Appointment of
Executive Director January 2024
Contents 03
Introduction
04
About the Atlantic Institute
05
The Atlantic Institute and the Rhodes Trust
06
Our Mission, Vision and Values
08
Atlantic Fellows Programs
10
The Role of Executive Director
15
How to Apply
Appointment of Executive Director | January 2024
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Introduction Thank you for expressing an interest in becoming
We are seeking an inspirational and humble individual
the next Executive Director of the Atlantic Institute.
to lead the Institute on its next stage of development, as we move from our ‘start-up’ phase to scaling up and
The work of the Atlantic Institute is rooted in the vision
demonstrating true global impact. Over the coming
of the founder of The Atlantic Philanthropies, Charles
years this will necessitate the exploration of self-
F. Feeney, and what he set out to achieve in 1982
sustaining community-led practices and approaches.
when he decided to devote his wealth to the service
Working with the Fellowship and our partners, you will
of humanity. Over 38 years, The Atlantic Philanthropies
be deeply committed to our founding vision of a more
invested over $8bn before closing its doors in 2020.
equitable world. Comfortable working in a truly global
The Atlantic Institute was established in 2016, emanating from a partnership between The Atlantic Philanthropies and the Rhodes Trust, at the University of Oxford. We are committed to empowering catalytic
environment, you will be a strategic thinker with a demonstrable track record of achievement. You will bring a deep commitment to our values of openness, care, creativity and radical inclusion.
communities of emerging leaders to advance fairer,
An effective communicator and natural collaborator, you
healthier and more inclusive societies. Today, our
will have a track record of being an effective ambassador
community comprises over 800 Fellows in 80 countries
for an organization, proactively seeking external
united by a common purpose: equity.
collaborations, joint ventures, and partnerships, with the
These inspiring individuals have graduated from one of the seven Atlantic Fellows programs focussed on
credibility and empathy to engage with the Fellowship, as well as our current and future partner organizations.
the broad theme of equity and are now spread across
This is an incredible opportunity for someone to play a
80 countries on all continents. Over the next 20 years,
defining role in the development of the Atlantic Institute
this community of fellows will more than triple in size.
and be part of an amazing community of Fellows united
The transformative potential of this community is limitless. Our Fellows are energetic, international leaders that have made a commitment to collaborate across global boundaries to build more healthy and equitable societies.
by a common purpose with the ability to shape the future of humanity. Yours sincerely Christopher Oechsli Chair of the Atlantic Institute Governing Board Kofi Appenteng Member of the Atlantic Institute Governing Board and Chair of the Search Committee for the Executive Director
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About the The Atlantic Institute Charles “Chuck” Feeney created The Atlantic
Today, the Atlantic Institute provides Atlantic Fellows and
Philanthropies in 1982. A champion of Giving While
staff with the networks, architecture and resources to
Living, he devoted virtually all of his wealth to the service
connect, learn and act to address the underlying systemic
of humanity, before his death in October 2023 at the age
causes of inequity, locally and globally. It amplifies the
of 92. The Atlantic Fellows program was established
influence and impact of the global Atlantic Community
in 2015 as one of The Atlantic Philanthropies’ final
of change-making Fellows and programs by providing
‘big bets’, with a $700m commitment. It builds on the
resources and opportunities to connect, learn and act
foundation’s historical focus in regions and issue areas
together. The Institute promotes collaboration and
and represents the final chapter in Atlantic’s long
shared approaches, connects the Atlantic Fellows
history of investing in people and in their vision and
program community to a broader network of equity-
ability to realize a better world.
oriented initiatives, and raises global awareness of the work of Fellows and their programs.
Seven Atlantic Fellows programs received investment from The Atlantic Philanthropies. While each is distinct and grounded in its local context, they share a common purpose of advancing fairer, healthier, more inclusive societies. In support of the execution of this shared vision, and to promote lifelong community amongst graduated Fellows, the Atlantic Institute was created to support the development of a connected, cross-program global community of Global Fellows and program staff. The Atlantic Institute was envisioned as the common thread between these seven unique programs,
Activities led and facilitated by the Atlantic Institute include overseeing the Global Convening of Fellows in Oxford, where Fellows come together to share their experiences and build connections which endure across continents. The Atlantic Institute also administers a number of significant grants, providing financial support to support collaborative projects among the Fellows community. Through Atlantic Institute Action Labs, Fellows are supported to develop plans to tackle inequity.
bringing together the geographically diverse programs united in their purpose to tackle inequity.
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The Atlantic Institute and the Rhodes Trust The Atlantic Institute is hosted by the Rhodes Trust in Oxford in the United Kingdom. The Institute comprises 21 permanent staff. The Atlantic Institute is a vital part of a vibrant community of partnership programs also housed at the Rhodes Trust. In addition to the Rhodes Scholarship program, these include the Mandela Rhodes Foundation, RISE, the Schmidt Science Fellows and Oxford Next Horizons.
The Rhodes Trust programs and Visionary Partners
The Atlantic Institute Connecting and supporting a global community of Atlantic Fellows and staff from seven programs, who collaborate across diverse contexts and settings to accelerate the eradication of inequities and bring lasting improvements, locally and globally. With The Atlantic Philanthropies. Schmidt Science Fellows Unleashing the potential of science by creating a global community of interdisciplinary scientists, making new discoveries for the benefit of society. With Schmidt Futures.
The Rhodes Scholarship
Rise
The world’s pre-eminent international scholarship.
Finding brilliant young people who need opportunity
We fight the world’s fight by forming an incredibly
and supporting them as they work to serve others. With
diverse lifelong community of exceptional people
Schmidt Futures.
from across the planet who share a transformational
Oxford Next Horizons
postgraduate experience at Oxford University.
Realizing what’s next by forming a community of highly
The Mandela Rhodes Foundation
experienced people, who reflect, explore and imagine
Transforming Africa by shaping a visionary community
what’s next for them and the world. With Harris
of future African leaders who share a life-changing
Manchester College.
program of learning in a South African university.
We’re un-like-minded, but like-hearted: united in forging brighter futures for everyone.
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Our Mission, Vision and Values The new Executive Director will develop, lead and
health practitioners, government officials, academics
implement a new Strategy for The Atlantic Institute
and researchers. The programs are designed to
based on our mission, vision and values.
increase Fellows’ understanding, capacity, and commitment, and help them access the resources and
Shared Mission of all Atlantic Fellows programs is: To empower catalytic communities of emerging leaders to advance fairer, healthier, more inclusive societies. Vision for the Global Atlantic Fellows Community:
networks that they need to accelerate their work and achieve demonstrable impact. Each of the programs is unique and grounded in its local context, but united through a shared Atlantic Fellows identity and the shared principles, objectives, experience, values and
Atlantic Fellows are a diverse, international community
attributes it represents. The Atlantic Institute amplifies
of leaders who share a deep commitment to advancing
the influence and impact of the Atlantic Fellows
fairer, healthier, more inclusive societies. They are
network with long-term resources and opportunities
courageous, compassionate, and collaborative thinkers
to connect, learn and work together.
and doers who collectively seek to bring lasting improvements to their communities and the world. Their diversity enables them to look at the causes of systemic problems from multiple perspectives to more effectively address the root causes rather than the symptoms.
The Atlantic Philanthropies established the Atlantic Fellows to culminate the foundation’s work in the geographies and themes on which it historically focused, and its long history of investing in people and their vision and ability to realize a better world.
The Atlantic Fellows programs bring together passionate,
Atlantic Philathropies’ final and largest investment,
experienced individuals from different backgrounds,
made alongside other partner organizations and
areas of expertise, and professions to learn from one
governments, aims to support the work of a global
another and collaborate to advance solutions to
community of thousands of Atlantic Fellows over
pressing problems. Cohorts across programs include
the next two decades, and beyond.
advocates, lawyers, artists, business professionals,
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Our Mission, Vision and Values Values
Theory of Change
Openness
Advancing fairer, healthier, more inclusive societies
We aim to be authentic, to actively share, to listen and
influential people who are culturally and professionally
to be receptive, and to approach all that we do with
diverse to learn from one another and collaborate on
integrity, transparency and empathy.
solutions. The problems that the Atlantic Fellows seek
Care
to address are complex and systemic in nature and
We seek to be intentional in our expression of care by demonstrating generosity and kindness in our interactions with others, whether in agreement or disagreement. We aim to support people through a genuine concern for the well-being of all and a recognition of our shared humanity.
requires values-based, solutions-oriented and
larger than any one person, community, or nation can effectively address alone or in the short term. To allow for sustained interactions, relationships and progress, Atlantic Fellows are lifelong Fellows with ongoing access to the community, resources and opportunities to connect, learn and collaborate across borders and disciplines. The programs aim to strengthen and
Creativity
connect these emerging leaders with a shared
We champion creativity in each other and in ourselves:
purpose, identity and community. Through global
through agile thinking, courageous and confident
community, Atlantic Fellows and the extended network
conversations, and the freedom to reimagine, take risks
of people and organizations they work with can think
and lean into difference, we aim to create the
and act collectively, both locally and globally. In doing
conditions for new solutions for a better world.
so, these Fellows can make significant contributions
Radical Inclusion We recognize the knowledge each one of us holds, we respect the rights of others and celebrate our differences as well as our shared humanity. We aim for radical inclusion, going beyond intent to action, embracing our proximity to others and recognizing our shared humanity. Courage Being courageous means recognizing our power and privilege; taking action to challenge the status quo and
toward solving some of the world’s pressing problems. The Atlantic Philanthropies’ expectations to implement the vision and theory of change for the Atlantic Fellows’ programs and global community are set out in the founding documentation, through Shared Principles. These Shared Principles frame our programs from their inception through to today: • Multi-sectoral, inter-professional cohorts • Space to engage in critical analysis and advance potential solutions
surface lived realities, as well as stepping back and
• Strong program experience and cohort affiliation
listening to ensure that we create space for all voices
• Program life and support sufficient to build
and perspectives to emerge.
Appointment of Executive Director | January 2024
communities with scale
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Atlantic Fellows Programs Seven Programs. One Theme: Equity
The Atlantic Fellows: A Growing Global Community
While each of the seven Atlantic Fellows programs
The global community of Atlantic Fellows now
is distinct and grounded in its local context, they share
comprises over 800 courageous, compassionate,
a common purpose of advancing fairer, healthier,
and collaborative thinkers and doers, active in over
more inclusive societies. Through seven global,
80 countries, and will grow to number thousands.
interconnected programs, Atlantic Fellows collaborate across borders and disciplines to address the root
We believe that developing fairer, healthier, more
causes of inequity.
inclusive societies requires leaders with diverse perspectives to collaborate on solutions and learn from
• Equity in Brain Health based at the Global Brain
one another. This inspiring community has graduated
Health Institute at Trinity College Dublin, Dublin and
from one of the seven programs and now participates
the University of California in San Francisco
actively in the Atlantic Institute leveraging, evolving and
• Racial Equity based at Columbia University,
shaping the networks and resources of the Institute.
New York City and the Nelson Mandela Foundation,
The global community of Atlantic Fellows exists to
Johannesburg
tackle the persistent inequities across the globe
• Social Equity based at the University of Melbourne, Melbourne
through collective action and leadership to achieve systems change. As exceptional leaders in their field of work, they each carry a deep resolve for a more
• Health Equity, U.S. and Global based at the George
equal and just world, and the role of the Atlantic
Washington University Institute for Health Workforce
Institute is to harness and empower this collection
Equity, Washington D.C. • Health Equity in South Africa based at TEKANO, Cape Town • Social and Economic Equity based at the
of outstanding individuals. After graduating from their program, each Fellow is welcomed into the global community of Atlantic Fellows at the annual Global Convening of Fellows,
International Inequalities Institute at the London
where they meet other recent graduates.
School of Economics and Political Science, London
The conversations at this event forge connections
• Health Equity in Southeast Asia based at The Equity Initiative at the China Medical Board in Bangkok, Bangkok
across continents and build links across our programs. The 2023 Global Convening took place in Oxford in July, bringing together 176 new Fellows across three days, along with Atlantic Institute leadership and support staff.
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Atlantic Fellows Programs The Atlantic Fellows: Growing Global Impact Our community of nearly 800 Fellows is already delivering transformative impact through grassroots activity around the world. Opportunities to partner and collaborate among and beyond the Atlantic Fellows community are growing year on year as our global group of Fellows expands, and the Fellows take their experience into their day-to-day lives. We highlight some examples of the impact and activities of the Atlantic Fellowship:
Atlantic Fellows are working together to address the long-standing issue of inequity in leadership development. Leadership development is a $366bn industry, yet its ethnocentric and academic approach is often removed from real-world challenges and perpetuates the inequity that we exist to address. We have commenced the significant and complex journey of changing the narrative around this, seeking to promote an approach to leadership involving investing in authentic leaders and fostering a critical discourse to keep up with the changing challenges facing the world. At the Atlantic Institute, we invest in authentic leaders, and our Fellows connect at our facilitated metaleadership workshops to break the feedback loop of
The Atlantic Fellows for Social Equity (AFSE) is an
ethnocentric, academic, Westernized solutions that
intercultural fellowship for Indigenous social equity in
inadequately serve complex social problems.
Australia, Aotearoa and the Pacific region, working for Indigenous-led social change to build on the collective strength and leadership Indigenous people bring to the world. In May 2022, Fellows from the three completed Atlantic Fellows for Social Equity cohorts came together for a Lifelong Fellows gathering on Wurundjeri Country, undertaking a range of activities designed to foster cohesion and develop further links between this community. Later in 2022, the AFSE cohort travelled to Minjerribah and participated in immersive learning experiences, highlighting the importance of connection to land in place-based learning environments, an experience the group will take with them in their professional lives.
Atlantic Fellows for Social and Economic Equity (AFSEE) are activists, policymakers, researchers, and practitioners who believe inequality can be defeated. The fellowship program brings change-makers together at the International Inequalities Institute based at the London School of Economics (LSE) to share knowledge, insights, and hope as part of a mission to support a global community of thinkers, doers and changemakers. In October 2023, the AFSEE launched a new partnership with the Center on International Cooperation (CIC), a nonprofit research centre housed at New York University (NYU). This partnership will allow AFSEE Fellows to collaborate with like-minded people at the CIC on an inequalities-related research project during a three to four-week stay at NYU in New York City.
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The Role of Executive Director The Executive Director is based in Rhodes House, Oxford, and is accountable to the Atlantic Institute Governing Board and the CEO of the Rhodes Trust.
The Purpose The purpose of the role is to provide strategic direction and leadership to the Atlantic Institute and promote the
The salary range for this role is £170,000-£190,000,
Institute’s mission, in collaboration with the Warden of
in addition to a range of benefits including a
the Rhodes Trust, under the guidance and governance
competitive pension scheme, private health insurance
of the Atlantic Institute Governing Board, in accordance
and generous annual leave allowance. The salary
with the Atlantic Institute Charter. The Executive Director
range for the role has been agreed by the Atlantic
is a thought-leader for the Fellows community. They will
Institute and the Rhodes Trust as commensurate with
lead the Institute team and its resources, while engaging
the seniority of the role and reflective of the global
key constituencies, including the community of global
context in which the postholder will operate while
Atlantic Fellows and the Executive Directors of the
being based in Oxford, UK.
seven programs, representing the Atlantic Institute across a broader network of Fellowship programs.
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The Role of Executive Director Key Responsibilities Direct the Institute’s Activities • Build the Atlantic Community: Provide inspirational leadership to build a catalytic life-long community of leaders who connect, learn and collaborate across diverse perspectives for greater impact. This work includes:
• Create a Global, Sustainable Network: Build an extended community with strong strategic partners and alliances with other equity-focused fellowships and organizations, positioning the Atlantic Institute, programs and Fellows for greater impact. Maintain and develop strategically-cultivated partnerships with diverse entities positioned to amplify the work of Fellows and the narratives that underpin their work (this universe is vast and encompasses governments,
- Supporting a lifelong community of action among
international institutions, academia, media, the
Atlantic Fellows, with access to resources, wider
private sector, the philanthropic world, and civil
networks and opportunities to connect, learn and
society).
collaborate; and - Promoting collaboration across the seven Atlantic Fellows programs, in support of their work with Fellows and their own impact as change makers. • Develop Programming: Develop and deliver face-toface and virtual convenings, often iterative, always highly participatory, designed with clarity of purpose and organized to yield actionable outcomes. Embrace complexity and diversity of thought to apply a seamless integration of new ideas and challenges into the
Collaborate with Global Fellows and the Atlantic Fellows Programs in the Design and Delivery of Services • Facilitate and support active engagement by the Executive Directors of the seven Atlantic Fellows programs, recognizing they are a significant constituency with an influential role in the broader Atlantic Fellows community. • Maintain and continue to develop mechanisms for
Institute’s programming so that the Institute is
knowledge sharing, joint work and inputs to Institute
unwavering in its core mission and identity. It must be
activities by Atlantic Fellows program staff across
ever-evolving if it is to be relevant and valuable for all its
core functions including curriculum, communications,
stakeholders. The Institute should strive to become a
online engagement, knowledge and learning and
reliable source for shaking up complacency and never
Global Fellow engagement.
be afraid to engage with challenging issues.
• Engage actively with Global Atlantic Fellows in the
• Pursue Learning and Innovation: Drive a culture of
design and delivery of programming in support of
reflection and learning, capture/track impact, and
Global Fellow connection, collaboration and impact.
ensure the Institute is responsive to changing needs, new technologies, and brave ideas. Engage in thoughtful data collection from Fellows, program staff, and Global Fellows to better understand strengths, gaps, and needs, followed by clear initiatives to provide solutions.
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The Role of Executive Director Manage the Atlantic Institute Team and be
Manage the Institute’s Relationship with the
Accountable for the Financial Accounts and
Rhodes Trust
Administration of the Institute • Lead the 21-person Institute team, under the guidance of the Warden and CEO of the Rhodes Trust and the Atlantic Institute Governing Board. • •Accountable for overseeing the Institute’s budget and development of strategic, operational and financial plans for review and approval by the Atlantic Institute’s Governing Board. • Engage actively with, and provide support to, the Executive Directors of the Atlantic Fellows programs.
• Report regularly to the Rhodes Trustees on the Institute’s activities and progress on its strategic and financial plans. • Oversee the Service Level Agreement between the Rhodes Trust and the Atlantic Institute. • Participate actively as a member of the Rhodes Trust Senior Leadership Team, making a strategic contribution to the overall strategy of the organization, with a particular focus on partnerships, Legacy, Equity and Inclusion.
• Work in partnership with the representatives of the Atlantic Institute Governing Board and the Rhodes Trust, ensuring strong communication and stakeholder management.
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The Role of Executive Director General Knowledge, Experience and Skills The Executive Director role requires visionary and compelling leadership. The Executive Director should have the following executive management and leadership skills and experience: • Comfortable working in a truly global environment, a track record of strategic leadership at the executive level. • A track record of being an effective ambassador for an organization, proactively seeking mutually beneficial external collaborations, joint ventures, and partnerships. • Demonstrated skill in leading strategy development and execution of new initiatives. • Previous experience in role/s that have required the
• Ability to inspire and motivate a diverse team and create a positive and inclusive work culture. • Demonstrable experience in values-based leadership in a range of complex organizations committed to advancing social justice and addressing inequities. • Thought leadership and expertise in at least one
provision of mentorship and pastoral care in an
area of focus for the Atlantic Fellows programs (racial
academic or similar setting.
equity, health equity, equity in brain health, or social
• Ability to lead and motivate others, with good team-building skills and a management style characterized by collaboration and consultation. • Experience working effectively with Trustees / non-executives, and a strong knowledge of governance best practices.
and economic equity). • Experience in leading the building of community and complex ecosystems that recognize diversity and radical inclusion. • Excellent external engagement, convening, partnership, diplomatic and ambassadorial skills, and evidence of successfully communicating with a range of stakeholders and being in the public eye.
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The Role of Executive Director Specific Knowledge, Experience and Skills As the leader of the Institute, the person must be much more than a highly competent manager and leader. They should therefore also be: • A strategic thinker, keeping sight of the big ideas of institutional relevance and value, comfortable laying out ambitious goals and big ideas without getting lost in managerial details. • Entrepreneurial in mindset and unafraid to surface and explore new ideas and lines of effort, or to acknowledge failures and misfires.
• Someone with a vast, diverse, and ever-growing network of their own, able to bring new entities and assets to the table so that convenings broaden the constituency committed to and actively pursuing social change. • Intuitive and dexterous in establishing tone and atmospherics, assessing the interests and agendas of other parties, knowing when to provide credit or comfort and how to reassure others that the Institute is there to enhance and amplify their efforts rather than outshine them, but also knowing when aimlessness is creeping in and a room needs someone to stand up and set a direction. • An extremely astute and active listener, capable of
• Authentic in their commitment and practice to justice
being present in the moment and grasping subtext,
and equity in all its forms; this authenticity should be
teasing out uncertainties, and making connections
informed by their own lived experience and
across disciplines.
narratives of inequity or marginalisation. • Have deep knowledge and experiential base in at least one of the seven program areas.
• Omnivorous in intellectual consumption habits and genuinely interested in the worlds of ideas and activism.
• A clear and effective communicator and collaborator
• Experienced in an academic environment and able
who is compelling about the value proposition of the
to show appreciation for the value and rigour of an
Atlantic Institute, able to set expectations accurately
analytical, historical, research and evidence-based
and to recognize when activities fall outside of the
culture. Ideally, this will be coupled with evidence of
mandate or expertise of the Institute, and able to
supporting the realization of social change within
inspire confidence and trust in cross-cultural settings.
an engaged community.
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Appointment of Executive Director | January 2024
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