Non Executive Director

JR United Kingdom; Cheltenham; Remote; GBP 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading non-profit, the Net Zero Lawyers Alliance, is seeking two Non-Executive Directors to enhance its Board. This is a strategic role focusing on governance and support for NZLA's mission to advocate for climate transition, with opportunities to engage with diverse governance experiences.

Benefits

Opportunity to contribute to climate governance.

Engagement with a diverse board.

Enhance nonprofit governance experience.

Qualifications

• Experience from previous board or trustee roles is ideal.
• Must understand responsibilities of a Board role in a mission-driven organisation.
• Background in climate or sustainability not necessary, but a strong governance perspective preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic oversight and governance support.
• Offer independent advice to the executive team.
• Attend quarterly Board meetings and contribute to subcommittees.

Skills

Governance background

Financial strategy

Risk management

Organisational development

Collaborative mindset

Job description

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Organisation: Net Zero Lawyers Alliance (NZLA)

Location: Global (remote, with board meetings based on UK time)

Term: 3 years, with possibility of renewal

About NZLA

The Net Zero Lawyers Alliance (NZLA) was established in 2021 ahead of COP26 in Glasgow to mobilise commercial law firms, lawyers, and commercial law to accelerate the transition to net zero.

Today, our membership includes over 35 member firms, encompassing more than 100,000 lawyers across more than 40 jurisdictions. Together, we are building a global community of legal experts committed to ensuring that commercial law plays a meaningful role in supporting the climate transition. Learn more about our work at https://www.netzerolawyers.com/

The Opportunity

We are seeking to appoint two new Non-Executive Directors (NEDs) to join our Board, expanding it from three to five members. As NZLA continues to evolve as a not-for-profit initiative, we are focused on strengthening our governance, sharpening our strategic focus, and ensuring we have the right oversight in place to navigate a changing funding and policy landscape.

We are looking to broaden the collective expertise of our Board. Our current members bring deep experience in legal practice, climate finance, and strategic governance. To complement this, we are particularly interested in individuals who offer a different perspective, and we welcome expressions of interest from experienced NEDs who bring:

• A strong governance background, ideally from previous board or trustee roles
• Experience supporting early-stage or scaling non-profits
• Knowledge of financial strategy, risk management, or organisational development
• A collaborative mindset and willingness to actively contribute to Board discussions

You do not need a background in climate or sustainability to apply, but you should have a clear understanding of the responsibilities of a Board role in a mission-driven, grant-funded organisation.

Responsibilities

As a Non-Executive Director of NZLA, you will:

• Provide strategic oversight and governance support to help guide NZLA’s development
• Offer independent, constructive challenge and advice to the executive team
• Attend quarterly Board meetings (held virtually, based on UK time)
• Contribute to specific governance or advisory subcommittees where appropriate
• Support NZLA’s mission as an ambassador and advocate when opportunities arise

Time Commitment

• Quarterly virtual Board meetings (1.5–2 hours each), with occasional input in between
• Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

Diversity & Inclusion

We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive Board that reflects a range of lived experiences, geographies, and professional backgrounds. We particularly welcome applications from individuals who are underrepresented in climate and legal governance roles.