Lead one of the UK's most independent and adventurous funders — and help shape a fairer future, stronger communities and a healthier natural world.

Esmée Fairbairn Foundation is one of the UK's largest independent funders, backing organisations and people with bold ideas to drive lasting social and environmental change.

Founded in 1961, the Foundation manages a £1.3bn endowment and distributes more than £50m annually through grants and social and impact investments. Our work is focused on three interconnected aims: improving Our Natural World, securing A Fairer Future and nurturing Creative, Confident Communities across the UK. Alongside our funding, we use a wide range of tools to support change, including social investment, convening partnerships, commissioning research and using our voice and influence — and we are willing to back ideas that are early, ambitious or that others may find too difficult to fund.

We are now seeking our next Chief Executive, at a significant moment for the Foundation. Our outgoing Chief Executive, Dame Caroline Mason CBE, steps down in early 2027 after thirteen years in which Esmée has evolved from a broad, responsive grant-maker into a purposeful, impact-led foundation and a recognised leader in social and impact investment. Our current strategy runs to the end of 2027, so the incoming Chief Executive will lead its final chapter and, working closely with Trustees, shape the Foundation's direction for the decade ahead.

We are looking for a leader with strategic vision, intellectual curiosity and a deep commitment to our mission and values. The successful candidate will bring a track record of senior leadership in a complex, values-driven organisation, sound financial and investment acumen, and success in building inclusive, high-performing teams. They will be a credible ambassador for the Foundation and the wider sector, able to engage audiences from grassroots organisations to government and financial institutions and will combine ambition for what philanthropy can achieve with the humility to know that lasting change is led by the people and communities we exist to serve.

This is a rare opportunity to lead one of the UK's most respected philanthropic organisations, with a talented team, a supportive Board and the freedom of an endowment to take well-judged risks in pursuit of meaningful change.

Saxton Bampfylde Ltd is acting as an employment agency advisor to the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation on this appointment. We are committed to being equal opportunities organisations and are particularly keen to hear from candidates from under-represented backgrounds. Should you wish to discuss accessibility or any reasonable adjustments you may require, please don't hesitate to let us know, and we will be more than happy to help with any queries. For further information about the role, including details about how to apply, please visit roles.saxbam.com using reference XAZEC. Alternatively email belinda.beck@saxbam.com. Applications should be received by 12 noon on 2 September 2026.

Further information can be found here