MAST-Scotland board of trustees x 2 with investment and/or fundraising experience

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 £15 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 yea