney. The University of Technology Sydney (UTS) is embarking on a major transformation programme to implement Workday. The People Program Business lead will play a key role in connecting the People function to the design, configuration and implementation. Society was tasked to identify a People Program Business Lead who had both a deep understanding of all the facets of a people function and experience with complex Workday implementations. We identified people leaders across Australia within organisations that have implemented Workday as well as a broad range of candidates with experience in the consulting space that is closely correlated to the role. Nicole was most recently a Functional Business Lead at Ubank, part of the National Australia Bank. She has an extensive background in HR project management and transformation. In particular, Nicole has experience with Workday Implementations across the people functions of large and complex organisations. Nicole will be working closely with a range of stakeholders to ensure that the Workday implementation meets the current and future needs of the People Teams at UTS. Society wishes Nicole Foster all the very best in his new role.

As we enter the last full working week of December, we want to wish everyone out there a peaceful and restorative end to 2024. Our office will be largely closed from Tuesday 24th December through to Thursday 2nd January (in the UK) or Friday 3rd January (in New Zealand). But we're all around for the next few days, so please reach out to us if you're planning to recruit to a senior role in the New Year. It's always a good idea to get ahead of the curve!

𝐒𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐚 𝐧𝐞𝐰 𝐣𝐨𝐛 𝐢𝐧 𝐃𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫? Many people dismiss December as a “dead month” for job hunting. Whilst there’s some truth to this idea of a seasonal slowdown, that’s not much help if you find yourself actively looking for a new role at this time of year. So here’s a little practical advice you might be able to use: 🎅 𝐃𝐨 𝐒𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐅𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐍𝐞𝐭𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 – Every social and professional event in the run-up to Christmas has networking potential. People are often more relaxed and approachable too. Get chatting to everyone you meet and tell them a bit about your circumstances. And reconnect with people by send holiday greetings. This can actually be a good time to get yourself ‘on radar’ again with a wide group of contacts. 🧼 𝐏𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐡 𝐔𝐩 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐌𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐥𝐬 - Use any downtime to refine your CV, to update your LinkedIn profile, and to draft some compelling content for potential cover letters. Reflect on your achievements over the past year and update your application materials with new skills or projects. 🎄 𝐃𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐅𝐥𝐞𝐱𝐢𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 – This is a busy and frenetic period, which means hiring managers may have limited availability to meet with you. Try to be open to scheduling interviews at unusual times if necessary. Your flexibility is likely to be appreciated. And don’t despair if meetings get rearranged – there are a lot of bugs going around right now too. At this time of year a short notice change of plans (whilst annoying) doesn’t necessarily mean they’re not interested. 📅 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐉𝐚𝐧𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐒𝐩𝐢𝐤𝐞 - Many organisations ramp up hiring in January. Start networking and applying in December so you're ahead of the competition when the surge begins. Register for email alerts on the most relevant job boards so that new opportunities will ping straight into your Inbox. ❤ 𝐏𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐒𝐞𝐥𝐟-𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐞 – Whilst you will understandably want to keep momentum going during the holidays, it’s also important to take a break and recharge your batteries. So keep your goals modest and achievable. Don’t beat yourself up if you find things slowing down. Reassure yourself that busier days are ahead. If you’re make applications at the moment then good luck. Alternatively if you’re hiring or planning your hiring strategy for 2025 then do get in contact. Maybe we can help you. #JobSearch #Recruitment #CareerTips #Hiring

We are delighted to share that ALL DIGITAL, a digital inclusion charity based in Brussels, has appointed David Mekkaoui as their new CEO. ALL DIGITAL is a leading pan-European association, representing member organisations that work to enhance digital skills. It believes that every European should be able to exploit the benefits and opportunities created by digital transformation. The position of Chief Executive Officer is primarily responsible for leadership, strategic direction, growth, and member stakeholder engagement. With the previous CEO stepping down, ALL DIGITAL were seeking a capable leader with substantial networking and stakeholder management expertise, who can elevate its effectiveness and visibility as an organisation within the European policy landscape. Our search primarily focused on the Brussels area as a background in successfully navigating the ‘Brussels bubble’ was paramount to success in this position. We began by looking at individuals operating within similar organisations in the Brussels ecosystem, focusing on digital policy and education such as Digital Europe, Euractiv, and the European Social Network. We then looked at candidates who have worked on significant projects within the EU Digital Agenda, such as Horizon Europe and the Digital Europe Work Programme. Finally, we looked at individuals working at national policy level across Europe, who were ready to take the step up to working at a European level. David brings fourteen years’ experience in Brussels, and was previously the CEO of Euractiv, a pan-European media network specialising in EU affairs. After leading a restructure and transformation of the business to restabilise post-Covid, David was instrumental in selling the business and worked with the new management team to design a new strategy and investment plan. Since then, he has been doing some consulting work and will join ALL DIGITAL in January 2025. When asked for comment, David shared “Throughout my career, I’ve been driven by a desire to help people access the tools and confidence they need to thrive in a digital world. As CEO of Euractiv, I had the privilege of steering the organisation through a challenging period, achieving profitability, driving growth, and facilitating a successful transition to new ownership. Stepping into the role of CEO at All Digital feels like a natural next step in this journey and an exciting opportunity to make an even broader impact. I’m especially grateful to Alyce and Usma at Society for their thoughtful guidance and steadfast intransigence during the recruitment process. Their commitment to finding the right fit made the transition seamless and reinforced my confidence in embracing this role. All Digital’s mission deeply aligns with my own values, building pathways to greater equity and resilience in communities across Europe. I’m excited to contribute to this important work and help drive lasting impact.” We wish David all the very best in his new role!

As we enter the last full working week of December, we want to wish everyone out there a peaceful and restorative end to 2024. Our office will be largely closed from Tuesday 24th December through to Thursday 2nd January (in the UK) or Friday 3rd January (in New Zealand). But we're all around for the next few days, so please reach out to us if you're planning to recruit to a senior role in the New Year. It's always a good idea to get ahead of the curve!

We’re thrilled to continue our partnership with Challengers in the search for a visionary Head of Fundraising. For over 45 years, Challengers has been at the heart of creating inclusive environments where disabled children and young people can experience the joy of play, build lifelong friendships, and truly belong. With demand for these essential services growing and limited public funding, fundraising has never been more vital. This pivotal leadership position reports directly to the CEO and sits on the Senior Leadership Team (SLT). As Head of Fundraising, you’ll work collaboratively to shape Challengers’ strategy, cultivate a culture of achievement, and fuel organisational growth. By partnering with Communications and Service teams, you’ll use data-driven insights to engage stakeholders, drive income generation, and deliver lasting value. You’ll be part of a dedicated team of staff and Trustees whose passion and commitment are evident every day. After speaking with Russell Harvey, Chairman of the Board, and others within the organisation, it’s clear that Challengers’ impact is truly transformative. This isn’t just a job—it’s an opportunity to change lives. Every play session led by Challengers represents freedom, connection, and empowerment for disabled children and their families. Deadline: Applications are open until midday, 6 January 2025. Ready to make a difference? Contact Usma C. to discuss this incredible opportunity. Full details and application link here: https://bit.ly/4eEzp4O

Al Akhawayn University in Ifrane, Morocco, is seeking an experienced and visionary new Vice President for Academic Affairs. The successful candidate will be the Chief Academic Officer of the University and is expected to assume office on 1st August 2025. Al Akhawayn was established nearly 30 years ago in the American liberal arts model. It's an independent, public, not-for-profit, coeducational university with around 4,000 students. To download additional information, to ask a question, or to apply, please visit https://lnkd.in/ex-CbiRv. The deadline for receipt of applications is midday (Morocco time) on Friday, 24 January 2025

Society: Global Executive Search is delighted to be partnering with Kingston University, in their search for the next Head of the School of Arts. Kingston School of Art (KSA) has a strong heritage. From its origins in the late 19th Century until 1970, when it merged with what was then Kingston Polytechnic, KSA established an exceptional reputation, and it has become one of the UK’s leading art and design educational institutions. This is reflected by the influence of its globally distributed and celebrated alumni, its subject rankings, research performance, and industry and student awards, and by the leading brands and institutions that have chosen to work with it. The University is dedicated to excellence and high impact in research and knowledge exchange through a variety of individual cutting-edge projects and the development of multi-disciplinary Knowledge Exchange and Research Institutes. The School of Arts is one of three Schools in KSA, the other two being the School of Design and the School of Creative and Cultural Industries. There are four Departments in the School of Arts – Architecture and Landscape, Film and Photography, Fine Art and Performing Arts. As a senior member of the Faculty, the successful candidate will be responsible for providing inspiring leadership across the Schools academic community, at the same time driving advances in teaching, research and knowledge exchange. Central to this will be integrating the University’s ambitious Town House Strategy, based on its nationally recognised Future Skills campaign. Working with the Faculty Leadership Team, staff and students and in partnership with external stakeholders, the successful candidate will ensure the Schools’ priorities are aligned with the Faculty and University strategy. Previous experience of driving academic excellence, implementing change, and maximising student growth are essential. For full role details, please visit: https://lnkd.in/egQPqHzS   To book a confidential conversation or for more information, please contact Emily Payne via [email protected].

We are delighted to partner with Challengers to lead the search for a Head of Fundraising. For over 45 years, Challengers has been at the forefront of creating inclusive spaces where disabled children and young people can enjoy the freedom of play, build friendships, and feel a sense of belonging. With rising demand for its vital services and limited public funding, fundraising has become more crucial than ever. This key leadership role reports to the CEO and sits on the Senior Leadership Team (SLT). You will work collaboratively to shape the charity's strategy, foster a culture of achievement, and drive organisational growth. Partnering closely with Communications and Service teams, you will use insight-driven approaches to engage key audiences, generate income, and deliver exceptional long-term value. You will be joining a committed team of staff and Trustees. In speaking with several of them, including Russell Harvey, Chairman of the Board, we saw first-hand the incredible impact Challengers makes every day. This is more than a job—it’s a chance to transform lives. If you’re passionate and ready to make a difference, join Challengers in reshaping the future, one play session at a time. Deadline is midday, 6 January 2025. Please contact Usma C. to discuss this role further. Full details via this link https://bit.ly/4eEzp4O

The closing date for Lay Directors for NUS UK and Trustees for NUS Charity is at midday (GMT) Thursday 21 November. Please find full details for each role in the information pack and reach out to Usma C. to discuss either role, before it closes. Please also find a link to a video of the 'Open Hour' Zoom webinar we hosted, where you can hear directly from some of the leaders within the two organisations https://lnkd.in/epsG2qzM • Amira Campbell - President, NUS UK • Deio Owen - President, NUS Wales (Llywydd, NUS Cymru) • Kat Stark - Director, NUS UK • Peter Robertson - Director, NUS Charity • Richard Whitmill - Membership and Governance Manager, NUS Charity Full details of the appointments are also downloadable here: https://lnkd.in/ecVDNGbk https://lnkd.in/e5SQNmSN