Step forward to guide CASE's strategy in Europe
CASE relies on the leadership and insights of our members and key volunteers to ensure that our engagement, education, and outreach initiatives are aligned with the current and emerging needs of the education sector.
CASE is now seeking candidates from member institutions to step forward for election to the Council for Europe and the European District Cabinets this summer. Both advisory groups aim to represent the breadth of CASE member institutions and bring together perspectives from diverse lived experiences. Applications are open until Friday 16 February 2024.
About the CASE Council for Europe
The Council oversees the implementation of CASE's strategy and member engagement across Europe. There are two meetings of the Council a year, held at different locations in Europe and between meetings, members support the region in various ways, such as guiding strategic priorities and acting as advocates for CASE's work.
Each Council member is appointed to a three-year term of office and can serve a maximum of two terms. CASE Council candidates must have a strategic outlook, be committed to guiding CASE’s mission and have experience in managing any of the Advancement activities: fundraising, alumni relations, communications or marketing.
Find out more about the opportunity to join the CASE Council for Europe.
We asked new members of the Council to reflect on their motivations for joining and what they have gained from the experience so far.
Martyn Edwards, Director of Marketing & Advancement at Loughborough University:
“As the first in my family to go to university and growing up in an economically deprived area, I have seen firsthand the transformational impact of Higher Education. Unfortunately, our sector has not always been so effective at serving and amplifying the voices of minorities and those with protected characteristics. I see CASE as a vehicle for change, which motivated my application to join its Council for Europe.
“Whilst I have engaged with CASE for more than ten years, serving on the UK and Ireland District Cabinet, speaking at CASE conferences and participating in the CASE Universities’ Marketing Forum, I felt it was a particularly poignant time to join the Council, as we find ourselves in such a turbulent period, not just for the sector, but as a global community. Amidst such uncertainty and volatility, universities and institutions of learning have such a crucial role to play as anchor institutions that provide knowledge, skills and indeed hope. As a member of CASE’s Council for Europe, I have the privilege of interacting with members from across Europe and am pleased to play a part in supporting them to achieve more for their institutions and share their achievements widely.”
Juan Pablo Garrido, Director of Corporate Development at UIC Barcelona:
“I believe CASE needs the insights of members based in continental Europe who can help make its mission relevant and appropriate to colleagues working in the different institutional environments in that part of the region. From my experience of working with small nonprofits in different sectors, I understand the importance of institutional readiness for developing advancement activities, and I’m keen to share what's needed with others.
“I had previously volunteered with CASE in different ways, including contributing an article to Currents magazine during the height of the pandemic, and have since spoken at various events which focus on philanthropy and advancement in Spanish institutions, as well as at the CASE Europe Annual Conference. I also joined the Spring Institute in Educational Fundraising faculty in 2023 and am delighted that serving on the CASE Council for Europe is the next step on my journey with CASE.”
Mehrnoosh Rayner, Head of Alumni Relations at the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) and Vice Chair of the CASE Council for Europe:
"Working with the CASE Council has given me the time and the inspiration to look at the Alumni Relations programme at EMBL with more distance, ambition, and bold creativity. I’ve gained great insights into CASE’s services and all their efforts to ensure excellence in Advancement! I’ve particularly enjoyed learning how CASE manages its volunteer organisation, and exploring how I can contribute to its offerings and priorities, which means expanding my networks and thinking more broadly.
"This position offers an excellent opportunity to engage with and learn from CASE leadership and colleagues on the CASE Council, with the shared aim of supporting Advancement globally."
About the European District Cabinets
The District Cabinets support CASE’s engagement with members in geographical areas. They assist CASE in developing and delivering services relevant to their local audience, which can include providing networking, programming and member engagement activities.
Each District Cabinet member is appointed initially to a two-year term of office, which can be extended by up to two more years. Our District Cabinets meet three times a year, twice online and once in person.
Find out more about the opportunity to join a District Cabinet in Europe.
Members from the European District Cabinets recently connected on a trip to the CASE Washington D.C. office, where we caught up with them on their motivations for joining and what they have gained from the experience so far.
James Johnston, Sheffield Hallam University, Vice Chair of the UK/Ireland Cabinet:
“The Cabinet provides an opportunity to support, guide and give feedback to CASE on its work and future direction. I got involved to give something back to an organisation that has provided me with a fantastic network of colleagues and professionals and it’s been a rewarding experience so far. Our profession is changing and adapting and this is a wonderful chance to shape its future.”
Leïla Ojjeh, Ecole Polytechnique Federale - Lausanne (EPFL), Chair of the Contiental Europe Cabinet:
“CASE has been a tremendous source of learning, inspiration, support and connections worldwide that have helped me grow in my role. I highly recommend any professional in advancement to join the CASE family and volunteer. Within the Continental Europe Cabinet, we’re on a mission to build a thriving community and support the fast growth of the alumni and philanthropy professions in the region. We need more volunteers - so come and join in.”
Barbro Kolbjørnsrud, University of Oslo, Vice Chair of the Northern Europe Cabinet:
“Volunteering for CASE gives you a network of professional peers and a better understanding of your field of work in an international setting, alongside opportunities to develop skills and share experiences. I highly recommend volunteering for a position on one of the European Cabinets.”
Teppo Heiskanen, Aalto University, Chair of the Northern Europe Cabinet:
“For me, CASE is the forum where I connect with advancement professionals around the globe, getting new ideas and energy to continue with the job. The Northern Europe Cabinet adds to this experience by giving even more in-depth understanding of how our profession works in our region. Many things are similar but there are differences as well, and there are many best practices that we can learn from each other. Having lived in Denmark and Lithuania, as well as in Finland, it is important for me that our Cabinet connects the Nordic and Baltic countries. And it is great to work closely with the other European Cabinets as well as the North American Districts.”