Trustee

The RSAA is seeking up to four new trustees to join its board at the most exciting moment in the Society’s recent history. In our 125th anniversary year, we are renewing our mission:  promoting Asian Studies and deeper public understanding of Asia, and we are looking for exceptional people to help us deliver it. About the Society Founded in 1901, the RSAA is an independent, international network for informed debate about Asia, engaging experts, policy makers and the wider public with experience, analysis and scholarship. Our geographical remit runs from the eastern Mediterranean to the Pacific. We publish the quarterly journal Asian Affairs (in print continuously since 1914), the Asian Review of Books and the magazine Caravanserai. We run a programme of public lectures and events in London and online, are digitising our historic archive, and support younger scholars through our awards and recently created mentoring scheme. The Society is wholly independent: it accepts no state funding and takes no institutional positions on issues of public policy. It is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (no. 1179300). A new chapter The board has set an ambitious direction for the Society’s next quarter-century: building the RSAA into a leading force for the study and understanding of Asia in the UK. Plans include a permanently endowed programme of research and travel awards, strengthened publications, and expanded collaboration with leading institutions in Asia and the United States. To underwrite this, the Society is preparing a major philanthropic fundraising programme. Alongside it, the board and executive will together shape a new five-year business plan to take effect from 2028. Who we are looking for We wish to strengthen the board with senior figures who share our commitment to Asia and can bring some of the following: · Fundraising leadership. Substantial experience of philanthropic fundraising: major gifts, trusts and foundations, or corporate giving,  and the appetite to play an active part in a significant campaign alongside the President, Chairman and CEO. · Networks and standing. Strong personal connections in philanthropic, business, academic, diplomatic or cultural circles in the UK, in Asia or in the United States, and the credibility to open doors at the most senior level. · Commitment to the field. A demonstrable commitment to Asian Studies, whether from an academic, publishing, cultural, business or public-service background, and enthusiasm for deepening understanding of Asia. · Strategic planning. Experience of setting strategy and building organisations, to help the executive draft and deliver the Society’s next five-year business plan. We would also particularly welcome candidates offering skills in charity finance and accountancy, charity law and governance. What is involved The board meets quarterly online, with additional work through sub-committees and involvement in fundraising activity and events.  Trustees are appointed for a term of three years, renewable once. The role is unremunerated; reasonable expenses are paid. Diversity The RSAA seeks to reflect, in the diversity of its board, the breadth of the communities, regions and disciplines with which the Society engages. We welcome applications from all backgrounds, and particularly from people of Asian heritage. How to apply Please submit a CV and a short covering letter, explaining what you would bring to the board by Friday 30 October 2026. Candidates are warmly invited to have an informal, confidential conversation with the Chairman or the CEO before applying.  To arrange one, please get in touch through the contact page on our website.  Interviews for shortlisted applicants will be held in November.