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 weekReports to:Chief Campaigns OfficerThe RoleWe 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 networksOversee research projects, ensuring findings are actionable, culturally grounded, and aligned with organisational goalsTranslate insights into strategy, campaigns, and programmes that have real-world impactSupport the practical establishment of the Italian entity, including branding, legal set-up, stakeholder engagement, and narrative positioningRepresent OCH externally and contribute to long-term strategic planningThis 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 ResponsibilitiesLead the establishment of OCH's Italian entity, including branding, legal set-up, and narrative positioningOversee design and delivery of research projects, working with advisers, consultants, and research agenciesBuild and maintain strong partnerships with think tanks, institutes, stakeholders, and fundersTranslate research and insights into actionable strategy, programmes, and campaignsRepresent OCH externally and guide the organisation's strategic directionWhat We're Looking ForExperience building or leading think tanks, institutes, or research-led initiativesProven ability to guide research and apply findings strategicallyExperience contributing to the set-up or growth of an organisation, programme, or initiativeStrong knowledge of Italy's political, cultural, and societal contextExcellent written and verbal communication skillsFluent in Italian and EnglishCandidates who have successfully guided, commissioned, or applied research in strategic or organisational contexts are encouraged to apply.Ideal BackgroundFounders, Directors, or Executive Directors of think tanks, policy institutes, research institutes, or academic centresPolicy Advisors, Policy Directors, or Public Affairs Directors in national or regional institutionsChiefs 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 valuesSenior Fellows or Heads of Departments in established institutions, universities, or research centresKey CompetenciesStrategic thinking and problem-solvingClear communication and storytellingCollaborative, pragmatic, and action-orientedAbility to translate research into insights, partnerships, and organisational strategyWhat We Offer12-month contract with the view to renewExpected commitment: 3–4 days per weekSupport from the wider OCH network