Chief Executive Officer

1001 Critical Days Foundation; London; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A charitable organization in London seeks a first Chief Executive to lead its ambitious mission of ensuring that every baby has the best start in life. The role involves inspiring leadership, maximizing global influence, and overseeing operations and fundraising efforts. Candidates with diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply, emphasizing passion and ambition over specific sector experience.

Qualifications

• Demonstrable impact in influencing public policy.
• Experience with fundraising and financial oversight.
• Commitment to excellence and equity.

Responsibilities

• Maximise reach and influence globally.
• Provide values-driven leadership.
• Oversee operations and fundraising.

Skills

Senior leadership experience in advocacy

Impacting social change

Building relationships with stakeholders

Job description

Overview

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 ground breaking projects and forged global partnerships. Now, we’re ready to go further and faster.

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.

Responsibilities

• 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

Candidate profile / Qualifications

• 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.

To arrange a confidential discussion about the opportunity, please contact our retained advisors Anna Gardet or Erica Ritchie with a copy of your CV: [e-mail] or [e-mail]

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