At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead Earthwatch Europe in delivering an ambitious 10-year strategy for environmental impact.
- Company: Join a dynamic environmental charity focused on connecting people with nature.
- Benefits: Hybrid work, competitive salary, and the chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Embrace diversity and inclusion in a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Be the face of change, inspiring communities and building partnerships for a sustainable future.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in NGOs, strong networking skills, and a passion for environmental science.
The predicted salary is between 42750 - 52250 £ per year.
Location: Hybrid / Remote with travel to Oxford
Hours: Contract: Permanent
Department: CEO
Reports to: Chair and the Board of Trustees
Interviews:
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.
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.
Chief Executive Officer in Oxford employer: Earthwatch
Earthwatch is an attractive employer due to its commitment to environmental impact and community engagement. The organization fosters a supportive work culture that values collaboration and professional development, making it an ideal place for individuals passionate about making a difference.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Executive Officer in Oxford
✨Get Involved Locally
Dive into local volunteer opportunities or social initiatives. This not only beefs up your CV but also connects you with like-minded folks in nonprofits. Plus, it shows your passion for social impact, which is key for getting noticed by Earthwatch.
✨Tap into Professional Networks
Join networks like the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) or local charities to meet professionals in the sector. Attend events and workshops to build relationships and learn about potential openings at organisations like Earthwatch.
✨Showcase Your Commitment
When prepping for interviews, be ready to speak about your personal connection to social issues. Dive into specific examples of how you’ve contributed to community projects – this will resonate with the mission-driven vibe at Earthwatch.
✨Utilise Online Platforms
We’re all about making connections, so use platforms like Idealist and CharityJob to hunt for full-time roles. And of course, you should keep an eye on our website for exciting opportunities at Earthwatch. Apply directly through us to stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Executive Officer in Oxford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for the Cause:In the nonprofit sector, it's super important to demonstrate genuine passion for the mission of Earthwatch. Use your cover letter to showcase any personal experiences or volunteer work that connects you to their social impact initiatives. This emotional connection can really help your application stand out.
Highlight Relevant Experience:When crafting your CV, be sure to include any relevant projects or roles that showcase your skills in social impact. Whether it's community organising, fundraising, or advocacy, highlight what you've done and the difference it's made. Don’t just list tasks; quantify your achievements and the outcomes of your efforts.
Tailor Your Documents to the Role:For a full-time role like Chief Executive Officer, ensure your CV and cover letter specifically address the responsibilities outlined in the job description. Use their language to describe your skills and experience, making it easy for the hiring team to see how you fit into their vision.
Emphasise Teamwork and Collaboration:Nonprofits thrive on teamwork, so make sure to emphasise your collaborative experiences. Whether you've worked in a team setting, partnered with community organisations, or facilitated group projects, highlight these experiences in your application. Show them you understand the importance of working alongside diverse individuals to achieve shared goals.
How to prepare for a job interview at Earthwatch
✨Show Your Passion for Social Change
When we’re prepping for interviews in the nonprofit space, it's vital to demonstrate our genuine passion for social impact. Be ready to discuss not just your skills and experiences but also why you care about the mission of Earthwatch. Sharing personal stories or insights can really make us stand out.
✨Highlight Project Experience
We should focus on specific projects we've worked on that align with the goals of social impact. Whether that’s a community initiative, volunteering, or a class project, having solid examples that showcase our role and the outcomes will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Familiarity with Relevant Tools and Practices
Let’s brush up on tools and methodologies commonly used in the nonprofit sector, like project management software or outcome measurement frameworks. Being able to speak fluently about these will show that we’re not just passionate but also knowledgeable and ready to hit the ground running.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that evaluate our problem-solving skills in real-world social issues. Think about how we’d handle challenges in the nonprofit environment and prepare stories that demonstrate our critical thinking and adaptability. Role-playing with a friend could help us feel more confident!
