At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead HELIX to drive humanitarian change through research and innovation.
- Company: Elrha, a global charity focused on humanitarian solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, pension contributions, and remote work options.
- Other info: Flexible working arrangements and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Be a founding leader shaping impactful humanitarian initiatives.
- Qualifications: Exceptional leadership in the humanitarian sector with fundraising experience.
The predicted salary is between 92000 - 102000 £ per year.
Elrha is a global charitable organisation (registered in England and Wales, charity number
) that funds and supports research and innovation to find solutions to complex humanitarian problems.
It works closely with networks and actors across the humanitarian community to shape how people are supported during crises.
Its strategy for 2023–2040 sets out how it will work with its community to realise the potential of research and innovation in humanitarian response.
The role
HELIX: The Humanitarian What Works Centre is a new joint initiative between Elrha and IRC's Airbel Impact Lab.
It was established to identify, adapt and scale solutions to some of the most complex challenges facing people affected by humanitarian crises, combining research, innovation, operational insight and systems change.
The Executive Director will provide the strategic, operational and external leadership needed to establish HELIX as a globally recognised centre for humanitarian change.
This is a founding leadership role, joining at a pivotal moment in HELIX's development.
- What you would do
- Shape the vision, strategy and culture of HELIX, drawing on the complementary strengths of Elrha and IRC Airbel.
- Act as HELIX's global figurehead, driving influence, partnerships and investment across humanitarian, research, policy and innovation communities.
- Secure and steward significant funding from institutional, philanthropic and other donors, and develop long-term funding partnerships.
- Build and lead teams, governance structures, systems and cultures that enable high performance and innovation.
- Bring together researchers, innovators, practitioners, donors and policymakers to tackle barriers that prevent proven solutions from reaching scale.
- Challenge assumptions, shape sector thinking and build influential relationships across diverse stakeholder communities.
- Identify new approaches to persistent humanitarian challenges and unlock pathways to scale.
- What they are looking for
- Exceptional executive leadership experience, including leading complex programmes, centres or organisations operating at scale, with a track record of delivering strategic impact.
- Deep experience in the humanitarian sector, with strong knowledge of humanitarian systems, financing, policy drivers, and how research and innovation can influence practice.
- A recognised thought leader and convenor, able to shape sector thinking and build influential relationships.
- Proven ability to build and lead partnerships, bringing together diverse stakeholders to create outcomes no single organisation could achieve alone.
- Experience as a strategic fundraiser, securing and stewarding significant funding and developing long-term donor relationships.
- Experience establishing and growing ambitious initiatives, including building teams, governance structures and organisational cultures.
- Bold and creative thinking, comfortable working across sectors and disciplines.
- Working arrangements
The role is based in London or homebased in the UK, within a remote-first working environment where staff can choose to work from home or from their office of reference.
The Executive Director is expected to take regular in-person meetings with partners and the Elrha/IRC team in London several times a week.
Standard hours are 35 per week, with flexible working patterns available.
Visa sponsorship is available for candidates who do not already have the right to work in the UK, and relocation assistance is available subject to conditions.
Pay and benefits
The salary range is £92,000 - £102,000 per year.
Benefits include a minimum 5% employer pension contribution (3% employee contribution), life cover, organisational sick pay, family-friendly pay and leave schemes, 26 days basic annual leave (increasing with length of service), a cycle-to-work scheme, eye care, flu jabs, a season ticket loan, a remote equipment allowance, an Employee Assistance Programme, an employee benefits and retail discounts platform, an apprenticeship scheme, and learning and development opportunities.
Executive Director - HELIX in London employer: Elrha
Elrha is an attractive employer due to its commitment to driving high-impact change in the humanitarian sector through innovative initiatives like HELIX. The organization fosters a collaborative work culture that brings together diverse stakeholders, including researchers and practitioners, to tackle complex challenges. Employees have the opportunity to lead pioneering projects that make a meaningful impact on the lives of people affected by crises.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Executive Director - HELIX in London
✨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 Elrha.
✨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 Elrha.
✨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 Elrha.
✨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 Elrha. Apply directly through us to stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Executive Director - HELIX in London
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 Elrha. 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 Executive Director - HELIX, 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 Elrha
✨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 Elrha. 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!
