Executive Director

Climate change is the biggest health threat facing humanity today, and the Climate & Health Funders Coalition is building a new model for how philanthropy responds. Bringing together a community of more than 35 global, regional and domestic funders, the Coalition works to connect philanthropies, expertise and investment to accelerate action on climate change and protect human health where it is needed most.

The Coalition was publicly launched at COP30 in Brazil in 2025 with an initial US$300 million commitment from its eight anchor funders: Bloomberg Philanthropies, Children's Investment Fund Foundation, Gates Foundation, IKEA Foundation, Philanthropy Asia Alliance (by Temasek Trust), Quadrature Climate Foundation, The Rockefeller Foundation, and Wellcome. This commitment reflects both the urgency of the climate crisis and the growing momentum in the philanthropic sector to address climate impacts on health. Since then, the Coalition has moved quickly, building portfolios of vetted funding opportunities across its four pillars (extreme heat, air pollution, climate-sensitive infectious disease, and data for decision-making), bringing new funders to the table, and creating vehicles for funders to more easily invest in climate and health.

The Coalition is currently at a pivotal moment. Following two years of rapid growth, the Coalition is now transitioning to an independent Secretariat, led by its first permanent Executive Director and to be supported by a small team. This is a unique opportunity to shape a new and ambitious coalition at a critical inflection point: setting its direction, building its team, strengthening partnerships, and helping to mobilize and allocate unprecedented levels of funding for climate and health solutions worldwide.

We are seeking an exceptional Executive Director who can unite funders around a shared vision, build partnerships that change how philanthropies work together, and turn growing commitment into urgent action and lasting impact on climate and health.

The Executive Director will provide strategic leadership and overall management of the Climate & Health Funders Coalition and its Secretariat. Working in close partnership with the Coalition's Steering Group, comprising representatives of the Coalition's anchor funders, the Executive Director will guide the organization's next phase of development and translate its ambitions for resource mobilization, funder collaboration and learning into measurable impact. As the Coalition's primary external representative, the Executive Director will serve as a trusted advisor to participating funders, and a central point of engagement for its wider network. This is a highly external-facing role, requiring the credibility and presence to engage senior philanthropic leaders, individual philanthropists, technical experts, and partner organizations across the world.

This senior leader will have significant experience in philanthropy, climate, health, or international development, and be able to cultivate trusted funder relationships, mobilize philanthropic resources, and build partnerships across geographies and cultures. This person will possess a strong understanding of the science and evidence on climate and health (including experience at the nexus) combined with a grasp of the global philanthropic landscape and an exceptional external presence, representing the Coalition credibly on global stages and inspiring collective action. This person will bring an entrepreneurial mindset, proven executive and people management skills, sound judgment, and the integrity to work effectively with a Steering Group and host organization in a lean, high-trust environment.

The deadline for applications is 9:00am ET on Sunday, November 15, 2026.

There is a strong preference for the role to be based in the United Kingdom. Europe will also be considered. Candidates from all geographies will be considered, but the successful candidate will be required to relocate to the United Kingdom or Europe within their first six months.

The appointment will be conditional on any applicable work permit or immigration requirements being met. Visa sponsorship and a relocation package will be provided where required.

The salary will vary depending on location and experience, with an expected range of circa £170,000 to £190,000 GBP.

We are committed to cultivating a fair and inclusive environment throughout this recruitment process, and within the Climate & Health Funders Coalition as a whole. This includes making adjustments for people who have a disability or long-term condition. Please contact Will Riggs at Perrett Laver ([email protected]) if you have questions about adjustments or accessibility.