At a Glance
- Tasks: Help build innovative healthcare organisations and develop leadership skills alongside an experienced CEO.
- Company: Join a dynamic initiative focused on improving healthcare through education and innovation.
- Benefits: Gain hands-on experience, mentorship, and a pathway to a paid leadership role.
- Other info: Unique opportunity to build an organisation from the ground up with expert guidance.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in healthcare while developing your leadership potential.
- Qualifications: Curiosity, problem-solving skills, and a passion for healthcare are key.
Volunteer Role with a Pathway to a Paid Co-CEO or CEO Position
Location: Remote (International Applicants Welcome)
Time Commitment: Approximately 10–20 hours per week initially, with flexibility.
Build an Organisation. Build Your Leadership.
This is not a traditional CEO role. It is an opportunity to become one. We are seeking exceptional individuals who want to develop into outstanding organisational leaders by helping build innovative healthcare organisations from the ground up. Rather than stepping into an established organisation with existing teams and processes, you will help create them.
Working alongside an experienced CEO, and receiving direct mentoring from Dr Shara Cohen BEM, you will gain practical experience across every aspect of building and growing an international organisation. As the organisations become financially sustainable, there is a clear pathway into a paid executive leadership position.
We are recruiting Co-CEOs for two organisations:
- The Repair Project: An international initiative dedicated to improving understanding of regenerative medicine through independent, evidence-based education.
- Understanding Ageing: Exists to improve public understanding of the science of ageing and healthy longevity.
During the application process, you will have the opportunity to indicate which organisation best matches your interests and experience.
About the Role
Each organisation already has a CEO with specialist expertise. We are now looking for Co-CEOs who will complement those skills by helping build the organisation operationally and strategically. This is a hands-on executive role. We're looking for people who enjoy solving problems, creating systems, building partnerships and making things happen.
What You Will Do
Working alongside the CEO, you will help:
- Develop and implement growth strategies.
- Build partnerships with universities, charities, healthcare organisations and industry.
- Identify sponsorship and funding opportunities.
- Develop commercial partnerships.
- Improve websites and digital platforms.
- Review and develop educational content.
- Support marketing and communications.
- Develop organisational systems and processes.
- Improve operational efficiency.
- Contribute to governance and strategic planning.
- Represent the organisation at meetings, conferences and networking events where appropriate.
- Help grow an organisation capable of creating meaningful international impact.
No two days will be the same. One day you may be improving website content, the next developing a partnership proposal, reviewing systems or helping shape long-term strategy.
One of the unique aspects of this programme is the opportunity to work directly with Dr Shara Cohen BEM. Throughout the programme you will receive practical mentoring in:
- Partnership building
- Systems thinking
- Governance
- Marketing
- Operations
- Organisational growth
This is not classroom learning. You will learn by doing, with guidance from someone who has built organisations from the ground up.
Who We Are Looking For
We care far more about potential than job titles. You may already hold a senior leadership role, or you may simply be someone with exceptional ability, curiosity and determination. We are looking for people who are:
- Curious and quick to learn.
- Comfortable working in a fast-moving environment.
- Strong problem-solvers.
- Organised and dependable.
- Digitally confident.
- Able to think strategically while remaining practical.
- Comfortable taking ownership.
- Passionate about improving healthcare through education and innovation.
Experience That Would Be Helpful
Experience in any of the following would be advantageous, but is not essential:
- Biotechnology
- Marketing
- Technology
- Digital platforms
- Project management
- Systems thinking
We recruit for attitude, capability and commitment, not simply qualifications.
What Makes This Opportunity Different?
Most leadership roles involve inheriting an organisation. This role involves building one. You will gain experience that few leadership programmes can offer, working across every part of an organisation while helping create something with lasting social impact.
By the time you progress into a paid executive role, you will understand not only how to lead an organisation, but how to build one.
Selection Process
We recruit differently because this is not a conventional executive position. Our selection process includes:
- Application review.
- Initial interview.
- Practical assessment.
- Final interview.
- Appointment and structured onboarding.
The practical assessment forms an important part of our recruitment process. Rather than relying solely on interviews, shortlisted candidates will complete real tasks similar to those they would undertake within the role.
These positions are voluntary while the organisations continue to grow. Our intention is to develop long-term executive leaders. As revenue and funding increase, successful Co-CEOs will have the opportunity to move into paid executive leadership positions.
We are looking for people who want to help build organisations that make a genuine difference to healthcare worldwide.
About the Founder
Dr Shara Cohen BEM is an award-winning scientist, entrepreneur and social innovator. She has founded multiple international organisations supporting healthcare, science and women in STEM, and was awarded the British Empire Medal in the King's New Year Honours for services to women in STEM and to people affected by cancer.
Her passion is identifying talented people, mentoring future leaders and building organisations that create lasting global impact.
Volunteer Co-CEO: Path to Paid Leadership (Remote) in London employer: Understanding Ageing
Join us in a unique opportunity to shape the future of healthcare through innovative leadership. As a Volunteer Co-CEO, you will work closely with an experienced CEO and receive direct mentorship from Dr Shara Cohen BEM, gaining hands-on experience in building impactful organisations. With a flexible commitment and a clear pathway to a paid executive role, this is an exceptional chance to develop your leadership skills while making a meaningful difference in the world.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Volunteer Co-CEO: Path to Paid Leadership (Remote) in London
✨Get Involved with Local Causes
Start connecting with local nonprofits or social impact projects in your area. Attend their events, offer to help out with community initiatives, or just drop by to chat about their mission. This way, you’ll not only learn about the work they do but also make meaningful connections that could lead to volunteer opportunities.
✨Leverage Social Media for Social Impact
Platforms like Twitter and Instagram are goldmines for discovering volunteer opportunities in the nonprofit sector. Follow organisations you’re passionate about, engage with their posts, and keep an eye out for their volunteer calls. It’s a great way to show your interest and dedication!
✨Utilise Volunteer Matching Platforms
Sites like VolunteerMatch or local community boards are perfect for finding short-term and long-term volunteer roles. These platforms can connect you with causes that align with your passions and skills, and often allow you to browse opportunities tailored to your interests.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website
When you spot an organisation you like, don't hesitate to visit their website and check out their volunteer section. Many nonprofits have dedicated pages for volunteers where you can apply directly – and we’ve found that this route often leads to quicker responses and more personalised interactions!
We think you need these skills to ace Volunteer Co-CEO: Path to Paid Leadership (Remote) in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Share Your Passion for Social Impact:When you're applying for a volunteer role at a nonprofit like Understanding Ageing, don’t just list your skills. Show us why you're passionate about social impact! Use your cover letter to tell a story about what drives you and how you've been involved in similar initiatives. Personal connections to the cause can really make your application stand out.
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to showcase any previous volunteer work or projects that demonstrate your commitment to social impact. Whether it’s fundraising, community outreach, or project management, detail your contributions and the results achieved. This kind of experience is invaluable in the nonprofit sector and can help us see your potential!
Get Creative with Your CV:In the world of nonprofits, a standard CV might not cut it. Consider using a more creative format that showcases your personality while maintaining professionalism. Use headings like 'Community Engagement' or 'Social Impact Projects' to highlight your experiences related to the role. Remember, we want to see what makes you unique!
Keep It Community-Focused:Make sure your application emphasises collaboration and community. Volunteer roles are about working well with others and contributing collectively towards a common goal. In your cover letter, mention any teamwork experiences or community projects you've been part of, and how you contributed to their success. This shows that you’re ready to jump into the collaborative spirit here at Understanding Ageing.
How to prepare for a job interview at Understanding Ageing
✨Know Your Passion
Dive deep into the mission of Understanding Ageing and understand the issues they tackle. When they ask about your motivation to volunteer, share specific experiences that link your passion to their cause—whether it’s local community work or a broader social impact.
✨Bring Your Skills to the Table
Highlight any relevant skills that can aid in their projects, such as fundraising, project management, or community organising. Be prepared to share examples of how you’ve used these skills in past volunteer roles or relevant experiences.
✨Get Ready for Scenario Questions
In non-profit interviews, especially for volunteer roles, you might get scenario-based questions. Think about times when you've encountered challenges in team work or community engagement, and how you resolved them—this shows your problem-solving abilities.
✨Show Your Commitment
Since this is a volunteer role, they’ll likely want to see your commitment to the cause over an extended period. Be ready to discuss how much time you can dedicate, any special skills you can bring, and your eagerness to learn and grow with the organisation—this excites them to have you on board!
