Chief Executive Officer
Earthwatch Europe is an environmental charity with science at its heart. We help people protect the nature around them, building meaningful nature connections and giving communities, organisations and businesses the tools to act. Guided by science and powered by people, we create change through connection.
We’re entering an important new phase. Following a period of significant organisational change, Earthwatch Europe is focused on stability, long‑term sustainability, and delivery of a new 10‑year strategy that increases impact and strengthens our future.
We are looking for a Chief Executive to lead the delivery of an ambitious new ten-year strategy.
We’re looking for a confident ambassador and relationship-builder who thrives with donors, funders and partners and can raise Earthwatch Europe’s profile and income in equal measure. You’ll also need to lead with warmth and clarity internally, giving a talented team clear direction to implement and nurture the strategy.
Who are we?
At Earthwatch Europe, we believe people and nature can thrive together and that everyone has a part to play in making that happen. We bring science to life by connecting communities, schools, businesses and researchers with practical ways to protect and restore the natural world.
Our work focuses on the places where action can have the greatest impact: the towns and cities we live in, the rivers and freshwater habitats we depend on and the farming landscapes that help sustain us. Through citizen science, education and collaboration, we help people understand the environmental challenges around them and give them the confidence and tools to take action.
Together, we are building stronger connections with nature and working towards a healthier, more resilient planet.
About the role
Earthwatch has evolved a great deal in recent years, moving from an organisation once known for international expeditions and a handful of corporate funders, to one with a much broader income base and a sharper focus on citizen science that puts real tools in the hands of local communities. It’s more stable and sustainable than ever and ready to build on that foundation.
We’re looking for a Chief Executive who can be the public face of that journey: someone who thrives in front of donors, funders and partners and who sees income generation and brand-building as central to the job, not a side note. You’ll set the vision and bring the energy to make it real, working closely with the Board, the Executive team and our wider network to deliver our strategy.
Day to day, that means you’ll:
- Provide the vision and inspiration to lead Earthwatch Europe staff to create meaningful and lasting impact through our mission and strategy
- Act as our principal ambassador, building relationships with donors, funders and partners and developing new income and opportunities
- Raise Earthwatch Europe’s profile and reputation by networking and championing our work publicly, putting us in front of the right audiences and delivering impact
- Lead organisational direction, growth and long-term financial planning
- Grow our national and international network of partners and collaborators
- Lead with strength and warmth internally, giving a talented team a steady hand and a clear sense of direction
- Work in partnership with Trustees, so they’re equipped to fulfil their role in governing the charity
- Keep a close eye on risk, resources and compliance, so the organisation stays on a firm footing
Who we are looking for
This role calls for someone energised by external relationships: comfortable in rooms with major donors and funders, skilled at building partnerships and confident in telling Earthwatch Europe’s story to win support and open doors. You’ll be the organisation’s principal ambassador, so a track record of income generation and profile-raising is key.
You’ll bring:
- Experience successfully leading a medium-sized environmental NGO/civil society organisation/charity/social enterprise through a period of growth (impact and financial)
- Proven success generating income and building relationships with donors, funders and partners, ideally across corporate, government and philanthropic audiences
- A natural ambassador’s instinct, comfortable networking, presenting and championing an organisation’s work publicly to build its brand and reputation
- A passion and understanding of the nature or environmental science world, ideally with a network to match
- Confidence operating as the public face of an organisation and able to influence and negotiate at the highest levels across the UK and Europe
- Strong internal leadership with the ability to lead and motivate a talented team with clarity and confidence
- Commercial instincts and a proven ability to grow income and build a sustainable business model
- A belief in the power of citizen science, and the energy to champion it, inside and outside the organisation
- Strong relationships with your Board, built on trust and an experienced Chair who expects to be a real partner in the work
Above all, we’re looking for someone who leads from the front: an ambassador and strong leader who can bring stability and direction to the organisation’s next chapter.
How to Apply
To view the full role description and person specification, and to apply for the position, please visit the [Peridot Partners website] Chief Executive Officer | Earthwatch Europe.
All applications should be submitted directly through Peridot Partners.
Equal opportunities, diversity and inclusion
Earthwatch is an equal opportunity employer. We believe that everyone has a contribution to make, regardless of visible and invisible differences. We welcome and encourage individuals from diverse backgrounds to apply, and we will consider all applications fairly and consistently.
We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive working environment – a place where individuality is embraced and everyone has the opportunity to thrive. We value the benefits that different backgrounds, working approaches and ways of thinking can bring.
If you require reasonable adjustments in making an application for the role of Director of Income Generation and Partnership Development, please contact the HR team at [email protected] ahead of the application deadline.