We are hiring! Co-Director/ Deputy CEO

The Passivhaus Trust is growing rapidly and needs to scale-up significantly in order to help transform the built environment sector in the UK. We are seeking someone to help shape the future development of the Trust and to play a pivotal role in its senior management.

Who we're looking for

The Co-Director/ Deputy CEO will play a key role in providing business development and organisational leadership to the Trust, while also helping to shape its strategic direction. We have set ambitious goals: by 2035, we aim for the industry to adopt the Passivhaus methodology in 10% of all new buildings and a significant percentage of UK retrofits, and for 50% of industry practitioners to be trained in Passivhaus principles in the same timescale. The new person will help plan and lead the changes needed to deliver against these targets, including scaling-up training, encouraging project delivery and influencing national, regional and local policy and standards.

This role is obviously multi-faceted, and is likely to require skills in many of the following areas:

Skills

Leading and managing the Trust’s business development strategy
Identifying and developing relationships with key funding organisations
Leading the development of new income-generating programmes, including negotiation of partnerships and other agreements, particularly around education/ training
Overseeing/ preparing PHT funding proposals e.g. training, competitions, and research projects
Supervising the Trust’s Membership and Recruitment strategy, including oversight of existing member management and customer service systems.
Collaborating with universities, local authorities and other clients and practitioners
Representation and presentations at relevant external events
Policy & external affairs – for example engagement with key policy makers, local authorities and key client & funding bodies to support their policy development & promote PH
Identifying key target audiences and then leading campaigns and promotional activities to drive behaviour change

This role will be critically important to the Trust. The Co-Director/ Deputy CEO will be part of a new management structure that will take an increasing role in the leadership of the organisation going forwards.

About you

We are looking for an experienced business or development leader, with the passion and vision to play a pivotal role in helping to deliver the low carbon buildings needed to address the climate and ecological emergency. You will have:

a strong track record of leadership in a related sector
business development and management skills at a senior level
strong communication and leadership skills
experience of developing and implementing organisational growth plans
demonstrable expertise in many of the areas outlined above.
good understanding of Passivhaus and how it differs from and relates to other low energy building practices
a pragmatic, evidence-based approach to problem solving and critical thinking

When applying, please indicate which of these areas are your greatest strength(s):

Fundraising/ new business development
Campaign & advocacy work
Organisational management and transformation

How to apply

To apply, please email a CV and a brief covering note or email outlining your credentials, experience and why you could like to work with us. Please email to info@passivhaustrust.org.uk by 30th May 2025. Interviews will take place during mid June 2025, with the intention that the chosen candidate(s) will start work as soon as possible. If you have any questions about the role that you would like to discuss, please contact the Trust’s current CEO, Jon Bootland on 07801 825218 or jon@passivhaustrust.org.uk.

Contract Details

The role will be a permanent PAYE position, at least 2.5 - 3 days per week, potentially up to full-time if needed. We are happy to consider flexible arrangements, such as part-time working, job-shares, or secondments for appropriate candidates. Salary approx. £75,000 FTE, negotiable, plus 25 days annual leave & contributory pension.

We offer a flexible, supportive and mission-driven working environment with a passionate team, based on collaborative, rigorous, and impact-driven core values. We are committed to equal opportunities and encourage applications from all backgrounds.

You will report to the PHT CEO or Board as we move towards our new management structure and will work alongside the Research, Education & Policy Director (whose role will also change in the management re-structure) and the Head of Marketing & Communications. You will have support from a number of Development Associates who work on campaigns, fundraising and membership & funding proposals.

Further Information

2025 Co-Director - Deputy CEO: Full job description

22nd April 2025

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