The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh (RCSEd) is one of the world’s oldest and most respected surgical institutions. With a heritage spanning more than five centuries and a vibrant global community of over 34,000 members across 110+ countries, the College continues to lead the way in surgical education, professional standards, and patient safety.
With membership growing, new governance in place, and an ambitious 2026–2030 strategy underway, the College is seeking to recruit a senior and strategically pivotal Director of Membership and Communications.
In this role, you will lead a multidisciplinary directorate covering communications, membership services, digital engagement, and outreach, ensuring all activity is cohesive, purpose-driven, and fully aligned with the College’s strategic priorities. You will shape and deliver integrated communications and membership strategies that advance the College’s objectives, drive membership growth, and strengthen engagement through a compelling, contemporary membership proposition. By translating strategic intent into actionable plans and driving their delivery, you will make a lasting contribution to the professional development of surgeons and dental surgeons worldwide, ultimately supporting improvements in global surgical care and patient safety.
We are looking for an accomplished and visionary senior leader with significant experience in communications and/or membership within a complex, multi-stakeholder environment. The successful candidate will have a proven track record of leading high-performing teams, delivering integrated, insight-driven strategies, and navigating complex governance and organisational structures. Strong strategic capability, excellent communication and influencing skills, and the ability to embed a culture of performance, collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement are essential. The role also requires strong digital and analytical capability, commercial acumen, and the confidence to engage effectively with Executive, Trustee, and Council-level stakeholders, positioning the College as a modern, inclusive, and globally relevant institution.
This is a unique opportunity to join a forward-thinking, globally engaged organisation committed to excellence, innovation, and inclusivity. You will have the ability to shape strategic direction, strengthen key operational areas, and enhance services and engagement for members, leaving a lasting impact on the College and the global surgical profession.
RCSEd supports hybrid working, offering flexibility while maintaining connection with the team. The successful candidate will be expected to work from the Edinburgh office at least two days per week and will occasionally travel within the UK and internationally to support College initiatives and engagement activities.
For more information please review the full role profile below or contact Douglas Adam via [email protected].
RCSEd is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status or pregnancy and maternity.
