Nick S.
About me
| Nick S. | |
| Archaeology | |
| Medieval Archaeology | |
| Taught Postgraduate | |
| Wentworth | |
| 2010 | |
| United Kingdom |
My employment
| Executive Director | |
| The Rowntree Society | |
| United Kingdom | |
| Charity and voluntary sector | |
| Small business (0-49 employees) | |
| 2024 |
More about Nick
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A day in the life of a Executive Director in the United Kingdom
A good, snappy CV that reflects who you are often goes further than the best grades.
Briefly describe the organisation you work for
The Rowntree Society is a registered historical and educational charity based in York. Our mission is to build and share knowledge about the histories of the Rowntree family, company and trusts and their continuing relevance for the local, national, and global challenges facing our contemporary world.
What do you do?
I lead The Rowntree Society, working closely with the trustees. This involves developing our strategy and programme, both for research as well as public outreach, events, content etc. I manage one member of staff, our Digital Media and Communications Officer, our volunteers and work closely with freelance collaborators we contract for specific projects. In addition, I connect, communicate and liaise with other organisations who have a connection with the work The Rowntree Society does or whom we are developing potential projects with. Much of my time at work is taken up with coordinating and pulling things together. I have to make sure that the charity is compliant with governance and legal requirements, including organising board meetings, organising the relevant paperwork and disseminating it. I have to prepare both internal (for staff and trustees) and external (for funders) reports which either review what The Rowntree Society has achieved and what we are planning on doing. Another responsibility is writing funding applications so that the charity has the resources to continue its work. Aside from the management work which takes up most of my time, I also get involved in some of the historical research The Rowntree Society carries out. It is essential that I have a broad understanding of Rowntree histories and that I keep this knowledge updated. A key part of my job is leading events such as public talks and lectures, some of which I am the main speaker too.
Reflecting upon your past employment and education, what led you to your current career choice?
In many ways my career path has not been straightforward but all the skills and experiences I have learned enable me to carry out my current role. I have worked in management for over a decade, initially in social care and then managing Oxfam Books Petergate in the centre of town before becoming Executive Director of The Rowntree Society.
Both my BSc and MA degrees were in archaeology and I worked as an archaeologist before moving to York in 2008. Most of my non-heritage/archaeology work has been in the not-for-profit sector, particularly around anti-poverty or health & social care and, alongside my love of archaeology/history, these are areas that I have always been passionate about.
If you had asked me when I first finished my undergraduate degree, I would have chosen a simpler and more focused career path. However, I am not from a financially privileged enough background to have always taken opportunities - earning money to pay for rent/bills had to take precedence. Now, I think that I am fortunate in the varied work experience I have gained as it gives me a more rounded perspective and skills which I can bring into my work.
Is your current job sector different from what you thought you would enter when you graduated?
I am not working in archaeology, which is what I initially wanted to do - and did for a while - but my work is still involved with heritage and historical research. My degrees in archaeology gave me a good grounding in these areas. In particular, my MA at University of York gave me opportunities to explore multidisciplinary work and the focus on sharing ideas and research through seminars and assessed lectures continue to prove invaluable in my current job.
Describe your most memorable day at work
Less a memorable day and more several parts of many days! I love collaborating with other people and recent examples were the last Rowntree Society Autumn Lecture which focused on colonial aspects of the Rowntree histories, I was really proud of the contributions made by two of our trustees who really brought nuanced understandings to the issues brought up by the history. This was at an event that was accessible and free to attend to anyone which was also filmed and uploaded to our YouTube channel to reach a wider audience.
I also enjoy the connections I make with other people and organisations and the work which comes from them. Recent highlights have included collaborations with the Good Organisation looking at histories of homelessness and involving people with experience of homelessness in contemporary York with this. Also work with York Civic Trust, Borthwick Institute and IPUP at the University of York, York Theatre Royal, Quakers etc.
Are there any challenges associated with your job?
There can be a lot going on that I have to stay across. Making sure deadlines aren't missed or important things not overlooked. I have to manage my own time so it is important that I also plan in time to do reading and staying across the historical knowledge and research.
What’s your work environment and culture like?
Tbc
What extracurricular activities did you undertake at university and what transferable skills did you develop through these?
It was difficult for me to get involved in much extracurricular activities at university as I could only afford to be there by having a job. I worked a part time job in retail throughout my BSc and then did a part time MA whilst working in social care. During my BSc, I was a member of the Archaeology Society and attending a lot of their guest speaker lectures which gave me a wider understanding of the subject aside from what was taught on the course. When I was studying for my MA at the University of York, I would also attend the evening public lectures whenever I could fit it around my work commitments.
What top tips do you have for York students preparing for today’s job market and life after graduation?
Don't expect to get your dream job immediately. Be prepared to do work that isn't directly related to your ideal career - many skills are transferable. If you are able to volunteer, there are often lots of opportunities out there that can help you build experience and skills whilst helping charity. It can also be tough if you are not able to take opportunities due to financial reasons but it is possible to work towards jobs and careers you aspire to, just be aware that it might take longer. However, all your life experiences are valuable - even having to work long, hard hours in a job you don't enjoy. Being well rounded with different experiences and skills is really beneficial, especially in management - it is essential that you understand how different people and different job roles work so that you can get the best outcomes from working with them.
What topics from students are you happy to answer questions on?
History/heritage/archaeology sectors
Charity and not-for-profit work
How to get the most out of volunteering opportunities
Management - both skills and experiences needed but also what managers are looking for, good job applications, CVs etc as I have had a lot of experience recruiting
I've had a varied career that makes me a really good fit for my current role - how to navigate challenges and side steps in career
How to deal with dyslexia and other neuro-divergences at work
How to navigate class or differing economic opportunities in work and the job market
Next steps...
If you like the look of Nick’s profile, the next steps are down to you! You can send Nick a message to find out more about their career journey. If you feel you would benefit from more in-depth conversations, ask Nick to be your mentor.