Chief Executive Officer

Sigrid Rausing Trust; Greater London; On-site; GBP 200,000 +; Full time

Job summary

A prominent grant-making foundation located in the United Kingdom is seeking a Chief Executive to lead the future direction of their grant-making initiatives. This position calls for a visionary leader with expertise in human rights and environmental issues. The ideal candidate will work closely with both the Board and a motivated team, providing strategic leadership and fostering external relationships while guiding the team internally. This is an exciting opportunity for someone passionate about making a difference.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in leadership roles, particularly in grant-making or similar fields.
• Expert knowledge of thematic areas related to human rights and environmental preservation.
• Strong negotiating and influencing skills.

Responsibilities

• Shape and deliver the future direction of our grant-making.
• Work with a committed Board and team to address key challenges.
• Lead, support, and guide a capable team.

Job description

The Sigrid Rausing Trust is a grant‑making foundation based in London. Founded in 1995, the Trust plays a pivotal role in supporting the values and principles of human rights and the rule of law, and in preserving nature from further degradation across Central and Eastern Europe and Eurasia.

Guided by these liberal values, we also support a number of strategic initiatives that bring together grantees from diverse fields to address specific problems or opportunities for change.

The Role

We are now seeking a Chief Executive who will join at an exciting time where they will have the opportunity to work with a committed Board and staff team to shape and deliver the future direction of our grant‑making.

We are looking for an experienced and visionary leader who brings expert knowledge of the key challenges in our thematic areas and regions of focus.

You will work with a dedicated Board and highly motivated team and will bring strategic leadership, negotiating and influencing skills, with the ability to be externally facing whilst actively leading, supporting and guiding a capable team internally.

How to apply

To make an application, please go to https://starfishsearch.com/jobs/srt-ceo/ and click on the apply now button, with the following prepared:

• Your CV (no more than three sides).
• A supporting statement (no more than two sides) that sets out why you think this role is the right move for you and how you meet the knowledge and experience criteria.

Closing date: 8th February 2026

Preliminary interviews: w/c 16th February 2026

Final Panel interviews: w/c 2nd March 2026