Executive Director, Custodi - Public affairs, strategy & partnerships

Job description

Location: Remote within Italy Start date: Q1 of 2027 Reports to: Board of Custodi, working closely with the Chief Strategy Officer, Our Common Home. About Custodi Custodi is a newly established Italian association working to bring communities often left out of climate discussions into the environmental debate by engaging with their values, priorities, and lived experiences. Firmly rooted in Italy, Custodi aims to build locally grounded initiatives that respond to the realities of communities and develop practical approaches to environmental protection that resonate beyond traditional climate audiences. This may include engaging with rural and agricultural communities, local and regional leaders, business and community networks, faith-based groups, and other audiences that have traditionally been less involved in mainstream climate conversations. The precise audience strategy will be shaped by research and testing, but Custodi’s approach is grounded in understanding what matters to different communities and how environmental issues can connect with their everyday priorities and experiences. Custodi is part of the Our Common Home ( OCH ) network, an international group of organisations working to broaden public engagement on environmental issues. The opportunity Custodi is seeking an entrepreneurial leader to build the organisation and its presence, partnerships, and impact. This is a foundational leadership role suited to someone who enjoys building organisations and initiatives from the ground up. The successful candidate will be comfortable working in a dynamic environment, setting priorities, navigating complex political contexts, and developing partnerships across different sectors of Italian society. The Executive Director will play a central role in shaping Custodi’s strategy, establishing partnerships, and ensuring the organisation grows into a credible and impactful actor within the Italian environmental landscape. Main responsibilities Strategic leadership Define and implement Custodi’s strategic direction while ensuring alignment with the broader mission of the OCH network Identify opportunities for impactful initiatives and partnerships at the local and national levels Organisational development Build and develop Custodi as an organisation, including its identity, its people, its culture and its governance Recruit, mentor, and lead a small and ambitious team as the organisation grows Community and partnership building Establish the organisational approach, relationships and capabilities needed for Custodi to build trusted partnerships with community leaders, local actors and organisations across Italy Ensure Custodi is equipped to engage meaningfully with communities whose perspectives are often underrepresented in environmental discussions, and that this engagement informs the organisation’s strategy and work Fundraising and resource development Lead fundraising efforts in Italy, engaging foundations, philanthropic donors, and institutional partners Contribute to the financial sustainability of both Custodi and the wider Our Common Home network Public representation Represent Custodi in public discussions, events, and media related to environmental and societal issues Contribute to constructive dialogue across different sectors of Italian society Operational leadership Ensure effective management of financial, operational, and people-related processes Maintain high standards of organisational governance and accountability Requirements We are looking for a candidate who combines entrepreneurial drive with strong political awareness and leadership capability. Entrepreneurial mindset: Comfortable building initiatives from the ground up, working in fast-moving environments, and adapting strategy as opportunities evolve. Political and societal awareness: Strong understanding of Italy's political, institutional, and cultural landscape Leadership experience: Demonstrated experience leading teams, building organisations or initiatives, and fostering a collaborative and accountable culture. Public engagement experience: Experience designing and delivering initiatives that mobilise communities or influence public debate. Partnership-building ability: Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build trust with diverse stakeholders, including community leaders, institutions, and funders. Fundraising experience: Familiarity with the Italian philanthropic landscape and confidence in developing relationships with donors and partners. Languages: Native-level Italian, with good working knowledge of Strong English skills are required. What we offer The opportunity to build and shape a new organisation in Italy, with significant influence over its strategy, culture, team and ways of working from an early stage A high degree of autonomy and ownership, with the support of the Custodi Board and the wider Our Common Home network The chance to develop a distinctive approach to environmental engagement in Italy and build an organisation designed around the audiences and communities it seeks to reach Access to an international network of leaders, organisations and expertise working on similar challenges in different contexts Dedicated learning and development support, including access to relevant training, coaching and leadership development opportunities €85,000 - €95,000 gross annual salary, with final positioning within the range based on relevant experience and overall fit for the scope of the role. Flexible working arrangements, including remote work within Italy Home office equipment allowance As a newly established organisation, some elements of the wider benefits package and ways of working will be developed as Custodi grows, with the Executive Director playing an important role in shaping these