Executive Director

Inclusion International is on a mission to create a world where people with intellectual disabilities and their families can equally participate and be valued in all aspects of community life.  

We’re looking for a highly skilled Executive Director to fulfil this important undertaking. Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director oversees the strategic and operational effectiveness of our programmes and staff.  

As an experienced leader, you will have developed and implemented successful fundraising plans/strategies, and a passion and enthusiasm to use those funds to meet the aims and goals of the organisation and our network.

Experience in leading (not micro-managing) a remote-based team is essential - our globally dispersed, high-performing team is knowledgeable, experienced, and ready to support you.  

You must have held a senior level role in a non-profit/charitable organisation and worked closely with a Board of Directors (preferably showing experience of UK charity law). Prior experience of a global membership-based organisation would be desirable (but not essential), as would personal or work-related experience of the world of intellectual disability, including self-advocates. You must be fluent in English (oral and written) and any other languages are a bonus. 

The role of Executive Director can be performed remotely, and the appropriate employment and remuneration package will be negotiated with the successful candidate at the time of offer. Due to operational reasons, we would prefer the Executive Director to be located in, and know about working in, the UK. Inclusion International cannot offer relocation packages.

About the Role

• Job Title: Executive Director
• Location: Remote/home-based, preferably someone based in the UK
• Contract Type: Permanent, Full-time
• Working Hours: 5 days a week - exact hours per day are flexible 
• Annual Salary: £95,000, dependent on experience
• Reporting To: Board of Directors/Trustees, who are the elected Officers of Inclusion International
• Responsible For: 10 team members (approx.) 
• Basic Requirements:

Fluent in English, other languages are desirable

Ability and freedom to travel internationally

• Benefits Include:

28 holiday days per annum, plus local public/bank holidays

Employer pension contributions (in the UK, we use NEST)

Training & development opportunities

Hybrid, remote and flexible working

For full details of the role, please access our Recruitment Pack here:

https://inclusion-international.org/wp-content/uploads/II-Executive-Director-Recruitment-Pack.pdf

How to Apply

Applications should be sent via email to [email protected] by 30th April 2025.

Applications should include:

• CV (no longer than three A4 pages)
• Covering letter (no longer than three A4 pages) - OR – a Covering Video 

Please ensure your covering letter/video contains the following information:

• How your knowledge, skills and experience meet the requirements of the role
• Your preferred work-base / location
• Any restrictions in your interview availability during the month of May 2025
• Your salary expectations
• Any adjustments you require to the recruitment process

Person Specification

This person specification outlines the key attributes required for the Executive Director position at Inclusion International. The ideal candidate will be a globally-minded, values-driven leader with senior management and Board-level experience, capable of fostering a culture of trust and autonomy while demonstrating political acumen, diplomacy and cultural sensitivity to drive meaningful impact in the disability sector.

Knowledge & Experience

• A committed internationalist, with a deep understanding of, and commitment to, working in a global context
• Proven track record of success in global fundraising, including securing significant income from diverse international sources
• Strong entrepreneurial mindset, with the ability to identify opportunities, drive innovation, and implement creative solutions to achieve impact
• Senior management experience, with a history of leading high-performing teams in small, multi-skilled environments
• Experience of working with and advising at Board level including supporting governance (ideally within the UK context), strategy development, and decision-making

Personal Qualities & Attributes

• A firm and demonstrable commitment to human rights, inclusion and social justice, with these values embedded in both professional practice, and personal ethos
• High emotional intelligence, with exceptional people skills and the ability to build meaningful, trust-based relationships across cultures and sectors
• A natural networker, adept at forging and leveraging strategic connections to advance the mission of the organisation
• Politically astute, diplomatic and culturally aware, with the ability to navigate complex global environment, engage diverse stakeholders, and manage sensitive issues with tact and integrity

Leadership

• Strong leadership skills, with an emphasis on trust, empowerment and autonomous working – able to inspire and guide a highly skilled, knowledgeable and professional team without micromanaging whilst ensuring good levels of accountability, oversight, high output/performance
• Evidence of personal impact, demonstrating how they as an individual (not just their organisation) have driven tangible, positive change in their previous roles
• Inspirational leadership qualities, with the ability to engage, motivate and influence a wide range of stakeholders
• Demonstrates a servant or distributed leadership style, prioritising the needs of members (and their representatives), actively listening, and fostering a supportive and inclusive environment

Desirable Criteria

• International experience – direct experience of working and/or living outside of their home country, demonstrating adaptability and cross-cultural awareness
• Lived experience of intellectual disability – personal, professional, or voluntary experience engaging with people with intellectual disabilities (e.g. own experience, as a family member, through employment or voluntary involvement)