Location: Remote in Europe
Salary: Depending on experience (including unpaid and other experiences) and capacity to take on responsibility, the salary range is:
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£73,135 - £79,230 for the United Kingdom
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€60,150 - €76,263 for France
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€83,439 - €89,399 for Netherlands
If the successful candidate is outside of the UK, France, or NL, the salary and benefits will be adjusted based on local market equivalencies.
About Us
The Sunrise Project is a global network of independent organizations united by a common mission: scaling social movements to drive the global transition beyond fossil fuels. We've developed a unique model that combines strategic grant-making with campaigning, supporting interconnected organizations to create powerful change aligned with our mission.
The Sunrise Project Inc. is a proud member of The Sunrise Project network. Our organizational culture is dynamic and adaptable. We're committed to supporting our team members to thrive as we tackle the urgent challenge of climate change. We believe that a diversity of experiences and perspectives strengthens our strategies, teams, and movements.
The Sunrise Project Inc. takes the broadest possible view of diversity and encourages First Nations people, people of colour, people living outside of cities, people living with disabilities, neurodiverse, and LGBTQIA+ people to apply. We are continually working on becoming a better workplace for everyone. Find out more here.
About the Program
The Europe Regional Finance program has evolved out of our Financial Regulation and Policy Program that began in 2019 with a narrow focus on European central banks. Since then, we've expanded to shape financial regulation and policy globally to accelerate clean energy and create lasting systemic change in how public finance addresses climate challenges. Now the Europe Regional Finance program will focus on EU Policy and Finance and UK Policy and Finance.
About The Role
The purpose of this role is to contribute to achieving the objectives in the EU Financial Policy and Regulation project, specifically the work on public finance, fiscal policy and industrial strategy. Together with partners and allies, this role will help stop the political polarisation of net zero and contribute to building the broader case for public investment by establishing and propagating a narrative linking the opportunities of the clean energy transition with improving conditions for households and communities. This role sees the big picture and can translate it into actionable plans for maximum impact.
We support networks of organisations to work together to achieve outcomes that would not be possible by individual organisations acting alone. We expect all roles at Sunrise to actively support the capacity building of these networks and partner organisations.
About You
You have experience working on public finance, fiscal policy, or industrial strategy. You understand what it takes to hold the big picture, and translate complicated campaign strategies into actionable steps. You enjoy digging into the policy details, but are able to focus on the key ways to move the campaign forward for maximum impact. You’re able to work with diverse networks of organisations from trade unions to business leaders. You have a strong understanding of the political context which dictates our work and what's possible, but also innovative in thinking through solutions and opportunities to do things differently. You have experience working in Europe. You’re flexible and willing to change course when needed and respond to opportunities, but are able to keep the systemic change we want to achieve in mind.
Key Responsibilities
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Leads on the development and implementation of high-impact campaign strategies and tactics to achieve our programmatic goals, objectives, and key results, in accordance with our values and JEDI commitments.
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Sources, builds, and maintains strategic relationships with key partners, facilitating collaborative efforts to co-develop and implement strategies.
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In collaboration with the research team, identifies and develops a plan to fulfill complex research and analysis to inform the development of effective campaign strategies and plans.
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Provides strategic advice to partners and community groups to enhance the strategic impact of their campaigns.
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Ensures alignment between global public finance work and associated projects across the wider Global Finance Program.
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Fosters the development and growth of a well-informed, effective, and powerful network and individuals dedicated to our cause, and contributes to the broader movement's progress.
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Designs and evaluates grant proposals and strategies in collaboration with partners, manages grants and oversees a portfolio of grantees ensuring the delivery of high-impact initiatives to support the movement's impact.
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Drives and facilitates inclusive and transparent strategic decision-making processes, including campaign evaluation and impact reporting.
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Acts as a key influencer, coach, and strategic advisor, and may manage consultants and/or teams with responsibility for the management, development and growth of others.
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Regularly evaluate projects at 3 months, 6 months and annually during the first year and every 6 months after that.
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Aligns programmatic strategies and OKR’s with Sunrise’s Values and mission.
Required skills and experience
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Advanced level campaigning experience in European public finance, industrial strategy, and fiscal policy in a similar role including unpaid, grassroots or lived experience.
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Proven experience researching, building, and incubating new strategies in consultation and coordination with partner organizations.
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Ability to work with the team to execute grants.
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Ability to successfully manage across cultures, and a track record of creating inclusive work cultures, both internally and with partners.
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Demonstrated ability to work in a very dynamic environment with a high degree of flexibility and agility.
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A high level of emotional intelligence with excellent interpersonal communication and group facilitation skills.
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A passion for action on climate change and a commitment to social justice, equity, diversity.
Desirable Skills and Experience
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Experience grant making would be beneficial.
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Experience working fundraising would be an advantage.
Job requirements
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You must have full working rights in the country in which you will be working. The Sunrise Project is unable to sponsor applicants for employment visas.
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Previous employment reference checks will be required for successful applicants.
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Attend local in person partner events as appropriate.
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Intermittent travel with advanced notice may be/is required.
How Sunrise supports its staff
The Sunrise Project is committed to creating a workplace that supports our staff to do their best work and develop professionally. Sunrise has the following in place to help us achieve that, noting pro rata will apply for part time staff and/or temporarily appointed-fixed term staff. The successful candidate will be hired via a Professional Employment Organisation (PEO) on behalf of the Sunrise Project, so conditions of employment may vary.
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Statutory benefits and entitlements of the country/province in which you are employed.
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Sunrise may provide additional benefits, where in-country entitlements are less than our standard package, where applicable including:
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Paid Parental Leave that is gender-neutral & inclusive of all types of families, incl. Parental Return To Work & Keeping In Touch Program
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Life Leave (up to 40 days p.a. for significant personal reasons)
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Public Holiday + Cultural Leave
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Workspace Benefits incl: Macbook & accessories, initial $2,000* for home workspace & IT equipment + $800* every 2 years + up to $75/mth phone/data/internet (equivalent local currency) .
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Shared office support
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Additionally we offer:
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Flexible Working Policy
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VIDA - An AI tool to support your health and wellbeing
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Regular all-org and team meetings & retreats
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Learning & Development Program incl. a professional development budget for every staff member
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Coaching & manager support with regular 1:1 meetings
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Annual performance & development reviews with 360 feedback
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A co-developed work plan to ensure clarity on your role & key responsibilities
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We provide our staff with a voice on issues that concern them via consultation, caucuses, working groups, and surveys.
How to apply for this job
We recognise that racism, sexism, ableism, homophobia, classism and other forms of discrimination creates structural barriers that impact opportunities to formal education and experience.
You’ll be taken to Be Applied to complete your application.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Role Summary
We are seeking a dynamic and mission-driven Executive Director to lead ProVeg UK in this next phase of growth and impact. This role combines strategic leadership with high-level stakeholder engagement, fundraising, and organisational development. The ideal candidate brings entrepreneurial energy, exceptional communication skills, strong credentials in the UK NGO sector, and a passion for food systems transformation.
ProVeg UK has a very strong track record in influencing public food through its School Plates programme, which has, to date, swapped over 47m meals from meat-based to plant-based or veggie. We work in over 8,000 schools across the UK, reaching over 1.3 million children every day. We are keen to expand this excellent work to a wider range of stakeholders, including hospitals (a new manager has just been recruited to develop a Hospital Plates pilot), policymakers, the corporate sector and media.
The Executive Director will be at the forefront of this expansion, while also ensuring the continued success of our existing programmes. As such, this is a high-impact role, offering the opportunity to be a catalyst for positive change in the UK’s plant-based and alternative protein movement — helping to shape a more sustainable future.
Job Details
Reports to: Deputy CEO
Country: UK
Location: Greater London Area (within 1.5 hours by train)
Hours: Full-time (35 h/week)
Salary: £55-60k (plus London allowance of £3k, if applicable)
Start date: ideally ASAP
Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership
- Develop and deliver ProVeg UK’s long-term strategy aligned with ProVeg International’s mission
- Lead the design and scaling of UK-based programmes that create measurable impact and reflect local opportunities and needs
- Represent the organisation to increase ProVeg’s visibility and influence.
- Sit as a member of the ProVeg C.I.C. Board.
Stakeholder Engagement & Fundraising
- Cultivate and strengthen relationships with strategic partners including food companies, government agencies, foundations, and major donors
- Identify and pursue funding opportunities, including government tenders and philanthropic partnerships, with a strong focus on climate and health-related funding
- Act as a public thought leader and spokesperson in the UK for food systems transformation in line with ProVeg International’s strategy
- Manage governance and engagement with the UK board
Team & Organisational Development
- Lead and support our fantastic, high-performing UK team and foster a culture of collaboration, inclusion, impact and evaluation
- Provide regular coaching and feedback, ensuring clear objectives, performance development, and providing recognition
- Foster innovation, improvement and a growth mindset in the team, and identify new opportunities to grow our UK work
- Collaborate with ProVeg International teams and other ProVeg countries on shared programmes and goals
Financial Management & Reporting
- Develop and oversee the UK annual budget, ensuring financial sustainability and strategic resource allocation
- Ensure compliance with UK regulations, reporting requirements, and ProVeg International policies
- Provide timely and transparent reporting to the Deputy CEO, International team, and Board
Qualifications
Essential
- Proven leadership experience (5+ years at deputy- or C-level) in a UK-based NGO or mission-driven organisation, ideally in food, climate, or health sectors
- Demonstrated success in fundraising and partnership building, especially with foundations, governments, or climate philanthropies
- Strong entrepreneurial mindset and ability to develop and execute impactful strategies
- Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills, with experience speaking to media and government bodies, at public events, and with internal stakeholders of all levels (Board, Senior Leadership Team, Staff and Volunteers)
- Deep understanding of UK funding landscape, policy environment, and relevant NGOs
- Experience leading diverse and remote teams, with a collaborative and empowering leadership style
- Commitment to ProVeg’s mission and values, and strong alignment with our strategic goals
- Experience working with cross-functional and international teams
- Committed to following a plant-based lifestyle
- Knowledge of good governance practice
- Willingness to devote the necessary time and effort to effectively fulfil the role of Director
Desirable
- Existing network of funders, policymakers, or influencers relevant to food systems or climate in the UK
- Postgraduate degree in a relevant field (e.g. in public policy, environmental studies, food systems, business, or similar)
- Familiarity with effective altruism principles and evidence-based programme design
- Understanding of plant-based innovation, sustainable diets, or alternative proteins
Benefits of working with us
- Generous annual leave entitlement - 25 days per year, with an additional day granted at the start of each calendar up to a maximum of 30 days (plus bank holidays)
- A strong organisational focus on personal development, with a designated training budget.
- Provision of a work laptop.
- Flexible, trust-based working arrangements and home-office arrangements.
- Career development support
- Enhanced maternity, paternity, shared parental and adoption pay
- Compassionate animal companion leave
- Employee Assistance Programme including counselling
- Access to 24/7 virtual GP Service
- Mindfulness support via a free Headspace account for you and up to 5 friends or family members
- Access to the Wisdom app with exclusive perks and discounts
- Membership to the OpenUp platform
- We are a workplace that encourages everyone to bring their whole selves to work. We are an inclusive workplace for our diverse employees around the world.
- And, last but not least, become part of a great team and work with us towards a world where everyone chooses delicious and healthy food that is good for all humans, animals, and our planet!
When?
Application deadline: 15.06
First (People & Culture) interview: 23.06 - 26.06
Trial task: 03.07-06.07.
Second (team) interview: 14.07 - 22.07
Final (executive) interview: 24.07 - 26.07
Further information
Your application should include a cover letter and CV. Please indicate your motivation for the role and describe how you meet the requirements. Please send us your application using our online form. Thank you!
Important: Please make sure to use your own words and ideas on the cover letter. The goal is for us to know you better in order to assess if this role and your motivation are a good fit. Letters written with AI, or written in a language other than English, will be disregarded.