CEO/Co-CEO - AROS

Cadence Partners; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A leadership recruitment agency seeks candidates for the CEO/Co-CEOs role at a new anti-racism observatory in Scotland. This significant position requires a blend of advocacy, strategic thinking, and organizational leadership to address systemic racism. The ideal candidate will have a strong commitment to anti-racist principles and experience in community engagement. Closing date for applications is midnight, 3 September 2025.

Qualifications

• Experience in community organizing, campaigning, policy, or academia.
• Deep commitment to anti-racist principles and co-production.
• Strong management and leadership skills.

Responsibilities

• Establish and build a national anti-racism accountability organization.
• Lead and influence conversations on racism in Scotland.
• Develop partnerships with stakeholders in the public sector.

Skills

Advocacy

Strategic thinking

Organizational leadership

Community engagement

Job description

The Anti-Racism Observatory for Scotland (AROS) represents a major advance in Scotland’s mission to tackle systemic racism. The new organisation, funded by the Scottish Government, will be hosted by Strathclyde University, with the Coalition for Racial Equality and Rights (CRER) bringing anti-racism expertise and insight. Community-led, and with strong partnerships already in place, AROS will provide comprehensive data and a powerful evidence-base through which government and other public sector bodies can more effectively address racism in Scottish society.

The new Observatory will tackle systemic racism through three main workstreams: first, bringing together quantitative and qualitative data on ethnic and racial inequalities in Scotland, including not only epidemiological data but also a range of cultural, historical and other socio-political and economic factors; second, establishing an interactive digital repository of historical and current evidence on racism in Scotland; and third, convening and leading a dynamic conversation between the Scottish Government and stakeholders on how Scotland can better engage with the experiences of people who are adversely racialised. These workstreams will be collectively underpinned by a fourth principle of careful, deliberate co-production, and a commitment to being led by those who are most affected by AROS’ work.

The new AROS CEO/Co-CEOs (we are open to proposals for delivering the role flexibly) will relish this chance to establish and build a wholly new national anti-racism accountability organisation. You’ll be at once an advocate, strategist, organisation-builder and influencer, and will have a full management and leadership repertoire. It’s a remarkable opportunity, and we’re looking for candidates with a rare mix of experience, knowledge, integrity and determination. Whether your career to date has been in community organising, campaigning, policy, academia or another sector, you’ll bring a deep commitment to anti-racist principles, co-production and community engagement.

Please visit www.shape-aros.co.uk to find out more and to apply. If you need candidate materials in an alternative format or have questions not covered on the microsite, please contact Cadence Partners at [e-mail].

Closing date: midnight, 3 September 2025.