Chief Executive Officer

This is a unique opportunity to become the first Chief Executive of a bold and ambitious charity with a global mission: that every baby should experience the best start in life. 

Founded in 2025 by The Rt Hon Dame Andrea Leadsom DBE, the 1001 Critical Days Foundation is built on three pillars: funding frontline charities, commissioning pioneering research, and championing the cause of babies globally. We’ve already secured significant philanthropic investment, launched groundbreaking projects and forged global partnerships. Now, we’re ready to go further and faster. 

1001 Critical Days Foundation 

Chief Executive Officer 

Location: Central London-based  

Salary: £100,000 per annum 

This is a hugely exciting opportunity to lead an ambitious new organisation, looking to grow the scale, reach and impact of our work globally. As our inaugural CEO, you will lead the Foundation through its next phase of growth, working closely with our Executive Chair, Board of Trustees, committed team and expert advisory groups. You’ll shape our growth, inspire our team, and amplify our impact across the UK and internationally.  

Our new CEO will: 

• Maximise our reach and influence to improve outcomes for babies worldwide by leading on our global engagement, advocacy and policy influencing work with partners and governments 

• Provide inspiring, values-driven leadership and foster a collaborative, high-performing culture 

• Oversee operations, advocacy and fundraising to ensure delivery and sustainability 

We are looking to appoint a passionate and ambitious leader who brings:  

• Senior leadership experience in advocacy, ideally at a global level 

• Demonstrable impact of effecting social change or influencing public policy, with a deep understanding of how to influence and drive policy change 

• A track record of increasing impact in the charity, public or private sector 

• Proven experience of building trusted relationships with high-level stakeholders 

• Financial and operational oversight experience, with a commitment to excellence and equity 

We welcome applications from candidates with diverse backgrounds and experiences. You don’t need to come from the early years sector; what matters most is your passion, ambition, and belief that every baby deserves the best start in life. 

For further information, to access the full appointment brief and to apply to this role, please visit the Prospectus website.

To arrange a confidential discussion about the opportunity, please contact our retained advisors Anna Gardet or Erica Ritchie with a copy of your CV. 

Recruitment Timetable  

Deadline for applications:  Wednesday 15th October 2025 

Interviews with Prospectus: 21st – 28th October 

Interviews with 1001 Critical Days Foundation:   w/c 3rd November 2025