Executive Director

Our Common Home (OCH) is an organisation dedicated to conservation, stewardship, and protecting the places we love - our land, traditions, and towns. We work to safeguard natural heritage, culture, and energy security, promoting market-based solutions and responsible management of resources. We engage people who feel a deep attachment to their land, family, and nation—those often overlooked in broader public debates.

We are establishing a new presence in Italy to preserve natural heritage and uphold the traditions that give communities their strength and identity. Rooted in responsibility, tradition, conservation, and market-based approaches, we work with traditional, established institutions in Italy to strengthen stewardship, promote good governance, and ensure rural and small-town communities remain vibrant, self-reliant, and secure.

Location: Italy (flexible) Schedule: 3–4 days per week

Reports to: Chief Campaigns Officer

The Role

We are looking for a Founding Director – Strategy & Research to establish and lead OCH's new entity in Italy. This senior leadership role combines organisational leadership, strategic oversight, and guidance of research initiatives. The Director will:

• Work with think tanks, institutes, and other organisations to build partnerships and strategic networks
• Oversee research projects, ensuring findings are actionable, culturally grounded, and aligned with organisational goals
• Translate insights into strategy, campaigns, and programmes that have real-world impact
• Support the practical establishment of the Italian entity, including branding, legal set-up, stakeholder engagement, and narrative positioning
• Represent OCH externally and contribute to long-term strategic planning

This is an ideal role for someone who enjoys building organisations, shaping strategy, guiding research, and developing high-level partnerships, rather than performing technical research alone.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the establishment of OCH's Italian entity, including branding, legal set-up, and narrative positioning
• Oversee design and delivery of research projects, working with advisers, consultants, and research agencies
• Build and maintain strong partnerships with think tanks, institutes, stakeholders, and funders
• Translate research and insights into actionable strategy, programmes, and campaigns
• Represent OCH externally and guide the organisation's strategic direction

What We're Looking For

• Experience building or leading think tanks, institutes, or research-led initiatives
• Proven ability to guide research and apply findings strategically
• Experience contributing to the set-up or growth of an organisation, programme, or initiative
• Strong knowledge of Italy's political, cultural, and societal context
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Fluent in Italian and English

Candidates who have successfully guided, commissioned, or applied research in strategic or organisational contexts are encouraged to apply.

Ideal Background

• Founders, Directors, or Executive Directors of think tanks, policy institutes, research institutes, or academic centres
• Policy Advisors, Policy Directors, or Public Affairs Directors in national or regional institutions
• Chiefs of Staff, Senior Political Advisers, or aides to elected officials (e.g., senators, parliamentarians, or regional leaders)
• Strategy Directors, Research Directors, or Programme Directors in respected organisations with a focus on heritage, tradition, or conservative values
• Senior Fellows or Heads of Departments in established institutions, universities, or research centres

Key Competencies

• Strategic thinking and problem-solving
• Clear communication and storytelling
• Collaborative, pragmatic, and action-oriented
• Ability to translate research into insights, partnerships, and organisational strategy

• 12-month contract with the view to renew
• Expected commitment: 3–4 days per week
• Support from the wider OCH network