At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a global movement to ensure every child receives a nutritious meal in education.
- Company: Mary's Meals International, a mission-driven charity with a strong global presence.
- Benefits: 34 days annual leave, flexible working, life assurance, and pension.
- Other info: Remote work options available; join a values-driven team committed to safeguarding and inclusivity.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by leading transformational change for children worldwide.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership experience in complex organisations, preferably in the non-profit sector.
Salary: £94,851 plus benefits (Our pay philosophy ensures consistency across locations and salaries. The starting salary for this opportunity plus benefits depends on location of the candidate).
Is this the role you are looking for? If so, read on for more details, and make sure to apply today.
The role:
We are delighted to be recruiting for a visionary, mission-driven leader to join Mary’s Meals International (MMI) as Executive Director. In this new role, you will be reporting to our Board of Trustees, through our Board Chair, and working in collaboration with our President & Founder of Mary’s Meals. As Executive Director, you will provide inspirational strategic and operational leadership of MMI, ensuring delivery of its key responsibilities within the global strategic plan. Leading with humility, clarity and courage, you will champion faithful adherence to the vision, mission and values of Mary’s Meals, as we strive to grow our global movement and reach the next child waiting for Mary’s Meals.
As Executive Director, you will:
- Lead MMI in delivering its objectives across the three strategic pillars: Feed, Grow and Strengthen.
- Oversee the coordination and implementation of global strategy.
- Provide inspirational leadership to MMI and the MMI Executive Leadership Team.
- Strengthen organisational systems, governance and development.
- Foster strong collaboration across the global network.
- Work closely with the Board, President and Founder and MMI teams to support sustainable growth across Affiliate organisations.
About you:
You are an inspiring, effective and authentic leader with significant experience at executive or CEO level, in a complex organisation, ideally with an international footprint. Experience in an international non-profit, charity or social impact organisation would be advantageous, though not essential. Strong preference will be given to candidates with a deep understanding of our work gained through prior engagement with our mission.
You will also bring:
- Proven ability to inspire and lead senior teams, while cultivating a strong organisational culture.
- Demonstrated success in developing and delivering strategy to drive growth, innovation and organisational strengthening.
- Highly developed communication skills, with the ability to engage and influence diverse audiences.
- Proven experience of leading transformational change, while maintaining stability and mission focus.
- A deep personal commitment to the vision, mission and values of Mary’s Meals.
About us:
We are a global movement supported by people from all walks of life, united by one goal – that every child receives a nutritious daily meal in a place of education. As an organisation, named after Mary the mother of Jesus and shaped by Christian values, we feel that the way we do things is as important as the result and we welcome all who wish to play their part in our important work. We continue to change the lives of over 3 million children who today will receive Mary’s Meals.
We are a values-driven organisation - we believe in the innate goodness of people, respect the dignity of every human being and family life and believe in good stewardship of the resources entrusted to us. In line with our values, we are fully committed to a culture of safeguarding, we are committed to preventing any type of unwanted behaviour at work and we expect all the Mary's Meals family to share this commitment and work in the best interest of the communities we serve. Our safe recruitment practices ensure that only those that are committed to our high standards join our movement.
We believe in the innate goodness and dignity of every person. In line with this, Mary’s Meals is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating an inclusive and welcoming environment. All applicants will be considered fairly and on merit, without discrimination of any kind.
We are happy for you to work remotely and flexibly, in a way that best supports your work-life balance. We have an office in Glasgow for those who would like to work from here occasionally or on a regular basis. Some travel to Glasgow, other locations across the UK and to countries where Mary’s Meals operates will be required.
Our Benefits:
- 34 days annual leave (pro-rated for part time working patterns) including bank holidays, increasing by 1 day each completed calendar year, to a maximum of 39 days (+ option to buy another week)
- Flexible working
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Life assurance
- Pension
Additional Information: Salary advertised is for UK based candidates, our salary philosophy ensures consistency across locations where Mary’s Meals operates, please visit our website for more information about salaries in other locations.
To apply: If you are inspired to join our movement and our vision, mission and values resonate with you, we would love to hear from you. Please click Apply and include your CV and a succinct covering letter, of no more than one A4 page, highlighting your motivations, suitability and outlining your participation in our mission.
Closing date for applications is Monday 22nd June 2026. Remote working/work at home options are available for this role.
Executive Director - Mary's Meals International - Remote employer: Mary's Meals International
Mary's Meals International is an exceptional employer that champions a values-driven culture, fostering inclusivity and collaboration among its global team. With a commitment to employee well-being, the organisation offers flexible working arrangements, generous annual leave, and opportunities for personal and professional growth, all while making a meaningful impact on the lives of millions of children worldwide. Join us in our mission to ensure every child receives a nutritious meal in a place of education, and be part of a movement that truly values the dignity and goodness of every individual.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Executive Director - Mary's Meals International - Remote
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your industry, especially those connected to Mary’s Meals. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that a job description just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation's mission and values. Show us how your experience aligns with what Mary’s Meals stands for. Authenticity goes a long way!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain why you're the perfect fit for the Executive Director role. Highlight your leadership style and how it resonates with our vision at Mary’s Meals.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about joining our movement.
We think you need these skills to ace Executive Director - Mary's Meals International - Remote
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Authentic:When writing your application, let your true self shine through! We want to see your passion for our mission and how your values align with ours. Don’t be afraid to share personal stories that highlight your commitment.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Executive Director. Highlight your leadership experience and any relevant achievements in non-profit or international settings. We’re looking for someone who can inspire and lead, so showcase those skills!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter should be succinct but powerful. Use it to explain why you’re drawn to Mary’s Meals and how you can contribute to our mission. Remember, we want to know what motivates you and how you fit into our vision.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Plus, it’s super easy – just click Apply and follow the prompts!
How to prepare for a job interview at Mary's Meals International
✨Know the Mission Inside Out
Before your interview, dive deep into Mary’s Meals' mission and values. Understand how they align with your own experiences and beliefs. This will not only help you answer questions more effectively but also demonstrate your genuine commitment to their cause.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As an Executive Director, your leadership style is crucial. Prepare examples that highlight your ability to inspire and lead teams, especially in complex environments. Think about times you've successfully driven change while maintaining stability and focus on the mission.
✨Prepare for Strategic Discussions
Expect to discuss strategic planning and implementation. Brush up on your experience with developing and delivering strategies that drive growth and innovation. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've strengthened organisational systems in previous roles.
✨Engage with Authenticity
Communication is key! Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and engagingly. Be prepared to discuss how you've influenced diverse audiences and fostered collaboration in past roles. Authenticity will resonate well with the interviewers, so let your passion shine through.
