Head of Impact at Cohere

The Sustainability Grid; Toronto; Hybrid; CAD 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Parental leave and family support

RRSP matching / retirement benefits

Wellbeing and enrichment programs

Six weeks paid vacation (30 days)

Home office stipend

Job summary

Cohere is seeking a Head of Impact to lead the company’s ESG accountability and oversee its philanthropic foundation, employee giving initiatives, and impact measurement. The role combines strategic vision with hands-on execution across environmental, social, and governance programs.

The successful candidate will develop an integrated impact strategy, establish measurable frameworks, and collaborate across the organization to embed responsible business practices.

Qualifications

• 15+ years of experience in ESG, sustainability, impact management, philanthropy, or related field.
• At least three years of leadership experience.
• Proven record of developing and implementing comprehensive ESG strategies in technology or enterprise software.
• Experience establishing and managing philanthropic foundations or employee giving programs.
• Strong understanding of ESG frameworks, reporting standards, and regulations.
• Ability to measure and communicate environmental and social impact using metrics.

Responsibilities

• Lead ESG Strategy: Develop and implement a measurable ESG strategy across Cohere's operations.
• Build Cohere's Philanthropic Foundation: Establish and manage Cohere's philanthropic foundation.
• Lead Philanthropy and Research Partnerships: Oversee philanthropic activities and university partnerships.
• Develop Employee Giving Programs: Create and scale employee giving and volunteering programs.
• Measure Impact: Develop KPIs and measurement systems for ESG and philanthropic outcomes.
• Manage ESG Compliance and Reporting: Monitor ESG regulations and ensure proper reporting.
• Drive Impact Communications: Partner with communications to share impact strategies internally and externally.

Skills

Leadership

ESG strategy

Stakeholder management

Philanthropy

Impact measurement

Strategic partnerships

Regulatory compliance

Education

Advanced degree in Business, Sustainability, Social Impact, or related

Job description

Cohere is a security-first enterprise AI company building advanced foundation models and end-to-end AI solutions designed to solve real-world business challenges.

By The Sustainability Grid Desk

Location Remote-friendly, with offices in Toronto, London, New York City, San Francisco, Montreal, Paris, Berlin, and Seoul

Type Full-Time

Salary Not specified

Experience Senior Leadership, 15+ years of relevant experience

Deadline Not specified

About the Company

Headquartered in Toronto, Cohere operates globally with offices in London, New York City, San Francisco, Montreal, Paris, Berlin, and Seoul. Its team brings together researchers, engineers, designers, and other specialists working to expand the capabilities of AI while creating practical value for enterprises.

Cohere's mission is to scale intelligence to serve humanity. The company aims to develop AI that enhances human wellbeing and helps businesses create progress that reaches people broadly.

The Opportunity

Cohere is looking for a Head of Impact to lead the company's environmental, social, and governance accountability strategy while establishing and overseeing its philanthropic foundation and employee giving initiatives.

This is a senior leadership opportunity for an experienced ESG, sustainability, social impact, or philanthropy professional who can combine strategic vision with hands-on execution.

The successful candidate will develop a comprehensive impact strategy aligned with Cohere's mission, establish measurable frameworks for assessing progress, and work across the organization to embed responsible business practices into operations.

The role will also involve leading philanthropy, research collaborations, university engagement, employee giving, and volunteering programs.

What You'll Do

Lead ESG Strategy

Develop and implement a measurable ESG strategy covering environmental sustainability, social responsibility, and governance excellence across Cohere's operations.

Identify opportunities to strengthen the company's impact approach while ensuring ESG priorities are integrated into business strategy.

Build Cohere's Philanthropic Foundation

Establish and manage Cohere's philanthropic foundation.

Identify strategic giving priorities and develop partnerships with organizations whose work aligns with Cohere's mission and values.

Lead Philanthropy and Research Partnerships

Oversee Cohere's philanthropic activities and research collaborations.

Build relationships with universities and other institutions to support research and initiatives connected to Cohere's broader impact objectives.

Develop Employee Giving Programs

Create and scale employee giving and volunteer programs that encourage community engagement and strengthen a culture of social responsibility across Cohere.

Measure Impact

Develop impact frameworks, KPIs, and measurement systems to assess ESG performance, philanthropic outcomes, and employee engagement.

Use quantitative and qualitative metrics to demonstrate progress and identify areas for improvement.

Manage ESG Compliance and Reporting

Monitor relevant ESG regulations, reporting standards, and accountability requirements.

Ensure Cohere's impact activities are appropriately measured, documented, and communicated while identifying innovative approaches to ESG performance.

Drive Impact Communications

Partner with Cohere's communications and people teams to develop and communicate impact strategies to internal and external audiences.

Help position Cohere as a leader in responsible AI development and corporate impact.

Requirements

Core Qualifications

15+ years of experience in ESG, sustainability, impact management, philanthropy, or a closely related field.

At least three years of leadership experience.

A proven record of developing and implementing comprehensive ESG strategies, particularly within technology or enterprise software companies.

Experience establishing and managing philanthropic foundations, corporate giving programs, or employee volunteer initiatives.

Strong understanding of ESG frameworks, reporting standards, and relevant regulations.

Demonstrated ability to measure and communicate environmental and social impact using quantitative and qualitative metrics.

Technical Expertise

Strong knowledge of ESG strategy and impact measurement.

Experience developing ESG performance frameworks and KPIs.

Understanding of ESG reporting requirements and relevant regulatory developments.

Experience managing philanthropic programs and strategic partnerships.

Ability to translate impact objectives into measurable organizational initiatives.

Professional Strengths

Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.

Experience engaging senior executives, investors, community partners, universities, and other external stakeholders.

Strong strategic thinking combined with the ability to execute operationally.

Ability to work effectively in a fast-growing technology environment.

Strong leadership, partnership-building, and organizational skills.

Mindset Fit

Cohere is looking for a leader who can operate comfortably between strategy and execution.

The successful candidate should be able to build new programs from the ground up, create measurable systems, work across multiple teams, and adapt to the pace of a rapidly evolving AI company.

An advanced degree in Business, Sustainability, Social Impact, or a related discipline is expected, with an MBA considered an advantage.

Full-time employees at Cohere receive a broad benefits package designed to support health, wellbeing, professional development, family life, and flexible work.

Employees receive a weekly lunch stipend of $75, £75, or the equivalent in their local currency.

Health and dental benefits are provided, including a separate mental health budget.

Retirement benefits include RRSP matching, 401(k), or pension schemes depending on location.

Cohere provides 100% parental leave top-up for up to six months for either parent.

Employees also receive annual enrichment benefits covering areas such as arts and culture, fitness and wellness, quality time, and workspace improvements.

Additional benefits include an education and learning stipend for conferences, courses, and coaching, as well as six weeks of paid vacation, equivalent to 30 working days.

Remote employees can receive support for travel to other Cohere offices and participate in an annual company offsite.

Employees working remotely also receive access to a co-working benefit and a $500 home office stipend.

Office-based employees have access to daily lunch programs, snacks, and regular community and social events.

How and Where We Work

Cohere operates a remote-friendly working model while maintaining offices in Toronto, London, New York City, San Francisco, Montreal, Paris, Berlin, and Seoul, with additional locations expected to open.

The company supports employees working remotely through co-working benefits, home office support, and opportunities to connect with colleagues across its global offices.

Why This Role Matters

As AI becomes increasingly embedded in business and society, responsible technology development requires more than technical innovation.

The Head of Impact will sit at the intersection of AI, ESG, philanthropy, social responsibility, and corporate governance, helping Cohere establish measurable systems for understanding and improving its broader impact.

The role offers an opportunity to shape how a rapidly growing AI company approaches environmental responsibility, social impact, philanthropy, employee engagement, research partnerships, and responsible AI development.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Cohere is committed to creating an inclusive workplace and providing equal opportunities to candidates from all backgrounds.

The company welcomes applicants who may require accommodations during the recruitment process and provides an accommodations request process to support candidates.

Cohere may use AI-enabled tools to screen and assess applications against the criteria for the position. These tools assist recruiters in identifying potentially qualified candidates, while recruiters may still review and consider applications independently.